Regina leans back in her chair and purses her lips. “You say that, but he’s a loose end.” She points at Jeremy, and Jeremy looks like he might be sick.
Ryan grunts in agreement.
Fear prickles through my system, and I hear roaring in my ears as my body shifts to fight-or-flight mode.
I know what she’s suggesting. I know what Ryan wants to do. It’s the outcome I have to avoid at all costs. I start to stand, but Sabrina’s voice stops me.
“He’s harmless.” Sabrina waves her hand dismissively. “Just make him sign an NDA.” She gives me and Jeremy a cool look, and I have to admit that if I didn’t know her, I’d think she was a heartless socialite like the rest of them. But her suggestion is perfect, and I lean into with a renewed sense of determination.
“Yeah,” I scoff. “No need to go all mafia on the kid.”
Ryan is still staring at Jeremy, his gaze calculating. “Jeremy Hart,” he says sternly, and Jeremy’s whole body stiffens. “I knew your parents. Do you remember me?”
I glance at Jeremy. When he raises his gaze to look at Ryan, the only emotion reflected there is raw hatred. “Yes,” he says stiffly. “I didn’t at first, but now I know who you are.”
“Sad what happened to them, wasn’t it? Pity if that were to happen to you too.”
Oh my God. I was right all along. Jeremy’s parents were the board members.In that moment, I know that Jeremy may never forgive me for this. For not saying anything.
Jeremy swallows, and in the impending silence, the sound isso loud. But he seems to steel himself after a moment. “Give me the NDA. I won’t say anything.”
“And you’ll stay away from Marcus?”
“Yes, I’ll stay away.”
Fuck, this hurts.
Ryan walks around the table and squats down so that he’s eye level with Jeremy. He pinches his chin roughly and gives him a disgusted look. “I just want you to know that you’re revolting. You remind me of my son.”
Jeremy glares at him, rage pouring off his body in palpable waves. It takes all my willpower not to rip him away from Jeremy and strangle him with my bare hands. But I have to stay calm. There’s too much at stake.
Fuck.
I should have stayed away from him At least until the pub was secure in John’s hands and I was free of Skynet. At least until Ryan was arrested. I fucked everything up.
“Don’t you have an aunt in Oregon?” Ryan asks, almost taunting. “Might be time to visit her for a while.” He stands and nods at Regina. “Get him out of here and have Stacy draw up the NDA.”
Regina walks to the door. “C’mon, lover boy.”
Jeremy pushes to his feet, his face back to blank.
He doesn’t look at Sabrina. He doesn’t look at me.
He just leaves.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
JEREMY
Idon’t remember signing anything or leaving the building. I don’t remember the taxi ride back to my apartment. But now I’m standing in front of the door.
I’m numb. So numb.
It was Ryan.
He was the person who would visit our house when I was little.
I think he’s the person who orchestrated my parents’ car wreck.
