Page 45 of Wicked Rush

“How much have you told him?”

“Not much.” Her eyes met his, and she forced the truth from her mouth. “He doesn’t know about you, if that’s what you’re asking. He has no idea that you’re involved. Or how I got myself into this situation.”

“The data?”

“He knows there’s something I’m trying to steal back from Bart-Aqua. He knows that Giordano came to see me at my house, but doesn’t know he is my uncle.”

“What are you talking about, he came to see you?” His voice was edged with concern.

“When I drove back to my house this morning, he and Shane…they were waiting for me.”

“What happened?” Garrett’s eyes softened.

“He…well, you probably can’t see my bruise. It’s dark in here. I tried covering it.” She licked her bottom lip, recalling the pain as he’d hit her. “He killed my cat.”

“Jesus Christ,” Garrett growled. “I’m sorry, Braelynn. All I can tell you is that you’ve never been truly alone in this. I’d never put you in real danger. But you know the data…it could be given to our enemies. Our national security is at risk.”

“No real danger? Are you kidding? I was shot!” she spat. “You can’t protect me. The police can’t protect me. No one can. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. It will all be worth it once that piece of shit can’t sell this information, even better when he rots in jail. But I’m right about this much; as long as he’s alive and out of jail, I’ll never be safe. Not here. Not on the east coast either.” She sighed, resigned to her future. “I need to leave the country. I figure his reach will be limited to the States.”

“We’ll help you relocate,” he assured her.

“Garrett, I’m here tonight because I couldn’t take going in the office today. And Lars wants me here. He’s, uh,” she took a deep breath and gave a ragged exhale, “he’s never going to forgive me.”

“Lars is one of my best friends. If he trusts you enough to bring you here, that says something.” Garrett gave a wave to a group of girls calling his name, but immediately refocused on Braelynn. “I’ll admit. I’m starting to question your involvement in this whole thing.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” she pleaded.

“Just know this. You may feel alone, but you aren’t. Tomorrow, get the data and bring it to Emerson Industries.” Garrett rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, and continued. “As for Lars, what happens after tomorrow? It’s too soon to say.”

“I’d love to fantasize about a happy ending but we both know that isn’t happening.” Braelynn sucked in the emotion overwhelming her ability to think. The loss of Lars and her home would crush her, yet she couldn’t fathom any other outcome. “Just please…after I do this. Please let me be the one to tell him.”

“We’re in this together. He’s going to be pissed at me too. But neither of us can tell him. Top secret information comes before friendships. It isn’t even a consideration. But I’ve known Lars for a long time. He’d be in agreement. He’ll forgive you.”

“I think you underestimate his reaction.” Braelynn smiled to Lars as he approached, noting that several women stopped to stare as he pressed through the crowd. The man was sex personified. A pang of jealousy was interrupted by the brush of Garrett’s hand to her forearm.

“Braelynn. You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.” Garrett nodded to a group of men calling to him through the curtain. “But tomorrow, let’s get this done. We’ll have an exit strategy planned. Just get the data to Emerson. If for some reason you can’t get to us, we’ll come to you, but you have to be off your uncle’s compound. That’s the one place I can’t go.”

“Tomorrow,” Braelynn repeated, nausea rising in her throat.

“Everything okay?” Lars asked, approaching from behind.

His smooth voice wrapped around Braelynn, comforting her, and she instinctively reached for him. He embraced her small frame, brushing his hand over her head. Braelynn clutched at Lars, but quickly released her hold, afraid he’d suspect something was wrong.

“I’m fine,” she answered, pressing her lips together tightly.

“You sure?” Lars pinned his attention on Garrett.

“Yes, of course. It’s a beautiful party. I think maybe I just need to get some air.” She coughed. “This fog…I can’t breathe.”

“We’ve got some food and blankets outside,” Garrett offered, ushering them toward the exit. “It’s set up for the show.”

“Outside?” she asked. Confusion swept through Braelynn, and she glanced to the dance floor, noting the partygoers had cleared.

“A special treat,” Lars promised, giving Garrett a broad grin.

“He’s right. Go enjoy the evening.”

Braelynn returned Garrett’s smile, unable to tell if he was serious.