Page 214 of Chandelier Enthralled
“So is the gun against your girlfriend’s head.”
That made my smirk fade. “I’m Celeste Starling’s son.”
The wind tore my words apart, carrying them into the air as though the secret itself was scattering into the ether.
Jewel looked stunned. “Celeste Starling, the actress?”
“Yes.”
I silently begged Celeste for forgiveness—but she would want it no other way, not if it meant Willa would be saved.
Jewel looked thoughtful. “That would make your father…”
“Yes.”
“Well, that is newsworthy, Greyson.”
“Now let Willa go.”
“I want the full story.”
“Agreed. Then you get me, in whatever capacity you want. Roll me out on your news shows, the evening talk shows.” I opened my arms. “I’ll be yours to do with as you please.”
She looked triumphant. “How heroic.”
“Least I can do.”
“You wanted to kill me?” She shook her head, grimacing. “That won’t change.”
“You and I are both good at the grand pivot.”
Jewel stepped closer. “Are you ready for me to make a mockery of you, and your mother and your arrogant father? You do realize you’re giving me the ability to stain your existence.”
“It’s part of the deal.”
Her smile was evil. “Prepare to be humiliated.”
Jewel had certainly prepared me for that. Though keeping my mouth shut at this point was wise.
Jewel had to see she had won—and she would soon revel in it.
I glanced toward Willa, needing her to know I would take care of the situation. “Go back inside.” I turned toward the gunman. “And you’ll let her.”
He was waiting for an order. I prayed it was the right one. If anything happened to Willa, I might as well be dead, too.
A sound rose out of the roaring waves.
Peering into the murkiness, I finally saw a speedboat appear not that far from shore, slowing its approach. Whoever was aboard had to see us on the shoreline. The boat’s engine idled as it kept its distance. I could make out four distinct figures on board.
“Are they ours?” Jewel asked her man.
He looked confused as he shook his headno.
Willa’s expression was filled with relief. “It’s them.”
She was right—it was Cameron and Shay, along with Atticus and Jake. They were the remarkable friends I never took for granted.
Cameron’s timing was impeccable.
