Page 161 of When I Was His

“Does this have anything to do with her father’s death?” I questioned, my voice trembling with anger and fear.

“Yes, and that’s as much as I can say. I just need enough money to hide. You have security and can protect her, but me they’ll kill,” Jonah explained urgently.

“Why should I believe anything you have to say?” I spat out.

“Because I’m your brother,” he reminded me.

I ran a hand through my hair, nauseated by the fact that someone was after my fiancée.

“You’re a fuck up. I tried to help you, tried to tear you away from the illegal life you lead. Now you want to come and destroy my happiness?” I accused him bitterly.

“Without me around, he won’t have a link to you,” Jonah reasoned.

“I want to know who it is,” I demanded.

“I can’t tell you, and it’s better you don’t know,” he insisted.

“She’s all I care about,” I confessed, feeling helpless.

“Oliver, I wish things were different,” Jonah said sadly.

“But they’re not. Where can I reach you?” I asked, resigned.

“I’ll call you soon. How much time do you need?” Jonah inquired.

“Give me a few days to consider your request,” I replied before hanging up.

I sank onto the sofa, the weight of Jonah’s revelation settling heavily on my shoulders. Ryleigh’s past was coming back to haunt her, and I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. I grabbed a pad and pen from the dining table, preferring the comfort of the written word over electronic devices.

As I scribbled out a plan to protect Ryleigh and apprehend her father’s killer, my stomach churned with anxiety. Keeping the truth from her would be difficult, but I had to do whatever it took to keep her safe. I didn’t know if my plan would work, but I had to try. The alternative was too terrifying to contemplate—losing the love of my life.