Page 34 of Unleashed
And I don't know if I'm strong enough to be that close to him and not break. For Ace to see the failure I am, that I left him to chase this life that’s making me miserable. How am I supposed to admit that I fucked everything up?
Instead of calling Ace, I find Lola’s number and hit dial, holding my breath.
“Hello, Harper? Are you okay?” Lola’s New York accent comes through.
I sniffle and regain my composure.
“Lola. I need to meet you. It’s important,” I tell her, and I know she will believe me. I showed her once already that I’m on her team. I just have to hope she still can trust me.
“Who is it?” I hear Hunter ask in the background, and my heart races.
To me, he’s Ace’s older brother. But I’ve learned how dangerous this man is.
“I can speak to him,” I tell Lola.
“Okay,”
“Hello, Harper,” Hunter greets me in his deep voice.
“Hi. Long time no speak,” I say, trying to lighten the tone. “I need to speak to you about something. I don’t know what Lola told you. I’m a reporter in LA.”
He clears his throat. “And how does that involve me?”
“I have a story to write in New Falls, Hunter,” I say, letting my tone give the real message.
“Right. This isn’t an over-the-phone conversation, Harper. Rule one of digging around in this.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“I’m calling you as a family friend,” I say.
“As a warning? Or as a friend? Which side are you on, Harper?” he counters.
I’m now painfully aware of every word I say and who might listen in. Then I have an idea. A way to prove to Hunter that he can trust me and let me back in.
“I’ve heard they’re opening up a Greek restaurant right outside Ranch 42,” I say, and I let that land.
“Interesting. I’m sure that will be delicious. I’ll have to go and try it,” he replies flatly.
There’s a pause.
“Are you in town?” he asks.
“Tomorrow. And I’d rather that information stays between the two of us.”
I hear him take a breath. “I’ll be in touch shortly.”
The call ends, and I stare at the wall in front of me. Holy fuck.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ace
We wait for dark.
Not city dark. Real dark. Arizona dark, where the only light left is the stars and the cherry of Jett's cigarette glowing in the passenger seat of my truck.
The ranch is silent. Hunter took Wyatt and Lola home hours ago. The hands are in the bunkhouse. Even the horses are quiet. The only sound is the engine idling and Jett humming something under his breath that's supposed to be Johnny Cash but sounds more like a dying cat.
