What papers?
He didn’t know? Her heart warmed. She’d known deep in her bones that he would never have signed those papers if he’d known what they were, but faced with his scrawled signature, she’d had doubts. They’d discuss that later.
Spencer gave an ultimatum.
???
She caught Forest’s guarded expression. The bright sunlight glinted off his hair, making it gleam in the late morning sun. What a man Forest had become. Only she remembered the broken boy weeping on the concrete floor.
Forest spoke into his phone as he continued his circuit around her position. He gave a slow nod, letting her know she was not alone. It was the strength she needed to tell Ash the truth.
Clark Preston was my foster father. He raped me the first night I entered his home. Bean arrived a few months later. He abused Bean, too. Then, it got worse.
Her phone beeped.
Oh, Skye…
She continued.He trained me, and eventually, he sold me to those who would pay.
How old?
She was twelve at the time, but she wasn’t willing to discuss that yet.
You asked me not to hold your past against you. I’m asking the same of you.
I’d never do that.
If he only knew…
Ash continued.I love you.
His message couldn’t be clearer.
Spencer's going to the press. That text was meant for Bean. I was trying to warn him.
What happened to Clark Preston?
I killed him, but there was no way she would send that in another text.
Forest’s circling stopped. His brows knit together as he whispered urgently into his phone. Likely, he was deep in conversation with their army of lawyers, lining up a strategy to deal with Spencer's attack. She didn’t envy Forest’s task of dealing with the media circus.
He shielded his eyes from the overhead sun and took up his pacing once more. Her heart was breaking, but at least Ash was still texting.
Tell me.
I pleaded self-defense and changed my name.
What does Spencer hope to gain?
I haven’t told you everything.
I don’t understand.
Spencer wants my money.
Ash’s response bleeped.I don’t understand.
Ash had millions, but she and Forest had a hundred times more.
