Conceal

He turns to Addison then, who nods.

“I’ll be traveling back to England soon. My doctor doesn’t want me flying in the third trimester.”

Shit. Where is this going?

“That’s another reason I have called this meeting. I want to discuss hiring someone to manage some of the work you do, Addy. I won’t be around—”

My lungs tighten at his words.

He doesn’t trust me.

He wants to bring in someone to do his job. When Addy stepped back, no one ever questioned Grayson’s ability to handle both their jobs, yet now that I’m up for it, they doubt me.

They don’t think I can do it.

I can.

“I’ll do it,” I cut in, not just because my pride dictates that I fight for my place but also because I don’t want some stranger meddling in my business. Plus, it would be nice to be taken seriously for once.

“Jax—”

The way he says my name makes my blood boil. I lift my hand in the air, stopping him midsentence.

“No. Don’t Jax me. Why would you hire someone else when I’m here, able and willing?” I try to keep my voice neutral, but to be honest, it’s hard because I’m so pissed. Years of buried resentment rises to the surface, bubbling like a volcano ready to erupt.

“It’s a lot of responsibility.” He sounds like Dad, scolding me for coming home too late. But he’s not my father, so it eggs me on even more.

“And I can’t handle it?” I bite back, the anger now clear in my voice.

“Jax.” I hear my name from across the table and turn toward the soft voice. “Gray doesn’t mean that,” Addison says, but it’s too late to calm me down. I push up from the chair.

“He does. He never thinks I can handle anything. Yet who do you all call when you need shit?” I stare at Grayson hard, then turn my attention to Addison. “Me. That’s who.” I shift my gaze to Oliver next, then to River.

Although they haven’t spoken, they are guilty by association, especially since I’ve helped them out too. “Who bails you all out when you need help? Me!” I shout. “So what is it? You say you need me, but now . . . I’m not enough.” My head shakes, and I let out a breath.

“Jax—” Grayson pushes his hand through his hair. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate all your help and all you’ve done for this family, but this is different.” He tries to placate me with his hand, but I’m well beyond that point.

“How so?”

“Meetings. Deadlines. Being at the office by six a.m. some days. Working all night.”

“All things I’ve done for you for free in the past.”

“That might be true, but you do that remotely, God knows where and when. If you help in the office, you have to be in the office. If you travel, it’s not on your time anymore; it’s on the company’s time.”

“I can handle it.”

“You might think you—”

“I said I can handle it.”

“Grayson,” Addison says, and he turns toward her. “Give him the opportunity. I’m okay with it.”

“Fine,” Gray answers. “But—”

“Enough,” I bark because I’m tired of being the clown. I’m tired of no one taking me seriously. No matter how much I do, they keep doubting me, and I’m sick of it. “It’s done. I’m doing it.” I turn toward my mom, who looks pale at my outburst. Remorse fills me, but I won’t back down. I give her a weak and tight smile. She doesn’t deserve my malice. “Bye, Mom.”

I storm toward the elevator and press the button without bothering to say goodbye to anyone else. No one says another word, and as I step on, I keep my back straight and my head held high.

I said my piece, and now I’ll do what I need to do. Because I will prove them all wrong.

Chapter Two

Willow

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

The blood rushes inside my veins as the words I heard only moments earlier replay in my ears.

How is this happening? Twenty-six-year-olds should be getting married and starting families, not on the run.

My hands are still shaking as I pull my car out of the driveway.

Don’t speed, I tell myself as I watch the speedometer, but I need to get out of here. As much as I want to pump my foot on the gas, I don’t.

I can’t risk the cops pulling me over. Or anyone knowing I’m leaving.

If I get caught, I don’t know what will happen.

Almost there. I’ve almost made it. The city limit is approaching, but with each mile my car eats up, my body trembles more and more. I swear I might pass out.

My heart is pumping so hard, I fear it will burst from my chest.

I’m not going to make it. I will pass out behind the wheel and crash and probably die. Though with my luck, death seems like a good fate right now.