Page 101 of Erik's Salvation
Hannah’s finger tightened on Erik’s, anger coursing through her. The asshole sounded nervous because he knew what he’d done to her.
“No. It’s been a really hard week for her, so she stayed home.” Brigid cleared her throat. “One of her clients accused her of stealing a painting.”
Another pause before he spoke. “Really?”
“Yeah. She didn’t do it, but the guy didn’t believe her. He actually threatened her. Luckily, Erik paid him off, and she’s safe now.”
“Seriously?” Relief spidered through that single word from James.
“Yeah. I’m glad she’s okay.” Another pause, this time from Brigid. “I’ve missed you.”
James cleared his throat. “I thought you’d be angry at me.”
“Oh, I’m definitely angry. But I’m also struggling to live without you.”
Hannah exhaled softly, because she knew there had to be some truth behind her friend’s words.
“Brigid…I’ve missed you too. And I only left because—”
“Bad people were after you. I know. They came searching for you. You left to keep me safe, didn’t you?”
No!The word was a shout in Hannah’s head.
“I did.”
Lying scumbag.
“The thing I don’t understand,” Brigid said quietly, “is why you didn’t ask me to go. I would have disappeared with you.”
“I thought you’d say no.”
“No, James. I wouldn’t have said no. I would have come with you and done anything I could to protect you.” There was another pause. “Just like I protected you when I heard about the painting. I know you took it.”
Three heartbeats of nothing passed. Then…
“I didn’t—”
“You did. I know Hannah, and I knowshewouldn’t have taken it. You had the means and the motivation. You needed the money. But I didn’t say anything because Iloveyou. And I know you did it so you could get yourself out of trouble. Now that all that’s finished…we can be together again.”
At the next small break in conversation, Hannah thought her heart was going to beat from her chest.
“It’s not sold yet,” James said. “I have a buyer lined up.”
Hannah’s skin turned cold. It was true. Hehadtaken it. He’d set her up. She’d known…but hearing it? It hurt far worse.
“I’m meeting them tomorrow night,” he added in a lower tone.
Hannah closed her eyes and let the confirmation of James’s betrayal slice through her like a dagger, sharp and unforgiving.
A kiss pressed to the back of her hand, then Erik whispered, “I’m sorry, Angel.”
* * *
Erik wantedto go out there and lay into the asshole. The guy stole something that wasn’t his, ran out on his girlfriend, not caring that his enemies would pay her a visit, and framed Hannah for his crime.
As far as Erik was concerned, he didn’t deserve the air he breathed.
He was still clenching his jaw when the elevator doors opened and two large men entered the bar. They weren’t dressed like the other patrons. They were too casual in T-shirts and jeans. They both had shaved heads and tattoos.
