Page 112 of Unleashed
My burner phone rings on the bedside table just as I'm straightening my dress in the mirror. I dive for it.
"Hi," I say, almost breathless.
"Harper, I'm sorry I got caught up in meetings with investors. I told Hudson I was coming over, but I won’t be able to now." Gianna's voice is smooth. "I'm going to send you a secure drive. Go ahead and upload anything you have for me. I'd like to see those sale documents you mentioned."
I swallow. "Hudson printed them out. But sure. I can upload them."
So the whole thirty minutes of Hudson fighting a printer, and then having to hold my phone hostage for ten minutes while he set up the printing app, was pointless. Luckily, I put it in do not disturb and locked everything down, so he can’t snoop.
"Very good. Thank you, Harper." A pause. "Are you still engaged to that twatass?"
I bark out a laugh. "Yep. Very much so."
"Silly girl. You'll come to your senses soon. You know he's slept with half of LA, right? Make sure you have condoms."
God.
"Don't worry about me, Gianna. I know what I'm doing."
"I hope so." She doesn't sound convinced.
I continue, "I might have some more updates for you soon. I'm heading back to New Falls tomorrow."
I'm not telling her that Ace has her brother's killer. Not until the Sterlings give me the green light.
"I'd also like some intel on the Sterling brothers," Gianna asks.
My heart rate doubles in a second. I press my palm flat against the dresser to steady myself.
"They own the biggest ranch in New Falls. There isn't much to know about them; they keep to themselves."
Gianna laughs. "Oh, sweet Harper. You have a lot to learn. There's a reason I can't step foot in Arizona without getting my head blown off. It's those brothers. Hence why I'm asking for intel. The fact that the sale was forged gives me enough to know I need to dig deeper." She pauses. "I really want a meeting with Hunter."
My eyes go wide. "I'll see what I can do. Leave it with me."
My palms are slick.
"Thank you. I'm their enemy's enemy. I think if you can get me a meeting, I can be very persuasive. Men seem to take well to me."
I bet they do. She's hypnotizing. But that isn't going to work on the Sterling brothers. Especially not Hunter.
Then again, I have a feeling Gianna's evil streak runs deeper than anything I've seen so far. And I've only been shown what she wants me to see.
We say goodbye, and I cut the call, pulling up my text chain with Ace.
Me: I spoke to Gianna. I'm heading down to have dinner in a minute, then I need to call you. It's urgent, but I'm handling it. Love you.
He replies in thirty seconds.
Acey: I'm here whenever you need me, Goldie. Can't wait to hear your voice. Love you.
I take a deep breath and head downstairs. I can already hear voices.
"Ah, here she is. My beautiful fiancée," Hudson declares as I reach the last step. I look up with a smile plastered so tight my cheeks ache.
I do like his parents. That's the worst part. They deserve better than this. His mom, Audrey, is beaming, wrapping her arms around me the way a mother-in-law should.
"Well, don't you look stunning, Harper."
