“So it’s your town now?” I can’t decide if I’m shocked or pissed. “I thought you despised all forms of pretense, town ownership.”

  “It’s not a pretense. It’s the truth.”

  We’re at the door of Uncle Hugh’s home, and I grab the handle before the truck is fully stopped. “You don't have to worry about my sister interfering with your family or sullying your good name in our town. Goodnight, Mr. Winston.”

  Pushing out of the truck, I slam the door of the cab, storming to the front door.

  I hear the sound of his voice briefly, but I’m not interested. I’m in the house, locking the door and my heart before he exits the driveway.

  16

  Hutch

  Slamming the door to my bedroom, I wince, remembering it’s a Thursday night, and I’m not the only one in the house. I reopen it and listen for sounds of Pepper. After several seconds of silence, I close it again quietly.

  My jaw is tight. Hell, my entire body is tight. I don’t know how we went from that fucking heaven to the pit of hell so fast.

  It’s a lie. I know how. I’ve known from the start this was a bad idea. Blake is stuck in a reality where her sister is the victim with no agency. She sees Hana as a little girl locked in a room of abuse she can’t escape.

  It’s not true, and it enables her to keep doing what she apparently always does, which is whatever the fuck she wants, and Blake cleans up the mess. It’s fucking infuriating, but I wouldn’t be giving a shit if I hadn’t started to care so much for Blake.

  She’s under my skin, dammit. She’s been under my skin since I saw that fucking magazine spread with her breasts wet and barely covered, her pillow lips parted, and her silver-blue eyes saying fuck me through the pages.

  I answered that call too many times. Now I’m the one getting fucked.

  Scrubbing my hands in my hair, my face lowers, and I catch a whiff of roses on my shirt.

  “God dammit,” I growl, ripping the garment over my head and throwing it across the room.

  Hugh did this to me. He’s been playing these games with me for years, sending me to check on her, sending me her photographs. Now he’s put me in this position, where I have to stay near her to keep her safe. I walked right into his plan.

  I’d be raging if it weren’t for that damn ledger, if it weren’t for what Blake told me about Victor stealing from her father’s estate, if it weren’t for that dead body. They’re the only things keeping this real and not just a fucking matchmaking plot orchestrated by her uncle.

  What Hugh doesn’t know is I’m through with the games. I’ll find out what happened to his niece's inheritance, to his nephew’s estate, and then I’m out. Walking away. No more.

  Blake van Hamilton can have her life in New York where she’s always looking over her shoulder and pretending to be happy. She can enable her codependent little sister as much as she wants. I’m done trying to save her.

  I’m tense and angry as I rip back the blankets and climb into bed. For a long time I toss and turn in the sheets–which also smell faintly of roses, dammit–before finally, sometime after two a.m., I slip exhausted into a restless sleep.

  Somebody’s got something on Hana. Dirk’s text is the first thing I see when I open my eyes to the blazing dawn.

  “Tell me something that won’t surprise me,” I mutter, sitting up slowly and rubbing my face. I feel hungover, then I see the clock. “Shit.”

  Throwing back the covers, I hit the shower. It’s after nine again, and I forgot to set my damn alarm again. I missed seeing Pepper off to school–again–now I’ll have to face Scar’s judgmental smirk at the office. Again.

  I’ve turned into a model slacker since Blake entered my life.

  The anger I brought to bed with me returns full force, and I’m out the door in less than ten minutes this time.

  “Not so relaxed today.” Scar squints at me. “Still look like you didn’t sleep, though.”

  “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll drop it.”

  “Is that a threat?” His expression is somewhere between amused and ready to kick my ass.

  “I’m saying I don’t want to talk about it.” Scar and I are an equal match, but with the level of pissed-offedness I’m feeling right now, I’m pretty sure I could take him.

  Still, fighting with my best partner is the worst form of unprofessionalism–right up there with fucking the woman I’ve been hired to protect.

  “What do you know about this text from Dirk?” If anyone will get to the bottom of this shit, it’s Scar.

  “I didn’t get a text from Dirk.”

  “He sent it at around four a.m. Probably wanted to let you sleep.” Passing him my phone, I glance over at my brother’s empty desk.

  I need to know what he’s discovered, but if I know Dirk, he’s just closing his eyes.

  “Let’s go.” Scar is on his feet, and I figured this would happen.

  Without looking back, he grabs his keys, and we head for the door.

  My brother’s place is on the outskirts of town, set back in the woods. He bought an old garment factory, and while the first floor is abandoned ruins, he fixed up the second floor into a three-thousand square-foot loft apartment. He says he’ll do the rest at some point.

  We enter through the wooden double-doors, sliding them open and leaving them open as we pass a wall of cloudy windows to a wooden staircase at the back wall.

  “You got a key?” Scar glances back at me as he jogs up the wooden stairs to the second level.

  “Pretty sure he doesn’t lock it.” My boots scuff on the old steps as I follow him.

  I’m right. The heavy wooden door opens easily when he turns the handle.

  “Dirk?” I call, but the lights are all off.

  We walk into the front part of the studio, which is designed to be a living room. A kitchen and dining area are in the center, and all the way in the curtained-off back corner, my brother is facedown on a king-sized bed.

  He’s not snoring, but he’s breathing loud when Scar jerks back the heavy curtains covering the massive windows. Sunlight bathes the entire space, and Dirk lets out a low groan before rolling over. “I’m going to kick your ass.”

  “Vampire,” Scar growls. “Somebody’s going to come in here and stake you one of these days.”

  “Not in wholesome Hamiltown.” He rubs his eyes, yawning.

  The hair on the back of his head is scrubbed into a little nest, and for a second, I remember when we were kids, how protective I always felt towards him. My chest tightens, and I push back on that damn nostalgia. I’m not letting it change how I feel about Blake. She’s wrong.

  Hana needs to grow up and get help, and she’s not going to do it with her sister bailing her ass out all the time.

  “What’s this shit about Hana?” Scar’s voice is fierce, and I glance at him, wondering how he’s planning to handle the problem.

  Dirk clears his throat, standing and scratching his butt through his boxer briefs as he walks towards the kitchen. “Last time I text your ass in the middle of the night.”

  “I didn’t know it was private.” I follow him to the sink.

  “It’s not private, but it’s not on fire either. You could’ve let me get a few hours sleep.”

  He turns on the water, filling a kettle before putting it on the stove. We’re waiting, arms crossed as he grabs his iPad pro. “I’ve been tracking this guy Ivanov.”

  “One of the guys from the ledger?”

  “A relative, I think. He’s into horses and strippers. And porn.”

  Scar’s arms lower, and his fists clench. “Go on.”

  “He’s pretty sloppy at securing his data. I found chatter between him and this other guy Sidorov about throwing a loop over a honey pot. Instead of names, they’re Honey and Black. I’m pretty sure Honey is Hana.” He swipes across the screen, showing us the texts. “They think they can get Black to pay them to kill an mp4 labeled with the initials 3L.”

  Protective rage surges in my chest. “You think Black is Blake?”

  “It fits, right?” Dirk blinks up at me. “Two rich socialites, one a bit of a loose cannon with a lot of gambling debts.”

  “You think it’s a porn film?”

  “Licking Lady Liberty?” He arches an eyebrow. “I don’t know what else it could be. I’ve been trying to access this file, but whoever encrypted it knows what they’re doing.”

  “Is that everything?” Anger tightens my throat, and I’m ready to hunt down this Ivanov asshole.

  “It looks like he’s made contact with Black, but she’s not playing ball. I don’t know what their threats are, but I’d be willing to bet they’re bearing down hard. They’re hoping for half a mil from her.”

  “Must be a pretty sick porno.”

  “Or something they don’t want all over the media.”

  “Mother fuckers,” Scar exhales a hot breath. “I want to know who these assholes are, where they live.”

  Dirk turns serious eyes on me. “Has Blake said anything to you about it?”

  “No.” I’m pissed someone’s threatening her, and I’m more pissed she didn’t tell me.

  On top of that, I’m pissed my first thought is Nobody fucks with my girl, especially after my decision last night.

  “That’s all I got.” Dirk pours boiling water over coffee grounds. “I plan to spend today tracking down more info on who this Ivanov might be.”

  “Let’s get started.” Scar pulls out a chair. “I’ll help you search.”

  “I’m going to start at Hugh’s place.” Taking his keys, I head for the door. “It’s possible the answer might have come to us.”

  Even if it hasn’t, Blake is going to tell me what the hell she’s hiding.

  17

  Blake

  “Where did you get it, Hana?” My sister’s blue eyes open slowly, and she frowns up at me.

  “What time is it?” Pushing off her pillow, she digs out her phone.

  “Time to get up and start telling me the truth. I can’t believe I thought you’d changed.”

  After storming into the house last night, I went straight to my sister’s empty room and began searching. I pulled out every drawer in her lingerie chest, searching the spaces between the drawers as well as the contents. Nothing.

  I opened and inspected every container in her cosmetics bag and her toiletries case. I opened every book, shaking them so the bookmarks and pressed flowers fell out onto the desk. I didn’t find any drugs or paraphernalia, so I sat on her bed fuming, waiting for her to appear.

  Finally, when she still wasn’t home after midnight, I gave up and went to my room where I punched on my pillow several times, pretending it was him. Then I pulled it to my chest and hugged it as angry tears coated my cheeks.

  How dare he be right? How dare she make him right? I look like a fucking fool. After a long time, sleep took me away from the pain and frustration.

  Now I feel torn and shaky. I’m tired of carrying this burden alone. I’m pissed that Hutch would judge my sister, and I’m annoyed that he might be right.

  Either way, I’m not letting her do this again. I’m still trying to put out her last fire.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She flops back against the headboard. “Go away and let me sleep.”

  “Hutch said you were out with Trip two nights ago. He said you were high. Is that true?”

  Her dark brow furrows, and she lifts her thumb to her mouth, chewing on her cuticle. “Did I see Hutch two nights ago?”

  Reaching out, I grab her hand and pull it down to her lap. “We’ve had dinner at his house every night since we’ve been here.”

  Her pink lips pout, and she rolls her eyes towards the window. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Who gave you drugs? Was it Trip?”

  “I don’t remember.” She shifts her body away from me, pulling the blankets over her shoulder.

  I’m so not in the mood for this act. Reaching for her shoulder, I pull her over to face me. “You can’t keep doing this, Hana. You’ve got to take responsibility for your life and start acting like an adult.”

  “What does that mean? Acting like an adult.” Her voice rises. “Who gives a shit what we do?”

  “I give a shit. I want your life to have meaning. You have talents. Find a way to use them to contribute or at least to find happiness.”

  “That’s what I’m trying to do. What are you doing?”

  My head hurts. My heart hurts, and I’m so tired. “You have no idea what all I do.”

  “You have no idea what I do.” She turns away again, and I don’t pull her back or try to engage anymore.

  There’s no joy in protecting her.

  Leaving the room, I walk down the hall to the main house. I’m so tired, and I have no one to lean on. I’ve lost the one person I could maybe go to for help. Now I’m facing a blackmail deadline and the very real possibility my sister might never get better.

  I’m not ready to give up, but this ache in my chest is so strong.

  Rubbing my hand over my forehead, I’m considering going back to bed when I see the light on in Uncle Hugh’s office. My brow furrows, and the low tone of male voices drifts to me. Hope squeezes my chest, and I break into a short trot.

  Is it possible–is he back? Oh, God, it’s exactly the help I need. I round the corner then skid to a stop, ice replacing the hope in my veins.

  “It’s all law books and leather-bound classics.” Trip leans against the desk holding a copy of Great Expectations. “You’re wasting your time. Hello, B.”

  “Trip.” I’m breathless from my jog. “What are you doing here? Where’s Norris?”

  “We let ourselves in.” Greg levels his gaze on me in a way that makes my heart beat faster.

  “Why?” My eyes go from him to Trip, who breaks into that casual grin.

  “Just looking for a book. What’s your favorite Dickens?” His eyebrow arches. “I like the one with Pip. He finds out the person helping him is also a convict.”

  “I don’t have a favorite.” The pity party consuming my mind is gone, and I’m back to the bad bitch who protects her family. “You’re not to be in here. It’s my uncle’s private office.”

  Greg steps between us, and his tone is sharp. “Tell me, Blake, where is your uncle again?”

  “I told you, he’s visiting friends.”

  “Yet he invited you and Hana here for a visit. Why would he do that if he planned to be gone?”

  “Maybe we got our dates crossed.”

  “I don’t think you did.” Greg steps closer, and his black eyes sear into mine.

  I don’t know what he’s looking for, but the scar tingling above my eyebrow reminds me I’m not intimidated by bullies. “I don’t care what you think.”

  Trip stands, but Greg doesn’t move. His eyes go from my face to my uncle’s disheveled desk and back to me again before he blinks. “Your uncle has something that belongs to me.”

  Pulling my chin back, I try to think. “Does my uncle even know you?”

  “That’s a good question.” He watches me, waiting, and the skin on my neck tightens.

  “You think I know what you’re talking about?”

  “Do you?”

  Huffing a laugh, I shake my head. “This is bullshit. Tell me what you’re looking for, and perhaps Norris can help us find it.”

  “I’m not talking to Norris.”

  Trip interrupts with his usual nonchalance. “Here’s the mystery I want solved. What’s up with you and the big guy? How long has that been going on?”

  I blink away from Greg’s persistent stare. “Nothing is going on with Hutch. He’s a friend of my uncle’s. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”

  “Don’t lie to me, old chap.” Pushing off the desk, he wraps an arm around my shoulders, guiding me to the door. “Has the town detective taken you behind the barn yet?”

  My cheeks heat, and I shrug out of his embrace. “I’m on my way to the kitchen for coffee. Would you join me?”

  “No thanks.” Greg’s shoulders relax, but his eyes are still cold. Walking to the door, he hesitates beside Trip. “We’re heading back to New York. Now.”

  “Ah, yes. The gala.” Trip shoves his hands in his pockets and turns to follow his friend. “I guess this is au revoir, B. You and Hana will be missed.”

  Greg Peters is not getting off that easily. He’s up to something, and I intend to find out what it is and what it has to do with my uncle.

  Squaring my shoulders, I follow them out into the hall. “I’ve decided to go to the gala. I just need to pack a bag.”

  “Make it quick.” Greg doesn’t turn. “We’re leaving in twenty minutes.”

  “I’ll be ready in ten.”

  18

  Hutch

  Hana’s in the kitchen when I use my key to enter. Our eyes meet, and she gives me a careful smile. “It’s like you live here or something.”

  Her voice is soft, and she sips a mug of what I presume is coffee. It could be anything.

  “Your uncle gave me a key.” My focus is on finding Blake, and I quickly scan the room to find us alone.

  “It’s kind of crazy how he disappeared like that. Any idea where he went?”

  “None.” I don’t have time to hang out and chat.

  I start for the door when she puts her mug down, standing straighter. “I got some cute shots of you and Pepper last night. I’ll run them by your house when she gets home from school.”

  My conversation with her sister is on my mind. She must read it on my face, because she quickly adds. “Or at dinner. If we’re still doing that, I mean.”

  “Of course. Lurlene is expecting you.”

  She nods, looking down before quietly adding, “She’s a really great kid. ”

  “I think she is. Thanks.”

  “My life went to shit after my dad died.” Her voice drops. “She’s lucky to have you.”