Page 136 of Forbidden Romeo

The view from here is beautiful, but there’s no telling how quickly Padraic would be able to find us if he wanted to. I’ve not exactly been careful about coming here, and Kate’s name is also on the documentation. Ideally, we need to start somewhere fresh, where tracking us down just isn’t worth the effort.

I hit ‘dial’ and bring my phone up to my ear.

“Jack?” Aimee says just as Ray’s voice booms down the receiver.

“Jack!”

“Secure the line,” I say sharply, glancing over at Aimee. Concern is written across her face as she takes a seat on the couch, watching me intently.

Ray doesn’t hesitate, and after a moment of tapping, he comes back to the phone. “What’s happening?”

“Can I trust you?”

Ray groans. “Did you fall out with Padraic again? You know, in the divorce, I’m picking you, right?”

“Ray,” I warn through my teeth.

“Yes, you can trust me,” Ray says a little sarcastically, but I can hear the truth in his voice.

Satisfied, I place a hand on the receiver and glance over to my redhead. “Aimee, what’s the tallest building in LA?”

She looks even more confused by the question. “The Ritz-Carlton, maybe? There are a few big banks that have–”

That’s all I need. I turn back to my phone. “Ray, I want a penthouse at the LA Ritz-Carlton by yesterday.”

“Jesus, just say you’re a billionaire,” Ray mutters but begins tapping away at his computer. “Under what name?”

“Aimee Maguire.” I risk a glance at the woman in question.

She mouths, “What is going on?”

I turn away to look out the window again, suddenly aware of the muted scuffling sounds on the other end of the line.

A cool female voice sounds down the line. “I want the room next door.”

I freeze. “Am I on fucking speakerphone?”

“Maybe?” Ray replies weakly.

“Goddamn it, Ray.”

“You’re moving to LA without telling me?”

“Kate, I don’t have time for this,” I say, pinching the bridge of my nose. Of course, she’d be listening in; I don’t think I’ve had an ounce of privacy from the woman since the first fight.

“I’m coming with you,” Kate insists.

I stand my ground. “You’re not moving to LA with us.”

“We’re moving to LA?” Aimee chimes in. Shit.

Kate won’t let it go. “You can’t just disappear on me like that.”

“Why would we move to LA, Jack? What is going–”

“I hear it’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” Ray adds.

“Everybody, just shut up!” I say a little too loudly, causing Aimee to cross her arms in anger. “Ray put a down payment on ONE penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton and move 5 mil into my off-shore account. Kate, I’m sorry, but you’re not coming. It would only put a target on your back. Aimee–”

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