Page 64 of Die for You
“You don’t have to worry about them anymore,” Damien growls.
Finn’s palm lands on the small of my back. He breathes a low, ruthless vow that sounds more like a curse. “Ever. Again.”
With the Devils at my side, I can face them. I can feel safe. I can do anything.
The fear and nerves ebb away, and I straighten my spine. I don’t drop my gaze as they approach, and I don’t cower. I don’t plan to ever cower from anyone ever again.
Jeremiah and his father stop a few feet away while Barb continues to approach. At least the two men are smart enough to know when they’re outnumbered. And more importantly, who outnumbers them.
Barb digs in her purse and pulls out a folded piece of paper before clutching it to her chest, her bracelets jangling. “I tried calling.”
“I know.”
She should know why I never answered. Never bothered to listen to her voicemails. I didn’t need to hear her excuses for her son.
“I wanted to apologize. For what’s been happening.” She thrusts the paper into my hands.
When I unfold it, my eyes gloss over at the endless rows of numbers. “What is this?”
Her lips purse. “Jeremiah’s inheritance. If he comes anywhere near you again, it’s yours.”
“Mom—” Jeremiah steps forward, eyes round with horror, but his father presses a hand to his chest.
“Jesus.” Damien points to the sum on the bank statement.
Five hundredthousanddollars.
Oh mygod. No wonder Jeremiah looks like his mother just offered to castrate him and serve his balls up on a platter. I can’t even imagine what life would be like with this kind of money. And it’s just sitting in an account, waiting for him.
I clench my teeth. He’s so lucky, so beyond blessed, and he doesn’t appreciate any of it. He has absolutely no clue how good he has it.
“Am I supposed to just believe you?” I shove the piece of paper back to her because that’s all it is. A piece of paper and empty promises. Nothing more.
I was never anything remotely close to a daughter to Barb. Jeremiah is her only child, her pride and joy, her golden boy who can do no wrong. Does she honestly think I’m supposed to believe that she’s willing to givemethe fortune she saved for her perfect son?
“He’ll be moving back home. In the past year, he has been publicly obliterated by the press, dismissed from the NHL, and arrested for breaking and entering. He’s been an embarrassment to this family, and it ends now.” Barb stuffs the statement back in her purse and straightens her shoulders. Somehow, she seems completely sincere. Barb has a tell that I memorized during the year I lived with them. A quirk to her lips every time she lies. She lied a lot, always to make her and her family look better. But right now, she’s all business. “I’m happy to have my lawyers draw up a contract for us. We can have it in writing and notarized, if that gives you peace of mind.”
“Barb—” Now even Jeremiah’s father is protesting. He didn’t think she actually meant it either. He’s just as horrified as his son. I can’t imagine how many years they spent accumulating that sum for their son, only to turn around and promise it to his ex-girlfriend if he steps out of line again.
“You can’t do this!” Jeremiah’s hands land on his head. He’d be squeezing his mom’s shoulder to reason with her, but he can’t get close to me anymore.
But Barb holds up her hand, silencing them both. We all know who’s in control in their house. “Enough. Aurora? How would you like to proceed? I can have my lawyers send over a draft to you tomorrow.”
I glance at the Devils, but none of them offer any input. Because even if they challenge me and push me, they don’t try to control me. Everything is my choice, my decision, on my terms.
Finally, I’m the one in control. I’m the one calling the shots. For the first time in my life.
“So if he violates the protective order, the money is mine?” I don’t want her money. I want nothing to do with any of them anymore.
But the threat of losing his inheritance is enough to terrify Jeremiah. Money is his only true love.
Barb nods. “We would wire the money to your account the next day. And our son would be cut off.”
Jeremiah hisses an expletive beneath his breath, spinning on his heel and bracing both hands on the back of his head as he attempts to cool off.
Maybe I misjudged Barb. Or maybe I just don’t know her as well as I thought I did.
This is the last time I’ll ever have to see Jeremiah. I can’t help the grin that spreads so wide, my cheeks hurt. “Deal.”
