Page 132 of Enthrall Shadows
“I didn’t know who else to turn to.”
“Well, I’m here now, so let’s hear it.”
“The company is Community Development. They don’t care about anything other than profit. They’re going to build a hotel in the center of the preserve. It would end up destroying the vegetation. The consequences will be terrible for panthers and other wildlife.”
“And what do you think I can do?”
“We need your influence and wealth. They’ve gotten around several laws protecting the park. They’ve already begun leveling an area of land to start building.”
“Surely that’s not possible?”
“They’re bringing money in, saying it will ensure the future of the park. They’ve paid off politicians.”
I stayed silent, realizing she had only summoned me because she wanted to use me.
“I’m desperate, Henry. We’ve done everything in our power to fight this with no success. You’re our last hope.”
That explained why everyone had studied me with such intensity. “Two weeks ago, you upended my life with a vague invitation just so I could fix this for you? With no regard for all you did decades ago?”
“This isn’t about me,” she pleaded. “This is bigger and more important than both of us.”
“I need some air.” I turned and walked toward the door.
She called after me. “If I could go back in time and undo all the damage I would. I was young. Foolish. I wanted to save the world.”
I reached the door and turned to look at her. “I would have saved it right alongside you.”
Her face contorted with pain. “Tell me how to make it up to you?”
Impossible.
I stepped outside and a rush of heat hit me. After descending the steps, I walked away, putting distance between us.
Sucking in a breath of dry heat, I cursed myself for believing this trip was a good idea. She’d knowingly hurt me. All those years I’d wasted on guilt seemed so futile.
Lotte closed the space between us and reached for my hand. “Henry.”
I pulled away, not wanting her to sense my anger. My relationship with Lotte felt like the only good thing that had come out of this escapade.
She let out a sigh. “What should we do now?”
Henry pulled his hand away.
I pretended it didn’t matter, but it did. We’d built a connection and, in that moment, I felt it slipping away.
Glancing back at the hut, I wondered what words had been exchanged. He had every right to be angry with her.
I could understand why he’d be distraught with this whole situation.
Henry stalked over to his rucksack and lifted it easily with one hand, again showing his impressive strength.
I’d not let our kit out of my sight.
I wondered how he’d seemed to Reese, this gorgeous, brilliant man who ran a billion-dollar empire. A contrast to the young man she’d once dated.
His ex-girlfriend was equally mystifying.
With conservation as her banner, she had given up her life in America for what she believed was an important cause. But the way she’d done it had left others suffering in her wake.
