Page 35 of Taming Liberty

“Oh, it has plenty to do with it.” I step off the boulder. “It doesn’t make me wrong.”

I start toward the cliff, but Sawyer stops me.

“Angel.”

I turn, impatient with the knowledge that Lib is currently alone with Jasper.

“Promise me you will not fuck with Jasper.”

I glance at the cliff, saying nothing for a moment. “I won’t do anything until we talk more.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Sawyer’s jaw clenches. “I’m not with you on this, and I won’t go down with you if you do something stupid. You and I will be done.”

I stifle a groan and roll my shoulders. He’s right. I know he’s right. I just don’t know how much more of this I can take.

The more time I spend around Jasper, the more discomfort I feel. At first, I really did believe he was here to play. The island is a fitting place for a sadist like him, but now I think he had ulterior motives for coming here. I’m not sure what they are, but it’d be nice if he was dead before we have to find out.

But killing him is risky.Veryrisky. He’s not only incredibly dangerous, he also isn’t stupid. He keeps evidence of the crimes he commits for people, and he uses that as insurance to keep his employers from crossing him. Even upon his death, he would have a way to get it out. While most crimes can be forgiven with money, there’s only so much it can do if the evidence is stacked high. So killing him isn’t the smartest move, but still… Something has to be done about him.

Instead of answering Sawyer, I stride toward the cliff and follow after Jasper. Something makes a big splash in the water, and Anna’s laugh reaches my ears a few seconds later.

I reach the top and pull myself onto the rock plunging over the water. Jasper’s lips are against Lib’s ear, and she implores me with wide eyes.

When I stand straight, I catch how high up we are from my periphery, and my head spins. My muscles try to seize, but I flex my fingers and step forward.

“Sharing secrets?” I ask, my question directed at Jasper.

He grins as Lib shuffles toward me. “Wow, I didn’t expect you to make it up.” He nods to Lib. “She must bereallyimportant to you.”

My jaw tightens, and I walk his way. I pause when he holds up his hands to stop me.

“Woah there, relax mate. I thought Liberty might have been too afraid to jump, so I wanted to make sure she didn’t need help down.”

“How chivalrous of you,” she mutters.

I look down at her and motion toward Jasper. “What did he say to you?”

She shakes her head. “Nothing.”

“Nothing?” I move my gaze to Jasper and glare, the silent question now directed at him.

He chuckles. “Angel,come on. Don’t be so controlling.”

“What the fuck did you say to her?”

His eyes widen, and he rears back, but it’s an exaggerated reaction.

“He told me not to be afraid,” Liberty says. “Of jumping, I mean.” She bites her lip and starts toward the way we climbed up. “It looks deep, and I think I want to climb back down. I’m a chicken, I know.”

You’re a fucking triathlete.And not afraid of heights.

I narrow my eyes at her but don’t question the lie out loud. Not here.

I put my hand on her lower back and step behind her while she starts down the way we came. She stops abruptly when Jasper speaks to our backs.

“You’ve done a great job taming her, Angel. There’s not an ounce of bravery left.”

Lib doesn’t turn around or reply, but her hands fist at her sides.

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