Page 410 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 5
The fact that he was suddenly so happy was somehow more terrifying than when he was throwing food. I nodded.
Poppy smiled up at me with pretend sweetness. “So wonderful, isn’t it, sugar tits?”
Stop calling me that.
“I have to say, I’m surprised,” Mr. Pruitt said. “But relieved.” He slapped me on the back. “I’ve been worried about you over the years.”
“Right. All your texts. I’m sorry I didn’t respond, but I wasn’t in the right…headspace.”I hate you and I always will, murderer.“You said you wanted to talk to me about something?”
“Not necessary now.” He shook his head. “Not necessary at all.”
What did that mean? Not necessary now that I was…dating Poppy? Happy? What? “The last time we spoke, you mentioned that I was in danger.”
“Ah, yes. A little unrest in the family again. But there’s nothing to worry about now. It’s been taken care of.”
“Tit for tat,” Poppy said. “And I got to find out that car bombs are delightfully fun. Boom.”
My stomach rolled. I honestly had no idea what she was talking about, and I wanted to keep it that way. In less than 48 hours I’d be out. I had to be. I couldn’t be pulled into car bombings and evil plots. I didn’t want any part of that.
“It warms my heart that you’ve found happiness again, Matthew,” Mr. Pruitt said. “Warms my heart indeed. If the two of you love birds will excuse me, I don’t want my absence to be noted.”
He hugged Poppy and then turned to me. “Just so we’re clear. If you hurt her, I’ll kill you. Slowly. Understand?”
I nodded.
“And I’ll have a relationship contract sent over to your residence immediately. Please return the signed copy as soon as possible.”
Just like that I’d been pulled back in. This was worse than just a lie with Poppy if I had to sign a contract. I couldn’t let it get that far.
Mr. Pruitt nodded and then strolled back out of the kitchen.
As soon as he was gone, Poppy elbowed me in my side. “What were you doing, purposely antagonizing him?”
“He…”
“And don’t you ever bring Brooklyn up again in front of my uncle. The last thing we need is for him to think you’re still in love with her.”
“I’ll always love Brooklyn.”
“Keep saying idiotic things like that and I’ll kill you slowly myself.”
“I’m sorry, Poppy.” I didn’t want to end up six feet under when I finally felt like I was living again. “It won’t happen again.” But only because this would be the last time I’d be seeing her before I had a way out of this shit show.
“Good boy.”
How many times was she going to make me throw up in my mouth tonight?
“Shall we get back out there?” she asked.
“Actually…you’re right. I’m completely underdressed. And we already chatted with your uncle. I should probably just head out.”
She assessed my outfit again. “You’re probably right. You’re certainly not making my ex jealous tonight.”
I’d take that as a compliment.
“But let’s go out again tomorrow night. There’s this new restaurant…”
“I have dinner plans tomorrow with a friend.” I wasn’t going to put off this dinner with Penny. I’d been putting off telling her about Brooklyn for years. Enough was enough.
