Page 246 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

Wyatt slapped a hand on his back. "Keep it together, man. Whatever this is, it’s nothing we can’t tackle. Just think about all the crud our family has been through in the last couple of years alone. If someone needs protecting, we Copelands know how to get the job done."

Nash nodded. “Darn straight,” he said, pumping his brother’s fists one by one.

There seems to be a story behind that, one Ellie hoped to hear if they all survived long enough. Perhaps Ellie wasn’t the only one who’d been holding secrets. In some small way, she was glad about that; Ellie felt terrible for keeping the severity of her dad’s gambling addiction from Nash. Of course, she hadn’t beenable to fathom how dangerous these men could be. But Wolf had brought Ellie to a chilling realization with his frightening words:your darkest imagination can’t fathom…

The men in this type of business were dangerous.

Since ending the call with Wolf, Ellie and Nash met Wyatt and Wade at the Hall Art Hotel. While Bronson collected their personal items from their high-rise suite, Ellie had filled Nash and his brothers in on everything she knew. She first told them about the conversation she’d had with her dad on the way over, her desperation to break free once and for all, and the contract that seemed to offer her that very thing.

Next, she mentioned the purple flowers, saying she’d always thought they were from her mom. ‘But then I got them on the day I found out about the contract, and the name my dad mentioned in the car suddenly made sense. They never were from my mom. They were always from him.’

The trio had asked a lot of questions at that point. Had she ever met him? Did she think he was dangerous? Had he ever stepped out of line?

Their questions led Ellie back to the assumption she’d come to over the last few days. Sure, she was creeped out to discover that some stranger had been so involved in her career all this time. And it frightened her to find out that her dad allowed Ellie to meet him when she was young.‘But,she’d finally determined once again, ‘I can’t actually say he’s dangerous. All these years, he never harmed me. And all these years, he continued to keep my dad safe.’

Sure, she’d felt terrible for keeping the details from Nash and for having to spill most of them to Wyatt and Wade at the same time, but she only hoped he’d forgive her, only hoped this meeting with Wolf wasn’t some sort of trap.

She eyed Wyatt and Wade, each looking sharp in dress pants and collared shirts. Nash looked camera-ready in the sleek,semi-formal suit, compliments of Wolf, who also provided the dark wig and plum-colored gown Ellie wore.

Her worries were splitting into a dozen strands—her dad, the Copelands, her mom and half-siblings, even, but then a very deep ache burrowed into her heart as she reminded herself of the way Nash’s family had welcomed her into their home, their lives. So generous and warm. Even her night with Wyatt and Wade made Ellie feel like she was in the midst of family.

Would all that be ruined now? Would they ever trust her again?

And what about Nash? He may not want anything to do with her after this.

She gulped, forced out a breath through pursed lips, and told herself to take it one step at a time. She prayed that—during this interaction with the only man who might have answers for them—no one would get hurt. That they’d come out with whatever they needed to stay safe and keep her dad safe, too.

“Man,” Nash muttered. “I just had Deja Vu.”

“Oh?” Wade asked.

Wyatt seemed to study him for a blink. “Means you were destined to be here,” he said at last.

Nash only nodded in reply, wiping his forehead with one hand.

Once the elevator slowed to a stop, Nash gave Ellie's hand one last squeeze and brought it to his lips. "Don’t worry,” he said, a raspy edge to his voice. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

Ellie nodded, the deep ache in her heart spreading. She had to believe that none of them would get hurt. She wouldn’t have agreed to show up otherwise, but as the doors slid open, a rash of doubts rushed in.

Sure, Nash was tall, muscled, and probably stronger than any guy she’d dated before, but how would those muscles hold up in a shooting match? At this point, Ellie had no idea who she couldtrust—her dad, Wolf, heck, maybe even Geneva knew more than she let on. But there was one person Ellie was certain she could trust—Nash.

Outside the elevator, they were greeted by a host who was quick to give them instructions. "The lady and her gentleman will be joining our guest at the dinner table this way," the suited man said with a wave toward an outer table. “The other two will join the gentlemen over there."

All eyes turned toward the bar where two men in black suits sat side-by-side. Wyatt and Wade gave knowing glances at Nash and Ellie before heading over to join them. The action showed a sense of trust; whether it was genuine or feigned trust to put the others at ease, Ellie couldn’t be sure.

Nash led her toward the table where a gray-haired man sat. He stood to his feet as they approached, motioning toward the other two seats at the table. "Thank you for joining me." He locked eyes with Ellie. "You look as beautiful as ever."

His gaze veered to Nash, who was pulling Ellie's chair out for her. “And Nash, thank you for taking an interest in Ellie's well-being. I trust you’re a man of honor from a good family, so I believe she's in good hands."

Ellie lowered herself into the chair, cringing slightly at Wolf's comment. Hecouldhave offered the assuring words about Nash and his family out of kindness, but there may have been a veiled threat among his words.I know who your family is, so you better stay in line.

“While I would happily enjoy a five-course dinner with the two of you someday, I imagine our appetites aren't what they might be under different circumstances. For that reason, I've asked the servers to simply bring three of each hors d'oeuvres on the menu. Please, order whatever liquid refreshment you’d like.”

The server stepped in, placing several hors d'oeuvre trays at the center of the table. Ellie ordered a Diet Coke, Nash ordered a water, and Wolf ordered a glass of whiskey.

Once they were alone again, Wolf set his eyes on Nash and Ellie. “I'm going to establish a few key details, and I'd like you to hold off on your questioning until I’m through. This is a lot of information, and I want to make sure we don't get sidetracked."

His eyes darted to Wyatt and Wade and the other men at the bar. "We don't want to make your company any less comfortable than they already are.