We’re at the dance floor, and he turns to face me, still not smiling. Merging with the other dancers, his palm is flat against my lower back, and our hands are clasped. I hold his shoulder, lowering my face to his broad chest as sage and citrus and sexy man-scent flood my senses.
I’m frustrated and still angry at him, but I’m relieved to see him–and I’m pissed that I’m so relieved.
“You left town without telling me.” His stern voice is at my ear, and I lift my chin, meeting his arrogance head-on.
“I didn’t know I had to check with you before I did anything.”
“I promised your uncle I’d keep you safe. How am I supposed to do that if you leave without telling me?”
“Perhaps it’s time I paid your bill. I don’t like being a prisoner.”
“You’re not a prisoner, and you’re not my client.” His warm breath tingles against my bare shoulder. “Your uncle hired me to protect you, and I never charge him for my services.”
My lips press together. He’s so fucking infuriating. Our eyes meet, and mild amusement is in his. Exhaling, I decide to make the most of his presence. After what I’ve learned from Trip, I need all the help I can get.
“How much did my uncle tell you about why he wanted us out of New York?”
“Not much. He said it was for your safety, and he made me promise to come and get you if his letter didn’t do the trick.”
That makes me laugh. “He thought I would go with you?”
“I told him you wouldn’t, but he insisted I convince you.”
“Why would he do that?” I scan the room.
“He trusted me, Blake. Don’t you think it’s time you did the same?”
My fingers tighten on the expensive fabric of his Armani suit. It’s the first time I’ve been in the city since Debbie died, and I feel like I’m clinging to the only lifeboat in a sea of sharks.
His arms are around me and the power of him seeps into me with the lyrics of the song. Lifting my face to meet his, I slowly nod my head.
Soft as butterfly wings, his lips brush the silver scar above my eyebrow, and he murmurs, “Good girl.”
Those words falling from his lips heat my blood, but it’s killed by a shrill voice calling my name.
“Blake!” My mother sways up beside us on the arm of a man I don’t recognize. “I didn’t think you were coming. Where have you been?”
“I was visiting Uncle Hugh in Hamiltown.” I hold steady as she kisses my cheek.
“Why on Earth would you go to that odd little hamlet? I’ve never understood Hugh’s fascination with it.”
“It’s our family place. It’s part of who we are.”
“Darling, I have family in the hills of West Virginia, but you don’t see me running off there.”
I swallow my annoyance, and Hutch cuts in. “I don’t know about West Virginia, but most people find Hamiltown relaxing. It’s definitely more real than New York.”
Mama’s eyes narrow at Hutch. “Hoyt's son.” She holds out her hand. “I see you’re as arrogant as ever. Are you here to tell us all what to do again?”
“I’m simply stating my opinion.” He shakes her hand briefly.
Her eyes move from him to me and back again. “You’ve always been so interested in my daughter. Are you two together?”
“We just bumped into each other,” I answer quickly.
Her gaze turns to me. “Where is your sister? Is she also in Hamiltown? Her birthday is right around the corner, and I–”
“I think we’ll spend her birthday at Uncle Hugh’s. She’s doing well there, taking pictures, staying clean. It’s a better environment for her.”
“Well, I just don’t know what to make of this.” Mama places a hand on her chest as if she’s astonished. “You girls always hated the country. You said the sound of crickets gave you the itch.”
Blinking down, I exhale a laugh. “I guess I’ve grown up since then.”
Hutch clears his throat, and my mother’s eyebrow arches. “Well, I understand grown-up feelings. Whatever makes you happy, darling. I’m leaving for Cannes in a few days. Let me know if you need anything.”
“It was nice to see you, Mrs. van Hamilton.”
“Good heavens, call me India. You’re over twenty-one.”
A flurry of air kisses, and she swirls away, leaving me as alone as I’ve ever been. For years my mother’s indifference bothered me. I longed for her approval, yet I only received criticism and dismissal for my efforts. She’s never been any help to me or any kind of role model for Hana. It’s exhausting.
Hutch takes my hand firmly in his, and I look up at my designated protector. “We have things to discuss.”
I nod slowly, allowing him to lead me away from the crowd. Maybe I’m still angry with him, and maybe we don’t see eye to eye, but it looks like trusting him is my only choice if I’m going to save us.
20
Hutch
“Where did you leave it with them?” We’re on the balcony just off the grand ballroom, and I’m listening as Blake fills in the missing details of the blackmail story.
She’s gorgeous in a sheer red floral dress with her dark hair hanging loose down her back. Two narrow strips of fabric barely cover her full breasts, and her back is completely bare to the waist. The long skirt has a high slit that shows off her shapely legs, and her beauty is intoxicating.
Her arms are crossed, and she faces the water, while I lean beside her against the railing. I want to be angry with her for skipping town, but the story she’s unfolding and what I know of my brother’s work shoves all my feelings aside.
“I haven’t replied to his texts. The number is blocked, but he’s following me. He knew I was here tonight.”
“You know it’s a male?”
“Trip seems to think it’s a man. He says it’s about Hana’s gambling debts. He said they’re after me because all our money comes from the same ‘honey pot.’”
She makes a face like she’s quoting him, and my ears perk up. It’s the same language Dirk found in the intercepted texts.
Anger tightens my jaw, and I’m ready to kick Trip’s punk ass into next week. “He knows who it is?”
“Not exactly.” Her arms drop as she exhales. “He said he can guess based on who needs money. Knowing my sister, it could be any number of people.”
“You’ll have to make a payment. How much do you have?”
“I can send twenty-five thousand.”
Nodding, I check my phone. “Dirk can trace it once you make the transfer, and he thinks this guy’s sloppy enough it’ll lead us right to him.”
“I don’t want to give them any money. I don’t believe Hana would make a porn film. My sister does a lot of things, but she wouldn’t do that.”
Her eyes flash defensively, and I look down. I won’t say what I'm thinking, since it only leads to more fighting. I don’t know what her sister might or might not do, and I’m not willing to put anything past her, especially not after all I’ve seen.