Page 45 of Timeless

“The Matthews have put a target on your head. I’ve been handling the blow back. But once I leave, my control is limited.”

Which was the reason he was reaching out to me. “Is it a real target that’s gone out to the silent hitmen or is it just a threat?”

“Real hitmen, Amber. And they were relying on mine. But the fact you aren’t dead within a month shows mine don’t work. They are taking their business elsewhere.”

Which meant Tae couldn’t protect me anymore. “Well, if it is just me, I’ll handle it.”

“A hit went out on Jack this morning before they took their business elsewhere.”

Tae just confirmed a nightmare. In fact, it wasn’t a nightmare because I never thought once I would be in this position. Never once had I thought Jack would be put on a hit list.

“What do I do, Tae?” I was panicking. So, this was the real reason he wanted Jack to fly back with him.

“Come back to the UK with me. Bring Jack. I can protect you there.” Tae’s voice wavered in something he rarely showed. Emotion. “I can’t lose you, Amber, or Jack. So, please don’t fight me.”

I rubbed my temple, trying to think this situation over. Tae could protect me. Jack wouldn’t get hurt, not under Tae’s watch. But that meant moving. That meant hiding for the rest of our lives.

“They won’t stop until Jack and I are dead.” I knew how relentless the Matthews brothers were. “Even if Will puts them in prison, they won’t stop.”

“I know living your life by my side isn’t something you wanted.”

“Can we kill them?” It was the other option. If they were dead, so was their empire and the death warrants they had issued.

“I’ve already tried. Too well protected.”

“I’ll try.” I’ll come out of retirement and take them out. “Jack will fly back with you. And I’ll handle the threats.”

“Amber, you haven’t taken a target out in nearly seven years.”

“Well, what are the options!” I paced, frustrated. “Being a leech to you isn’t the only one!”

“Well, there is another option.”

I scoffed. “And you mention it now?” Seriously, why would he not mention it when he was forcing moving to another country down my throat?

“Tell that man of yours.”

“What, Will? He won’t do anything! He won’t drop the charges!” I knew Will. He lived for his career. Putting the Matthews brothers behind bars would be a highlight of his career.

I heard Tae inhale on a cigarette. “I was talking about Jackson Johnston. I know he is out. I know he is at your house.”

I froze and looked up, my eyes locking with Jax’s. He was watching me.

“I’ve already gotten you involved. I don’t want to bring anyone else into my mess,” I said firmly. “Thanks for the heads up, Tae. I’ll think about it. And get back to you.”

“Nothing to thank me for. You have two options. Him or me. Funny you’ve been given these options before.”

He was right. He had given me the same option twice before now. Once when he offered me the partnership. I chose Jax. Again, when he asked me to marry him and cut Jax out of Jack’s life. I chose Jax. And now, Tae was coming to my rescue again.

“I love you, Tae. Thank you.” I pulled the phone from my ear and hung up.

I did have a third option, even though it might be the less likely to happen. I could try and get Will to give in. To drop the charges. To let them off.

If he did that, my life would go back to normal.

* * *

“So, how was your day?”Will’s voice was soft and full of concern.

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