Page 47 of Edge of Heaven

“Hey. Would you do me a favor?”

She glances up from whatever she’s doing on her laptop. “If I can. What’s up?”

I hesitate. I don’t want to divulge any secrets, but everyone knows how badly Callum treats Taryn, so that much at least is general knowledge.

“Taryn wasn’t at the show last night,” I say carefully. “I’m a little worried.”

Her brows knit together a little as she stares at me. “Why are you worried?”

“We had a chance to talk while we were in New York and… well, I’m just worried.”

“Do you think Callum hurt her?” she asks, her eyes darkening with unmasked annoyance.

“Nooo.” I draw out the word because this is so hard.

I have to keep this thing between Taryn and me a secret. I know Ryleigh wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, but gossip has a way of spreading when you don’t want it to, and I have no doubt Callum might do something to hurt Taryn if he thinks she’s cheating on him. Not necessarily physically but if he doesn’t pay for Toby’s treatment, it’s not like I have the money to give her.

Hell, the photo shoot only paid me a grand, which is a nice chunk of change in my life but doesn’t make a dent in Toby’s treatment.

Obviously, I’ve hesitated too long because Ryleigh snaps her laptop shut and points to the seat next to her.

“Sit. Talk to me.”

Angus snorts, not even looking up from the book he’s reading, but Ryleigh can be a force of nature, so I do as I’m told.

“What’s going on?” she demands.

“Look, I can’t tell you things she told me in confidence,” I say quietly. “But I’m worried about her, okay? Can you just reach out? Something innocent, like, hey, you want to go shopping in Denver? Whatever would be perceived as some girly thing that wouldn’t piss Callum off if he sees it.”

“Does he check her texts?” Her eyes blaze with intensity.

“I’m pretty sure he does. She asked me not to text her. That’s why I’m asking you to do it.”

“God dammit.” She looks pissed and yanks her phone out of her pocket, typing away on it. “There. Told her I missed her last night and wondered if she wanted to go shopping in Denver. That I’m itching for some retail therapy.”

“Thanks.” I’m about to get up when her phone buzzes.

“Don’t move,” she says, eyes glued to the phone. “She says she caught a little cold in New York and doesn’t want to get anyone else sick, but she’ll be at the show tomorrow. She’s planning to rest all day tomorrow, so she doesn’t think shopping is a good idea but maybe when we get to Reno.” She holds up the phone so she can dictate her response. “Do you need anything? I can stop by your room tonight and bring you chicken soup or whatever?”

She waits again, looking at her phone.

“Yeah, I don’t like this. She said she doesn’t need anything but sleep and she’ll see me at the show.”

She puts her phone down.

“If he put his hands on her.” I don’t know why I’m so afraid he hurt her, but I’ve never liked the guy and she’s so worried about upsetting him.

My gut tells me he somehow found out I was in New York—I told a few people before I left because I didn’t know it was some kind of secret.

“Dammit.” I drum my fingers on the chair.

“What’s going on?” Angus asks, apparently listening to our conversation.

“Did she say something in New York?” Ryleigh adds.

“She said a lot in New York,” I admit. “But I can’t tell you guys things she told me in confidence.” I rub my hands down my face in frustration. I need help navigating this situation, but I also don’t want to make things worse for her.

“Does he hit her?” Angus asks quietly. “Because if he does?—”

---