Page 37 of Paths

“Tell him to come here.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not that easy. He has epilepsy. It’s usually controlled with meds, but I’m worried. If Weston was telling the truth, there’s no way he can travel. He developed Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy when he was twelve. It’s always scary, but was awful when he first developed it. I was with him when he had his first seizure and had no idea what was happening. He fell and hit his head. I’ve never been so scared, and given the last few months, that’s saying something. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over seeing him suffer before the doctors got it under control. My guess is his meds need to be adjusted, but it doesn’t matter if he’s a junior in college, in my head all I see is my little brother. I need to see him.”

I understand more than she knows about worrying about a sibling, but first I need to find out why she’s so afraid to go back. “Why were they threatening you.”

She pulls her lip between her teeth and looks away from me.

“Maya?” I ask, and she looks back up. “I have the means to help you if you let me.”

She shakes her head. “You’re underestimating them. There’s no way to help when it comes to Weston and his family.”

I raise my eyebrows and I hope my face is as serious as my tone. “No, you’re underestimating me. I promise you, Weston and his family are nothing compared to what I’ve gone up against. You can tell me.”

She shakes her head again, looking down at her hands, worrying them.

“Maya.” I give her a little squeeze to get her attention.

Looking up at me, she gives me a resigned look, and slumps a bit in my arms. “Fine, you really want to know?”

I widen my eyes and say nothing, because she knows the answer.

Finally, she says, “Right before I left, he was doing everything he could to get me back. My mother hosted a party just so he could easily torment me. I walked in on him talking to his father. They were talking about business—family business—and after I overheard what they did, everything changed. That’s when they started threatening me. Grady, I overheard them talking about how Weston killed someone. He’s a murderer.”

My body instantly turns rigid. As much as I try and fight my reaction, I can’t.

I don’t know what happened with Weston, but by the look on her face, I can tell how she feels about it.

Well, fuck me.

Chapter 11 - Regrets

Maya –

Grady has me wrapped up in his arms, and the way he kissed me left me wanting more. Way more. My insides churn, leaving my skin tingly with anticipation, eager for his touch. And his lips. And his tongue. A combination of the three would be ideal, but honestly, the way he has me humming, I’ll take anything at this point.

He had me so comfortable, the words came rushing out. Maybe it’s the way he’s been with me the last few days. Maybe it’s because I’ve hidden who I am from everyone for so long. Or maybe it’s because he told me he contracted with the government. That seems legitimate. But then again, most anything would be compared to the MacLachlans.

When he pushed for a reason why Weston would threaten me—I caved, but now I regret it. His body which was warm and comforting just moments ago, is now tense, and his expression is strained.

“Grady?” I call for him, suddenly equally desperate to take my words back.

Grady’s brow pinches and his dark blue eyes narrow. “You sure about that?”

“Yes.” I try and wiggle to get out of his hold, but his arms cinch around me tighter, so I try to explain further. “He and his father both tried to deny it, but there was no mistaking what I heard. I sort of went apeshit, causing a scene. That was the day my life went from exasperating, trying to ward off his advances, to downright scary because of what I found out.”

Grady tips his head minutely, and his voice comes at me harsh, even if controlled. I don’t like either when he asks, “What exactly did you find out?”

I ignore his question and ask my own. “Why are you all of a sudden acting like this?”

Grady takes a big breath. When he exhales, I feel his body relax, but from the look on his face, I’m pretty sure it was forced. “I’m sorry. You surprised me. Tell me what you learned.”

I guess it would be surprising to hear someone killed another person. I sigh, grateful to have his relaxed demeanor back. “Basically, I learned their family business isn’t what it seems. They’re in shipping. They own a fleet of cargo ships, but it’s not only used for legitimate business. They were talking about smuggling, and I do know Weston killed someone. He practically admitted it that day by insisting I keep my mouth shut. Who knows, he’s probably killed more.”

Grady doesn’t say anything for a moment, but his eyes drag over my face before his voice softens. “How did he threaten you?”

“Weston didn’t really do anything. It was his boss, the guy with him today at the Ranch, who does all the dirty work for Weston’s father. His name is Byron Murray—he’s basically a lackey. He told me—word for word—that it was time I got on board and married Weston,” I pause to stress my next words, “or else.”

His brows knit. “Or else?”

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