Page 20 of Touch in the Night

“What are you on about?”

“That Influencer friend of yours,” Anton said. “She tweeted something about getting arrested last night. It’s been deleted now, but Sareena and I both saw it.”

Jesse took a moment to ensure his voice was steady. “And that involves me, how?”

“Because when she’s in trouble, you’re never far behind.”

“Jesus, thanks for the show of faith, big brother.”

“Were you involved or not?”

“Involved in what?”

“Anything.” Anton’s voice hardened. “Sareena talked me into letting you take Olly again this weekend. But I swear to God, Jess, if you got busted again…”

“I didn’t fucking get busted,” Jesse snapped then blushed and lowered his voice when the two elderly women at the next table sent him disapproving looks. “Would I be answering my mobile if I had?”

“Okay,” Anton said after a pause. “So what were you doing yesterday?”

“What?”

“I know you weren’t home, ’cause I called around.”

“You spying on me now?”

“It’s a simple question, Jess. Why can’t you answer?”

“How is it your business?”

“If you want time alone with Olly, then you need to prove to me you’ve got your shit together.”

Jesse clenched his fist and closed his eyes, fighting the curses threatening to spill out of his mouth, fighting the fire burning under his skin, the hot flash of fury that threatened to close his throat.

“I’m waiting.”

“You sound just like Dad when you talk to me like this.”

“Good.”

Jesse slammed the phone on the table. Guilt choked him but he refused to acknowledge it. The women scowled at him again, as did the barman. Jesse left.

He walked aimlessly with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, waiting for his emotions to cool. It was only as he was turning into his street that he saw the big black car parked outside his building and he realized how late it was.

He swore and hurried over.

Greenway stood by the car, one eyebrow lifted over a pair of dark glasses.

“There you are, Mr. Truelove.”

“Uh, sorry. I lost track of time.”

“Don’t apologize to me,” Greenway said, opening the car door. “You answer to the baron now.”

Something shivered over Jesse’s skin, but he climbed into the back of the car without another word.

They entered the Oswald House grounds through the main gate. Jesse eyed the black orbs of cameras set in the gate posts with interest as they passed. The land rolled away on either side in snow-crisp undulations. The mansion lay ahead—all glass, whitewashed walls, clean lines and terraced lawns. Jesse was again very aware of his thin scarf, scuffed leather jacket and tattered jeans. He followed Greenway to the front door with his shoulders hunched.

Greenway entered a code into a keypad and swiped a card to gain entrance to the building.

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