by Tiffany Snow
“Let it go, Sage.”
His non-confirmation only infuriated me more. “No, I’m not going to let it go,” I retorted. “Your job was your life. I know how hard you worked to get there. Nothing is worth you giving that up—”
“You are.”
I stopped speaking, the words cut off in my throat. For a moment, I wasn’t sure I’d heard him correctly.
“You and I both know your dad is guilty,” he said. “If they investigate, all that will come out. He’ll go to jail and the fine they levy on him will probably put you out of business. This alleviates all of that…with some addendums I insisted on.”
Addendums? I was confused for a moment, then realized. He’d bargained for my safety as well. I swallowed.
“You think it’s acceptable, on any level, for you to trade your life for mine?”
Parker didn’t reply to my question, not that I expected a response.
“It’s not okay,” I said. “And I’m not going to let you do it.”
“You don’t have a choice.” His voice was flat, that same tone he used when arguing was a very bad idea.
“So you’re just taking my decision away from me? Just like that?”
His hand closed around my upper arm, hauling me toward him. “Do you think I’d do this if there was any other way?” he hissed. “I may have lost you, but at least you’re still alive. And so is your business.”
Abruptly, he let me go. “Now go on and get out of here,” he ordered. “I don’t want you anywhere near Shea.” He unlocked his door and tossed his briefcase inside.
“Wait,” I said, grabbing on to the door as he slid into the seat. “Are we over, Parker? Is this it for us?” I couldn’t help asking. Part of me still hoped, no matter how much I’d been hurt.
Parker’s gaze drank me in, lingering on my face before he met my eyes. It took him a moment to answer. “Part of the deal,” he said, his voice a harsh rasp of sound. “A part I couldn’t renegotiate. Too much of a ‘conflict of interest.’” The Adam’s apple in his throat moved as he swallowed. “Now go. Take care of yourself.”
I was too numb to protest, pain held in check by sheer force of will. Mutely, I took a few steps back so he could close his door. I watched his car back out of the space and drive away, his taillights blurring as tears swam in my vision.
I didn’t know what to do or how to feel. Parker had done the unthinkable. I couldn’t even process it as I walked numbly back to Schultz and climbed into the back of my family’s car. Schultz must have known by the look on my face that things hadn’t gone well.
He drove me home and I thanked him as I got out of the car and went in to my apartment. I sat on my couch, staring into space and thinking. I don’t know how much time passed before I was startled from my thoughts by the ringing of my cell phone. I didn’t recognize the number, but I answered it anyway.
“Um, is this Sage Muccino?” an unfamiliar female voice asked.
“Yes. Who is this?”
“You don’t know me, but I think you know my sister, Natalie. My name’s Jessie.”
Chapter Thirteen
I sat nervously in the diner, waiting to meet the woman who said she was Natalie’s little sister. She’d been adamant that I not tell anyone about her. Had said she couldn’t trust anyone. Never having met her before, I didn’t know if she should be taken seriously, or if she was merely being overly dramatic. But I kept my word regardless and sat waiting in the all-night diner per her instructions.
I’d finished a first cup of the diner’s coffee and had started on my second, a brew so dark and strong I needed twice as much cream and sugar as usual. I stirred as I listened to Dolly Parton sing about Jolene and stared at the booth opposite me, where the torn vinyl seating was held together by duct tape. The glass door swung open and I glanced over to see a woman enter.
She looked young, younger than me, and I could tell immediately she was related to Natalie. They looked very similar, though Jessie was a brunette as opposed to Natalie’s blond locks. Her face was heart-shaped with delicately arched brows and a nose that turned up slightly at the end. About Natalie’s height and build, she wore jeans and a long-sleeved zip-up hoodie.
Spotting me, she hurried over. It wasn’t hard to figure out who I was—I was the lone female customer. A group of three guys sat two booths down, laughing and putting away a frightening amount of greasy cheeseburgers and fries. Another two men sat by themselves at the Formica counter, one sipping coffee, the other working his way through a piece of chocolate cream pie that I’d been eyeing earlier.
Chocolate sounded like nirvana after the week I’d had, and I was all out of peanut M&Ms at home.
“Sage?”
I nodded. “You must be Jessie.”
Relief flashed across her face and she slid into the booth opposite me. “Thanks so much for meeting me.”
“I don’t even know how you got my name,” I said. “Or my number.”
“That’s kind of a long story,” she replied, ordering a cup of coffee for herself as the waitress stopped by to refill my cup.
“I’ve got all night.”
“Natalie’s always been up to some scheme or another, all her life,” she began. “And I’ve always been the one to pick up the pieces. This time is no different.”
“No offense,” I interrupted, “but she said you’d been kidnapped. And she gave someone ten thousand dollars to get you back.”
Jessie winced. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she’d gone through with it.”
“Gone through with what?”
“The plan that I was ‘kidnapped.’” She used quote-y fingers for kidnapped.
I knew it. I’d been suspicious of Natalie the whole time she’d been back. The story of Jessie having disappeared had been so convenient and far-fetched.
“So you obviously weren’t kidnapped,” I said. “Why the story then? Why would she lie? Especially about something so serious.” Though it did explain why she hadn’t wanted to get the police or FBI involved. I wasn’t a cop, but I thought it was probably against the law to make up a story about someone being kidnapped.
“She needed a reason to find Dean again.”
I stiffened, instinctive protectiveness filling me at the thought of her hurting him again. “You know she lied to him,” I said. “She faked her own suicide and made him think it was all his fault. For years she let him think that.”
Jessie looked sad. “I know. Natalie is a compulsive liar, and she’s a manipulator. I should know. She’s been lying to and manipulating me for years.”
“How do I know you’re not the same?” I asked. “Why should I trust you?”
“Because I’m here, telling you. She may have wanted to be back in Dean’s life, but you’re the one she’s been obsessing about.”
“Me?” I was startled. “Why me? She just met me a few days ago.”
“You’re Dean’s girlfriend, right?”
“I was. Not anymore. We’re just friends now.” There was a pang inside at that, but not as bad as it had been a couple of days ago. It was hard, moving on from someone, even when you knew it was the right thing to do.
“So you’re with Parker?”
I pressed my lips together. For just meeting me, Jessie sure was nosey. Not to mention that I didn’t want to answer the question. “You know a lot,” I said instead. “And I still don’t know if I should trust you. Why come to me? Why not go straight to Ryker yourself?”
“Because I wanted to warn you,” she said, taking a sip of her coffee. “I think Natalie may do something really crazy this time.”
“You mean crazier than faking her own suicide or lying about her sister being kidnapped?” My sarcasm was as thick as the diner’s coffee.
“If she found out I was here, telling you this, I don’t know what she’d do.”
Okay, that gave me pause. I studied Jessie, looking hard into her eyes, and I saw fear there. My gut told me she wasn’t lying, that she really was afraid of Natalie.
Shit.
“I think we need help.” Luckily for us, I’d already foreseen this possibility. I wasn’t about to trust some unknown quantity—i.e., Jessie—when I had no idea who she was or what she wanted. I’d called Ryker before I came here. I knew he’d not only know what to do, he deserved to hear for himself what Jessie had to say. I knew he was still giving Natalie the benefit of the doubt, but he needed to protect himself from any more of her machinations.
Jessie didn’t argue, just grimly sipped from her cup as I took out my cell and dialed, telling Ryker it was time to come in.
Ryker walked in wearing his usual beat-up jeans, T-shirt, and leather jacket. I could see the outline of his dog tags through the cotton as his heavy boots ate up the linoleum between us and him. He stopped at our booth, his gaze on Jessie.
She swallowed hard, a tentative smile on her face. “Hey, Dean. It’s been a while.”
“Come here,” he said roughly, pulling her to her feet and into his arms for a tight hug. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”
Her whole body relaxed in his arms as she melted against him. Obviously, she’d been apprehensive at the kind of reception she’d receive.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I couldn’t let her lie to you like that. Not again.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, pulling back.
She sighed. “Sit down. I have a lot to tell you.”
Ryker slid into the booth next to me and Jessie started over again with all she’d told me.
“Why didn’t you tell me before that she wasn’t dead?” he asked once she’d finished. His face was a grim mask and I couldn’t imagine how he must be feeling, hearing the truth about Natalie after idolizing her all this time.
Tears shined in Jessie’s eyes, but she didn’t cry. “I’m so sorry, Dean. I was fifteen. I didn’t know what to do. She’s my sister. I didn’t even know the extent of her lie to you and Parker until recently.”
I believed her; the earnestness on her face couldn’t be faked, as though she was desperate for him to know she was telling the truth. And after a moment, Ryker nodded.
“It’s okay,” he said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “It’s not up to you to apologize for or try to fix Natalie’s mistakes.”
I felt like an intruder between them, and the idol worship I saw in her eyes made me realize she saw Ryker as quite a bit more than just a big-brother/little-sister thing that he’d portrayed their relationship to be.
I cleared my throat. “So,” I said, feeling a vague twitch of regret for interrupting their Moment. “What do we do now? Go confront Natalie?” But Ryker shook his head.
“I don’t think so. I have a gut feeling she did all this for something more than just coming back into our lives. Otherwise, she would’ve done it before. The question is, why now? Why concoct this elaborate plan now?”
“She got Parker’s ten thousand dollars,” I said. “Maybe she just wanted the money.”
“Ten grand isn’t a lot,” he replied. “If it was for money, I think she’d have asked for more.”
“She’s been researching Sage,” Jessie offered. “I thought it was because of her involvement with you and Parker. But maybe it’s more than that.”
“For now, Natalie is staying with Parker,” Ryker said. “I think we should keep you hidden and wait and see what she does next.”
“Hidden? Where am I going to hide?” Jessie asked.
“You can stay with me,” he replied.
Surprise flickered across Jessie’s face, then her cheeks turned pink, making me wonder what she was thinking about staying with Ryker.
“I couldn’t put you out like that,” she said, shaking her head.
“I think it’s a good idea,” I interjected. “She has to finish this somehow, your supposed kidnapping. And I’d like to know what she wants with me.” Surely she wasn’t just all Fatal Attraction on Ryker and Parker? There seemed like there should be more to the story, but I wasn’t a manipulator or compulsive liar, so what did I know? Maybe getting Parker back was all she’d wanted. Either way, I wanted to know…and I wanted to finish her.
I wondered what Parker would have to say about Jessie’s information on Natalie…or if he’d even care.
“Then it’s settled,” Ryker said, pulling out his wallet and tossing some money on the table to cover our coffee. “You’ll stay with me and we’ll see what Natalie’s next move is. I take it you’re communicating with her?”
Jessie nodded. “She’s supposed to call me today.”
“Then we’ll wait and see.”
Ryker had come on his motorcycle and after making sure I didn’t mind grabbing a cab, he and Jessie roared off into the night. Seeing another woman clinging to him on the back of his bike sent a spark of jealousy through me, which I immediately quashed. I wasn’t going to be one of those women—begrudging Ryker finding someone else.
Parker was on my mind even more than everything else as I locked my apartment door and got ready for bed. The stitches in my hand itched, reminding me of how adept he’d been at taking my mind off what the doctor was doing when needles were involved.
I’d failed him. Well, maybe not me personally, but my father had done something illegal. Perhaps justifiable, considering the circumstances and Leo’s ruthlessness, but still illegal. And now Parker, of all people, was having to pay the price.
An ache inside made me curl into a ball underneath the covers. I stared at the light seeping through the slats of the blinds on my bedroom window, wondering what he was doing…and if it was with Natalie. We’d been so close to being together, so close to being happy, that it was a physical pain to realize that chance was lost.
I couldn’t sleep, my thoughts churning as the minutes and hours ticked slowly by. My cell phone buzzed and I glanced at it, wondering who could be texting me at two in the morning.
It was Parker.
I snatched up my phone and opened the text.
Are you there?
I quickly texted back. Yes, I’m here. I waited, the little ellipses telling me he was typing.
I’m sorry, Sage. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
Tears stung my eyes and the screen blurred as I typed back. I’m the one who’s sorry. You shouldn’t have done what you did.
Don’t be ridiculous. I’m glad I could help.
It figured. Parker had to pick now to be all chivalrous and self-sacrificing. I sighed. I don’t want to argue. Why are you up so late?
Having a drink.
A drink? At this hour and by the tone of his texting, he’d had more than one.
Are you drunk?
Maybe. Possibly.
Why don’t you just call me?
There was a long wait before he texted back.
Natalie. Sleeping.
That sick feeling was back in my stomach. I didn’t understand. He’d willingly tie himself to a woman he didn’t want, just to spare me and my dad?
Please don’t do this, I typed. Go back to KLP. I’m a big girl. I can handle the fallout from my dad’s mistakes.
No.
Shit. I huffed at my phone, staring at the one-word response. Chivalrous and stubborn plus drunk. A dreaded combination and one nearly impossible to reason with. Before I could think of how to reply, he’d sent more.
Did Steven follow through? Investigation dropped and no more attacks?
I grudgingly texted back. Yes. Everything appears to be back to normal. Except us, I wanted to add.
Good.
I sighed, pulling my knees to my chest as I stared at my phone. I wanted him so badly, it was eating me up inside. Not just physically, but I missed him—talking to him, looking at him, seeing his lips quirk in a smile, and the way his eyes softened when he looked at me.
I miss you, I typed.
I miss you, too, lover.
My heart thudded a bit harder at the endearment, and I wondered just how drunk Parker was.
I’m not your lover anymore. Nata
lie is.
I waited for a response, hoping I wasn’t going too far.
If you think I could possibly be with her after being with you, then you don’t know me at all.
A wave of relief swept through me. He hadn’t slept with Natalie. She’d been lying about that part at least.
Then what are you doing with her?
Biding my time.
Until…?
Until she goes away.
Considering how badly I thought Natalie wanted Parker, I had sincere doubts that she would just “go away” anytime soon.
I couldn’t help myself, though I knew it would make me look needy. Come see me.
I held my breath, hoping beyond hope he’d do it, he’d come to me.
I wish I could. I’m being watched. If I come there, they’ll know, and it’ll have all been for nothing.
Tears rolled down my cheeks and I swiped them away, staring helplessly at his text. Steven and Natalie held us both hostage, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.
Shh, don’t cry.
I didn’t question how he knew. Of course he would. He knew me, knew how I felt about him, though I’d been remiss in saying it.
I love you. My hand shook as I typed out the letters.
I know. I love you, too. That won’t ever change, no matter what.
I rested my wet cheek on my bent knees, trying to ease the ache inside. The phone buzzed again.
We’re being too maudlin. What are you wearing?
I snorted a laugh. Ever the unexpected, that was Parker; just another of the many things I loved about him. He could make me smile in even the most dire and bleak of circumstances.
A navy blue satin chemise with pink lace trim, I lied, tugging down the hem of my faded Mickey Mouse T-shirt.
Send me a pic.
I laughed again as I typed, No way. Do I look like I have Stupid stamped on my forehead?
