“I understand.” The idea of reliving any of it makes me want to squirm with discomfort. “Whatever you need.”
When I get back in my car, I can’t help how my shoulders slump. At a minimum, Dalton will have me over a barrel for weeks or months. If Weston can’t do it, I’m not sure where I go next. At least I’ve taken a step, a stand. I’m not rolling over without trying anything.
No matter what, I won’t become the pliable mound of dough Dalton molded to his liking the first time. I’ve learned my lesson about holding my shape—I know who I am and what I want.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Logan
“Hey, Tamiko,” I say before I leave our weekly briefing about my press appearances, which includes a list of talking points for interviews. Any questions about a trade, and I’m supposed to fluff them off, which is the approach I’d prefer to take, so at least I’m on the same wavelength as team communications. “If I had a problem I need fixed, who do I go to?”
“Me, silly,” she says with a laugh.
“I don’t think this is the kind of problem you’d want to deal with.”
“Is it illegal?”
I just look at her and wait.
“Fuck, do you need a lawyer?”
“Not yet, but I might if I can’t get a handle on Dalton Worthington.”
“Dalton? Is this about the trade?”
“It is not.”
She gives me an assessing look. “He’s so suave I knew there had to be a dark side. Was he a dick to Sawyer?”
“I just need to know how I can deal with him in a way that won’t getmein trouble. And, I’m sure it goes without saying, we never had this conversation.”
“If wewerehaving this conversation I’d tell you the only person on the island with enough clout to deal with Dalton in any real way is Celia Tucker. But,” she says with a warning glance, “if we were really having this conversation I wouldneversuggest Celia.”
“Because Sawyer isn’t speaking to her?”
“Only Ava is speaking to her, and I honestly think that’s probably more about the fact that Ava has a kidney Celia might need. Brutal, but true. Ava’s never been the favorite, but she is now. The two of them are thick as thieves.”
“If Celia can help Sawyer—”
“Sawyer may not forgive you. If you knew the family history, you’d know.”
“She’s told me some of it.”
“It’s not even just the family history. Celia is notorious around the island. Her help comes with strings. Honestly, I might go so far as to say concrete shoes. It might seem like the kind of help you want, but what you end up owing her might be a lot.”
“Other than Celia, then?” I ask.
“King Alexander. That’s the kind of weight you need. Devious or really fucking powerful. Last I heard, the king’s not available unless it’s an emergency. This second pregnancy is apparently kicking Queen Aurora’s ass, and there is no one in the world that man loves more than his wife. It’s hisonlyendearing quality.”
That makes me laugh. Having met King Alexander a few times, I didn’t mind the arrogant directness all that much.He’s a fuckingking—might as well own the wealth, power, and entitlement.
“Dalton’s not going to risk his political career. He campaignedhardto get a seat on the Advisory Council. People want to be on the council for two reasons: wealth or altruism. He’s the first one, I’m sure. As long as you two avoid him, whatever it is will blow over.”
I grab the door handle and take a deep breath. Under normal circumstances, that might be true. But if I get traded, he tries to blackmail Sawyer, and I didn’t doeverythingin my power to stop that before I leave, I’d never forgive myself. She deserves her freedom from that prick.
“Just remember after the game,” Tamiko says when I open the door, “that we’re not commenting on trade rumors.”
“I heard you.” But I’m not sure I’m going to listen.
