Page 72 of Wretched Heart
I’m caught between being annoyed at Hunter for not telling me, and relieved that my husband remains determined to make damn sure Hugo doesn’t hurt me ever again.
“You’re protecting me, I get it,” I say. “And you can protect me tomorrow too because I am coming with you,” I don’t give him the chance to refuse me a second time. I turn to Mace. “If I make an excuse to fetch more things from myroom, I can take you to Hugo’s study, assuming that’s not the room he invites us all into.”
“We can make it so he doesn’t,” Ash promises.
“Thank you,” I say. It’s almost as if Ash has forgotten he was trying to exclude me from their business dealings.
I take it as another victory, but winning Ash over feels like a minor skirmish compared to the battle that lies ahead with my brother.
Chapter 22
Hunter
As Ash drives, Mace is next to him, constantly monitoring Hugo’s movements. Hugo’s car hasn’t left the estate, and there’s been no activity from the security camera at the entrance gates. We’ll be the first visitors of the day.
Maddie has accompanied us against my better judgement. She tells me she isn’t afraid of Hugo anymore, but as I thread my fingers through hers, her palm is cold and clammy.
“I don’t like this,” I say to her. “We can always turn around and take you back.”
“She’ll be fine,” Ash says, answering for my wife. “If anything, Hugo’s at greater risk from you. If we’re going to get what we want, you need to keep this civilized, Hunter.”
“I got through a board meeting without killing him,” I reply. “I can wait a little longer.”
“About that…” Ash begins.
Anger sharpens my words. “Don’t fucking say it, Ash,” I warn. “I’m not leaving that lowlife to inflict any more misery on his family. Killian’s on board.And if you go behind my back and talk him out of it, I’ll find another way to deal with Hugo.”
Ash glances over his shoulder. He’s seated directly in front of me so he can’t see my face. But he can see Maddie’s. “And are you OK with that?”
She manages a nod, and I squeeze her hand. It must be surreal to hear us talking so openly about ending someone’s life during a simple car journey. If we were talking about anyone else, I suspect she’d be horrified. But Hugo? I can’t wait for Ash to meet the man he doesn’t think is worth the extra effort of erasing.
We come to a screeching halt in front of the Corbyn mansion. Ash does like to make an entrance, and he and Mace are first out of the SUV. I wait for the dust to settle so Maddie isn’t choking for air when we hammer on the door.
“You don’t take any chances in there,” I say. “If you can help Mace, great. But I don’t want you out of my sight for longer than necessary. Do you understand?”
Maddie manages a smile. “I wouldn’t want to be.”
I cup her face and kiss her. “Hugo might still see you as his prey, but you have claws, little bird, and we’re going to rip that fucker to shreds. Figuratively and literally. Remember that.”
As we get out of the car, Mace uses the butt of his gun to knock on the door. There are hurried steps and we’re greeted by the housekeeper who’d welcomed us on our first visit. This time, she doesn’t acknowledge Maddie at all. I can only presume that Hugo, in his pettiness, has instructed his staff that his sister is dead to them all.
“We’re here to see Hugo,” Ash says.
“There’s no one home, Sir,” she replies, avoiding eye contact. “If you want to– to leave a card, I can pass on a message.”
“Sure,” Ash says as he pushes the door open with just enough force to send the housekeeper scurrying backwards. He steps inside and we all follow. “Tell him Ash Griffin demands a meeting.” His voice grows in volume as he bellows the next word. “Now!”
With his yell echoing around the foyer, I position myself slightly in front of Maddie, our hands still clasped. A second later, there’s the sound of running footsteps, but they’re too light to be Hugo’s. In a blur of pink cotton, a little girl appears from the left wing of the house. The six-year-old comes to a sliding stop in front of Ash. She tips her head back and her mouth gapes opens as she stares up at the giant of a man.
When Maddie goes to step around me, the housekeeper springs into action. She holds a hand out in warning for Maddie not to draw closer. Maddie stops. Not because she fears what her brother might do to her, but what he would undoubtedly do to the rest of her family.
“Rebecca, hurry back to your mom this instant,” the housekeeper says as she checks the corridor to the right. Judging by the fear in her eyes, that’s the side of the house where Hugo is hiding.
“It’s OK,” Ash says, crouching down until he’s almost at eye level with Maddie’s niece. “And how old are you, Rebecca?” he asks in a gentle tone.
The little girl swallows hard. “Six, Sir.”
“You’re very polite for a six-year-old,” he replies. “And please, you can call me Ash.”
