Page 25 of Chandelier Enthralled
It didn’t relieve the tightness in my throat. The strain of dealing with the truth made me want to choke on my words, having caught Amelia with three other men.
“We’re friends, Greyson. You can talk to me.”
I reached into my jacket pocket and retrieved the engagement ring. The orange diamond glinted beneath the light. “I got this off her.”
Cameron gave a nod of approval. “I wonder what Eve will do with it.”
I tucked the ring back into my pocket. Making a mental note not to leave it in there for the dry-cleaner to discover. The jewelry was now tainted. Roper had given it to his wife Eve; a clear token of his ownership.
The fact I’d slept in an unsecured hut all night with this priceless gem in my pocket was just some.A little reckless, a little crazy, and a whole lot stupid.
“How was Pendulum?”
“Ameliawasthere. I got her out. Not sure if she’ll stay away.”
“Did you tell her she has no choice?”
“I was clear.”
Cameron looked worried. “What did Jewel talk about?”
“Destroying us.”
“There’s a surprise.”
An hourglass glinted on his desk. I couldn’t help but wonder what purpose it served. It kind of screamed, “Time’s up, buddy.”
“I transferred funds into Amelia’s account,” I said. “Told her to leave town.”
“Do you think she will?”
“Time will tell.”
Cameron narrowed his focus on me. “Jewel promised Amelia money, I imagine. Let’s hope yours matched what Jewel offered.”
“I sent her a million,” I admitted. Enough to buy a home.
“Generous.”
I needed to know she was safe, even as shards of agony seared my heart. I sensed she was suffering now because of her association with me.
Cameron followed my gaze back towards the hourglass.
“I think she knows,” I said, my gut wrenching with guilt, like it was my fault Jewel had learned Cameron was the fourth partner.
Cole seemed to understand what those words meant. He folded his arms, apprehension rising and waning in his expression, as if he had realized the hazard and was coming to terms with it.
“I don’t know who told her you’re the fourth,” I added. “Stella, Jake’s girlfriend?”
“No, she protected me.”
I wanted to believe that.
Noticing my doubtful look, he shook his head. “I spent time with her. I got a good take on Stella.”
Jake’s girlfriend had risked her life because he had told her how important it was that no one find out the truth. She had loved him enough to take that risk—her bravery was inspiring.
Cole shook his head, annoyed. “Joining you in the deal was a risk.”
