“The way Dad talks about you, you should have plenty of resources. Fancy college degree, working full time, designing dresses for weddings… I hear it all. The perfect Ember.”
The thought that my dad discusses me with Natalie makes me nauseated.
“There’s no way for me to get my hands on any more without rousing suspicion. And I can’t rouse suspicion because your maniac dealer will hurt people.”
She throws her head back, laughing. “Oh my God! Trey wouldn’t hurt anyone. He’s all talk.”
“That may be so, but Trey’s gone. The man I’m dealing with says he’s Trey’s boss. He’s already proven what he’s capable of.”
Her laughter dies as fear washes over her face. “You’re working with Dade?”
“I don’t know what his name is. He’s yet to give it to me through all my engaging conversations. But he’s got a man watching Cruz, Robbie, and me. Who knows who else? Probably Alex, Chloe, and Dad, too. And let’s not forget he orchestrated a fire at the house I was buying! So, I repeat, you need to tell your manic friend to wait for you to get out of here to get the rest of the money.”
“No, no, no,” she chants, and sits on the small sofa. “This is not good.”
“Obviously, it’s not good, and you brought me into it.”
She looks at me for the first time in my life with concern. “Ember, Trey came to see me a few weeks ago. He said he’s done the best he could to cover my debt, but I needed to get him some money or there would be problems. He told me that certain people in here could make my life hell.
“I explained that I didn’t have a way to get it, but to talk to you. Told him about your boyfriend and that he could use that as incentive to get you to pay.”
“Jesus! Do they let every Tom, Dick, and Harry visit? Your dealer visited you in rehab, and no one thought that was odd?” I throw my hands up in the air and fight the urge to scream.
“It’s not prison, Ember. We can have visitors. You’re proof of that.”
“I’m your sister!”
She shrugs and leans her elbows on her knees. “You need to figure out how to get the rest of the money. Dade’s an ass.”
“Ass or not, I’m telling you now, get him off my back. I’m done. Tell him to wait for you.”
“Doesn’t work like that.”
“Make it work like that! If he doesn’t leave me alone, I’m going to tell Robbie. Me even being here today is a huge risk. This was a courtesy to you.”
“Risk? You want to talk about risk? Are you really willing to risk the people around you being hurt? He’ll do it. And what about those precious friends of yours? The rocker and his wife? I hear you’re practically family. It’s only a matter of time before Dade learns the connection, if he hasn’t already. Hard to tell the man you don’t have a few thousand dollars when you’re hobnobbing with millionaires.”
“You wouldn’t…” My pulse starts racing. The thought of Raven being in danger while pregnant flashes through my mind
“I’ll do what I have to do.”
My knees wobble, so I use the table to steady myself. “Tell me why. Why did you do this to me?”
“I couldn’t expect Dad to pay them. He works in security, for God’s sake. And Mom doesn’t have the money. You were the only choice.”
Silence stretches between us, and an evil grin spreads across her face. “You could always offer to sleep with him. He may be into that type of payment. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
The words sting straight to my soul, and I glare at her with absolute disgust. She stops smiling when she realizes my complete repulsion. I walk to the door and leave without another word. The receptionist waves at me cheerfully, but I don’t return the gesture. I can’t even force a smile.
My breath hitches when I see the two men leaning against my car. Their arms are crossed, their eyes aimed directly at me. Even from the short distance, I notice the look of betrayal. We stare at each other for a few seconds then I run straight to Robbie. He braces when I fly into his arms, holding us both up.
“I’m sorry. Please, don’t be mad at me. I can’t handle it right now,” I mutter.
“Holy Shit, what happened in there? You’re shaking.”
My throat closes as I try not to wail in the public parking lot.
“Ember, talk to me.”