Page 90 of Heart Thief

We have an odd sort of truce between us. I’m still angry with him, and yet he came to my rescue yesterday. It was sweet and weird all at the same time. I don’t know what to think of it, or of him.

“Thanks for coming today, Mila. I’m glad you’re here.”

I’m not here for Ryker, but I don’t need to say it. He knows.

“Zane hasn’t made an appearance yet. He should be here soon. Shall we go inside?”

“Okay.”

It also feels good to be out of my palace for a change. Still, my heart is heavy. Zane’s silence is weighing on me. I know he must be swamped, but doesn’t he realize what total silence is doing to me?

Zane must know how much I need him right now. Doesn’t he? I know he must need someone as he deals with grief. Plus, he needs someone who will be on his side and I’m the first person in line. With my arm raised high in the sky. We can be there for each other. We can heal each other.

And yet we’re not. We’re both alone as we deal with the cards life has dealt us.

We enter a small conference room that’s downright luxurious. My feet are sinking into deeply padded carpet. The air conditioning is locked on the keep-ice-frozen setting. Light is streaming in through the large windows, accentuating the polished cherrywood furniture. Expensive paintings dot the walls. The décor gives the impression of money, or maybe it represents someone who would love to take your money.

We’re directed to sit at a large table with cushy chairs. I sit next to Ryker, but it’s more than obvious we’re not together as a couple. He’s at least a foot away and doesn’t have his arm around me. Nor will I let him pull that stunt again.

Zane knows me. Surely, he’ll know I’m here for him. Won’t he?

He didn’t seem to know at the funeral. Maybe this is a mistake.

Debra flanks the other side of Ryker. She’s consulting with one member of the team of lawyers they have with them. Whispering constantly. Planning to do evil things with her riches, no doubt.

“Are you ready for this, Mila?” Ryker asks, a gloating tone to his voice.

“What do you mean?”

“You do realize this meeting will not go well for Zane, right?”

What?

“It’s the reading of his father’s will. Of course it will go good for him.” I assume today won’t go as well for Ryker and Debra as they think it will.

“Remember the ugly little word called embezzlement? Dad knew about it. It’s all hitting the fan today.”

Oh. That’s the real reason Ryker brought me here. He wants me to see Zane get cheated out of his inheritance. He wants me to have a front row seat to Zane’s humiliation.

I’m an idiot. I should’ve known better.

Even when I think I’m going in with my eyes wide open, Ryker has an ace up his sleeve. Today it’s not about making Zane think I’m with Ryker. It’s about me seeing Zane’s life crumble around him.

“Is that why you wanted me here?” I hiss.

“You need to see and hear this. It’ll make you see things as they really are. Your eyes need to be opened. I’m doing you a favor.”

“Don’t pretend this is about me.”

I don’t want to be here. I shouldn’t be here. I don’t belong. This was a huge mistake. I need to leave. Now.

I scoot my chair back with the intention of making a hasty exit, when a side door into the room opens.

Zane walks in, looking every inch the high-class executive. I’ve seen him in a suit twice. Once at the symphony and once at his father’s funeral.

Today is different. He’s somehow more elegant, more commanding. He’s wearing a crisp tie with a matching hanky in the pocket and silver cuff links catch the light at his wrists. He looks nothing like my man with the easy smile who loves to wear ripped-at-the-knees jeans. Today he exudes authority and confidence, like he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Of note, he’s utterly serious, but he doesn’t look nervous or scared, or like he has a reason to be.

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