Page 128 of Rules Of Our Own

Strong arms wrap around me, and River’s mouth drops to my opposite ear. “Breathe, Love. You’ve got this.”

I take a deep breath and tune back into what James is saying.

“Since you’re calling me, I expect you have some proof to back up your allegations. I assure you, Ms. Brooks, I will not take this lightly. For either of you”

I stand taller. “It’s Doctor Brooks. I've already emailed them to you.”

He’s quiet for a minute before making a surprised, muted sound only to reply, “I’ll be in touch.”

The phone goes dead.

That’s it? He’ll be in touch.

Alex enters the room, holding up the iPad to River. “You should fucking see this. Boy is fucked,” he says gleefully.

I look back at the guys. “I think the wait is going to kill me.”

Alex lifts me over his shoulder and spanks me hard on the ass.

“Don’t worry, Kitten. We’ll keep you distracted.”

* * *

One week after sending the information to James, I cross one stiletto-clad ankle over the other and watch the door from my seat in an overly expensive modern chair. Jason’s dad contacted me yesterday to set up a meeting in his Boston office.

He’s sitting at his large steel desk, hands clasped in front of him, a stack of incriminating documents on the table.

Apparently, he’d gone through the files, and even though I’d obtained the information through a shady channel, it was enough for them to follow through on their side.

Turns out, Jason had been stealing a lot more than what he’d pinned on me. He’s been taking pills from each one of the hospitals his dad works with. Including the two located right here in Boston. Which is how I found myself dressed to kill in a black power suit, waiting for Jason to walk into his father’s office.

Nerves prickled under my skin all morning with a nervous anticipation for this confrontation. For months, I wanted to have the upper hand on Jason, and now that I finally have it, it’s sort of terrifying in an absolutely amazing way.

Both Alex and River have been nothing but supportive, giving me encouragement to come in here and witness Jason’s downfall.

There’s a light knock on the door, and an impeccably dressed man steps in. “Your son is here.”

“Send him in,” James replies, eyes already narrowing on the entry.

Jason strides in, a smile on his face. “What’s with the emergency meeting, Dad—”

He freezes when his eyes meet mine, and I can’t help the mischievous grin from curling my lips.

Jason pales as the blood drains from his face. “What are you doing here?”

I stand and walk toward him, placing a sympathetic hand on his shoulder and plastering on my most condescending smile. “I told you you’d regret fucking with me. This is me not playing nice.”

“Son, come here,” James commands, and Jason shakes me off with disgust before approaching his father’s desk. He’s about to sit down when James stops him.

“No need to sit. This won’t take long.” He holds out the file, and Jason takes it, flipping through the contents. Sweat forms on his temples, and the back of his neck turns a bright red.

Jason’s head snaps up. “I’m being framed.” He looks at me. “She’s a lying bitch. She’s done nothing but beg me to take her back.”

I snort but don’t stop him from digging his own grave.

“This is a setup. You know I wouldn’t do any of this,” Jason pleads with his dad, giving him a look that no doubt got him out of countless things before.

James stands from his desk. “You had everything you could ever need, and yet you still chose to steal from me. Tell me why.”

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