Page 136 of Tangled Kisses
With a heated sigh, I grab the phone, clicking it off. “He’s been calling nonstop.”
“I thought Griffin told him to back off.”
“They had it out about a week ago,” I say, sitting down with my wine. “Vander keeps saying I need to come back to New York. I need to handle things properly. And if I don’t, he will.”
The lines cut into my sister’s face. “Properly? What the hell does that mean?”
A chill ripples over me, and I hug myself to ward it off. “Honestly? I hope it’s just a bunch of male bravado, a show of alpha dominance. But I don’t know.”
Her eyes narrow. “Is there something you’re not telling me? You know I’ve never liked the bastard.”
She has reason to worry. Vander’s family is renowned along the East Coast, but like all powerful houses, they have a dark side. One that is pitch black and bottomless.
A memory I’ve spent years trying to forget flashes behind my eyes—a business competitor of the Hale family, dragged from their home with bruises on his face and blood in his teeth. I’d caught his gaze as they tossed him into the back of a town car. One eye swollen shut, but the other locked on mine.
Three words, mouthed to me before he disappeared from view.
Get out now.
Vander and his cronies chuckled as the car pulled away, lighting cigars like it was a celebration.
When Vander saw me frozen there, his lips curled. “Now you know what happens to people who cross me.”
“Reese?” Piper’s voice cuts through the memory. “You okay?”
For a beat, I consider telling her. But she’s already nursing a broken heart. She doesn’t need this shadow on her shoulders, too.
I blink, nod. “Yeah. Just a bit tired.”
Piper grabs a cracker, popping it in her mouth. “Vander is likely blowing smoke up your ass. Acting all big and bad. He won’t actually do anything.”
“Probably.” I swirl the wine, staring out at the forest beyond.
Here I’m safe, far from Vander’s clutches. That knowledge brings me peace.
“Wish you could come with me tonight.” But I can tell from my sister’s face that isn’t happening.
“I love you, Reese, but I attend enough bullshit festivities. I need some space. Just for a few days.” Piper grasps my hand, giving it a squeeze. “But you tell me if Vander doesn’t knock it off, okay?”
“It’ll be fine.”
Honestly, I’m not so sure.
Ever since Griffin’s blow-up with Vander, my ex has turned more belligerent by the day—sharp, commanding voicemails, texts dripping with barely veiled threats. Nothing explicit, of course. He’s too careful to leave a trail.
I know I have to speak to Vander and hope we can reach some kind of agreement. But deep down, I know better.
I’m now a person who’s crossed him.
Chapter Thirty-One
Reese
Ireturn to the main house after my sister leaves and start getting myself ready for the fundraiser.
Hey, I wasn’t kidding about making my man drool tonight.
He can look, but he can’t touch—at least until after the shindig. Then all bets are off.
