Page 203 of Burn Bright
What…is happening?
I stumble inside as Beckett shuts the door very softly. I survey my surroundings. Okay, thishasto be Beckett’s bedroom. Soothing blue tones. No clutter. Very minimalist with a desk, king-sized bed, navy-blue comforter and matching navy curtains. Both ironed to wrinkle-free perfection. The permeating cedary sage scent smells like him too.
I touchnothing.“I really have to use the bathroom,” I remind them, just so this secret rendezvous doesn’t take forever. I would rather plug the toilet than pee on Beckett’s floor. I’m standing in a potential Worst-Case Scenario right now.
“We’ll be quick,” Beckett assures, only wearing cotton pants like Charlie. I’m guessing they just woke up too.
“Has Ben told you why he’s broke yet?” Charlie questions.
“No, not really.” He’s alluded to using the money for his move, but I can’t mention this. I peer at the door. “I know we all want the same things…but I don’t like conspiring behind his back. It doesn’t feel good.”
Charlie cocks his head. “Pardon me for not caring about your feelings when my brother lost a tiny fortune either under duress or by choice.”
“He said he’s not being blackmailed,” I retort. “I already told you that.” I have yet to share Ben’s move to the wilderness. It’s too big of a betrayal. I’m almost positive he will cut me out of his life. Never speak to me again. It’s a secret he wants kept so badly, his heartraceswhen he even mentions portions of it.
“She can’t rat him out,” Beckett reminds Charlie. “If he can’t trust her anymore, he’ll push us all away, and that’s not what we want.”
Charlie rolls his eyes, tugging at his hair.
“We will lose him, Charlie, if he loses her.”
“We don’t know that for certain.”
“I’m not willing to risk it,” Beckett says smoothly, then nods to me. “Don’t tell us more than you can, but please, if you ever get the feeling—even if it’s so small—that he might be in trouble, come to us.”
“I will,” I nod.
Ben is moving to a remote location. It’s not like he’s decided to jump off a cliff and drown. I’m sure once he’s there, he’ll write to his family and let them know his address. Then maybe he’ll find a satellite phone and be able to call with updates. Or even a café with Wi-Fi.
Anyway, there is such a great chance Ben won’t even move anymore. He’s delaying his plans for longer and longer, and what if he just scraps them altogether?
“Toilet paper?” Beckett asks.
I nod, about to follow him out.
Then Charlie says, “Offering any more blow jobs these days?”
47
HARRIET FISHER
Ifreeze. Beckett’s intense gaze drops to me, like he’s gauging my reaction. Is he concerned I might be a cheater? Face on fire, I can’t look at him. It’s much easier to turn to Charlie. “Yeah, to your brother.Ben.You want to know if I made him come, too?”
Charlie just arches a brow at Beckett, who asks me calmly, “Does your college provide counseling?”
I tense, not expecting that question at all. “Yeah, but it’s not free.”
“You don’t have health insurance?” Charlie probes now.
“Through MVU, but it’s basic. Therapy isn’t covered. It’s way out of my budget.”
“Your boyfriend can pay for it. Oh wait.” Charlie lifts his brows. “He’s broke.”
I glower, not loving his sarcasm when the salty shots are aimed at Ben.
Beckett grabs his phone off his desk. “I can transfer you some cash?—”
“No,” I interject, wide-eyed.
