Page 18 of Dirty Secret Love

“So according to them, you just wreaked havoc, huh?” I tease.

“We did, darling. Remember, we’re in this together.”

Arching a brow, I venture, “Somehow, I think this date isn’t going to be exactly a date. And the fake engagement is just temporary, so you might be going overboard.”

“Oh it’s a preventive tactic. We’re crossing all the t’s and dotting all the i’s,” he replies, his focus doesn’t move, just like his triumphant grin. Without warning, he pulls over next to a sleek black SUV with tinted windows. “Let’s get out.”

“What are we doing here, in the middle of nowhere? Is there where you kidnap me and ask for a ransom?” I ask half-jokingly. In fact, I’m really concerned about this stop. It’s feels like we’re in the middle of a thriller movie—or a book—escaping from someone.

He laughs, though there’s an underlying seriousness to his tone. “That would be stupid since your parents’ bank account is in the red, and their debt is almost as big as the National Debt.”

My eyes widen slightly, taken aback “How do you know that?”

“Cal had his friend, Ansel, look into it,” he states, and I pay more attention since he’s mentioning one of the CQS agents who lives on the outskirts of town. “It was to give us an idea of how long they’ll stay in town.”

“My parents are really broke?”I repeat, a knot of disbelief forming in my stomach. “As in they’re-never-leaving-town broke?”

“Yes, they have serious money problems,” he confirms. “Let’s get out of the car. I promise to tell you everything once we settle in.”

I lean closer, aiming for playful, even with the anxiety bubbling within. I’m in denial. My parents are never going to leave. What if I buy their house and pretend they won some prize or that the bank made a mistake?If I recall my earlier conversation with Mom, she’s in denial. She’ll believe anything I say, won’t she?

“Sutton, it’s time to go,” River repeats.

“Are you taking me to some remote island where I can avoid my parents for the rest of my life,” I joke, but actually, I’m hoping there’s some truth to it.

He’ll be away from whatever is keeping him in Heartwood Lake, and I can calm myself down knowing I don’t have to deal with my mother and father.

He scoffs. “Darling, nothing would make me happier than to ensure you’re not stressed by your parents. Unfortunately, I can’t leave the town. But I assure you, we’ll figure out some way to keep them away from you.”

Despite my worry, I can’t help but smile back. As he reaches over to open the door for me, I pause for a second, but then decide to trust him. I walk toward the other car and when I climb inside, Callahan is in the driver’s seat. “Evening, Miss Asher.”

Offering a guarded nod, I reply, “Callahan.” I jolt when the door closes, leaving me alone with him.

His eyes meet mine, his expression unreadable. “You know, there’s something I’ve been wondering about since we ran a background check on you and your family.”

“Oh?”

“With the resources at your disposal, you could’ve easily moved elsewhere, started fresh. Why stay and work in that old library? It would’ve made things simpler for all of us.”

Drawing a steadying breath, I reply, “This is my home. My family lives here.”

“I thought you were avoiding your family.”

“I’m talking about Jez, Regina, and Wren. They won’t leave with me, so I’ll stay with them.”

“Loyal, I like it.” He smirks, the comment seemingly amusing to him. “This might end in tragedy, though. I hope you’re okay with that.”

His words give me pause, but my answer is immediate. “Then, why are you helping us if you don’t believe in it?”

His gaze flits to River, who’s standing outside, lost in thought. “I’m doing it for him,” he says simply. “I haven’t seen him care about much since he was sixteen. That’s the only reason my brothers and I agreed to this. Also, Wren and Drake said you’re a good person. Scatterbrained, maybe, but kind-hearted.”

Moved, I offer a tentative smile.”Thank you for helping.”

Cal offers a mock salute, then steps out, exchanging brief words with River and exchanging keys.

River slips into the seat next to me, a questioning look on his face. “What did he want?”

Shrugging playfully, I answer, “Not sure, to warn me?”

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