Page 101 of Bleeding Hearts Duet

Chapter Thirty-Two

I had just slipped off the bracelet Ryland gave me when Nicole showed up.

“I thought you were sick?” she glanced at my purse and keys.

“I’m feeling okay now,” I muttered. “But, Nicole I need you to do me a favor.”

“What is it?” she asked.

“It’s a really big one.”

She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Why do I get the impression I’m not going to like it?”

“I need you to cover for me with Ryland,” I explained. “If he calls, tell him I’m asleep, and that you’re here watching TV.”

“Why?” she asked curiously.

“It’s a family thing.” I wasn’t about to go into all the gory details with her already fragile state of mind. “I have to go do something for Norma, and if he knows he will freak out.”

She hesitated for a moment before shrugging in agreement. And even with all our past history, I knew I could trust her with this.

“Thank you so much.” I hugged her. “I’ll bring you back one of those cupcakes you like from down the street.”

“Okay.” She smiled. “Just be careful. And don’t stay out too long.”

“I won’t.”

***

If I had expected a warm reception from Brayden at the airport, I wasn’t getting one. He grabbed my arm as soon as he saw me and dragged me towards the ground transportation.

“Don’t say a word,” he hissed. “Not until we’re in the car.”

“What car?” I asked.

Again, he didn’t answer. He strode up to the rental desk and gave them a credit card with someone else’s name on it. The ID had a photo of someone who looked like him but definitely wasn’t.

The minute we were in the safety of the silver Kia, I shot him a glare.

“Whose card did you use back there?” I demanded. “I have money, you know.”

“You mean you have Ryland’s money,” he scoffed. “And how long do you think it will take him to track that down?”

“What are you talking about?” I snapped.

Brayden looked at me as if I were an idiot before his expression softened to pity.

“Who do you think tipped them off, Brighton?” he asked.

His accusation stung, but I let it bounce right off of me.

“No way.” I shook my head. “He wouldn’t do that.”

Brayden slammed his hand against the steering wheel. “When are you going to wake up? Yes, he fucking would.”

“I don’t believe that,” I argued.

“He said he has some kind of a business function tonight, didn’t he?”

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