Page 85 of Reckless Desire

Sydney

Hunter holds my eyes and then throws his napkin on the table. “Let’s get out of here.”

We ask for the bill and leave the dessert—courtesy of my brother—on the table. By the time we exit the restaurant, I’m trembling. My nerves are primed to spark and explode. Hunter’s hand on the small of my back is a comfort, but who knows how long it’s going to stay there once I tell him the whole story.

He has a daughter to think of. Why did I even try to pull him into a relationship, putting him in danger? Giving Elliot McFadden another card to hold over me.

Hunter hails a cab. He doesn’t speak, just holds my hand. It provides safety and makes things graver. I focus on that point of contact where his rough hand swallows mine as if it’s the ultimate source of energy on Earth.

We get to his building and take the elevator in silence. I’m grateful to gain this time without unraveling the complete truth, but anticipation of the conversation is leaking like acid into my stomach, burning a hole.

I don’t want to tell him anything, and at the same time he’s the only person I’m willing to tell. I’ve never told a soul. Not even London knows. What a stupid chance encounter, and of course Gio had to go all ballistic about it.

Why would McFadden even acknowledge me? Was it a warning? I have never missed a payment.

Hunter helps me out of my coat. His entire body hums with tense energy. With silent anger, perhaps?

“Are you angry?” The question catches in my throat. Our eyes lock and I relax slightly. There is kindness in those eyes. They have always been filled with kindness.

“I’m angry, but not at you. I’m pissed at the situation, and I don’t even know what the situation really is.” He pulls me to him. Wrapped in that strong, warm embrace, I regain the ability to breathe easier. “Come on, beautiful, let’s talk.”

“I’d rather fuck.” I make a pathetic attempt at a joke.

“Believe me, so do I, but talking first.” Hunter kisses the crown of my head and leads me to the kitchen. “Sit down and I’ll make us tea. Probably a digestive one.” He sighs.

I sit at the breakfast nook. “I might need wine, or something stronger.”

“Oh, I’m spiking your tea, no worries.” He smiles at me. It’s a sad smile, his muscles all tight, but he’s trying to make me feel better. Warmer. Cared for.

I sit in silence until he places two mugs on the table. I expect him to sit across from me or stay by the island, keep his distance. Instead, he scoots to my side, pushing me farther along the bench.

“Leave nothing out.” His voice is silky as always, but it has a sharp edge.

“You know Jeremy dipped into my trust fund significantly during our marriage. He lost all that money and got even deeper into debt, and not with a bank, but with people who are dangerous. They didn’t care about his passing. They came to collect the day after his funeral. They found out about my family, and they assumed they could score.”

I hold the mug, seeking comfort in its warmth, staring down blindly. Hunter puts his hand on my back, stroking slowly. The touch weaves a fine thread of courage.

“They threatened me and my family, and I needed to come up with half a million fast. So I did.” I bury my face in my hands.

“Borrowing from Elliot McFadden.” Hunter finishes for me. “Why wouldn’t you talk to one of your siblings?”

“My siblings?” I face him. “You mean the people who took the trust money from our parents and turned it into successful businesses or institutions while I blindly gave mine to a man who lied to me?”

Hunter glares at me, a storm brewing behind his eyes. “I think they would have understood. They would have helped. Some of your family members are snobs, but they don’t judge. I’m pretty sure even Gio would have helped.”

“Yes, perhaps you’re right, but I was too scared. Betrayed, heartbroken, depressed.” Tears prickle the corners of my eyes. “I was ashamed. And after I made the mistake of taking money from McFadden, my shame deepened. I was stupid the whole time with Jeremy, and I got even stupider after him. They all felt sorry for me already and I couldn’t… I… I—”

“Oh, beautiful.” He cups my face. “You can’t blame yourself for trusting Jeremy. Has anyone in your family suspected who he really was?”

I shake my head. They didn’t.

“So he fooled them all. He took advantage of you, and in the lowest moment of your life you made a desperate decision and borrowed money from the wrong person. How much do you owe him?”

“Over four hundred thousand,” I whisper, unable to look away because somehow there is understanding in his eyes. Not pity. Not anger. Not disappointment. Understanding.

“Jesus. I assume most of it is interest? How are you even paying that from your salary?”

“Slowly.” I shrug.

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