Page 131 of The Donor’s Dilemma

“She’s coming for Ostara. We’re going to tell her everything Vivienne’s been doing in Cliffhaven.”

“Is this you asking for backup?” he asked.

“Couldn’t hurt.”

He considered that. “This trade deal isn’t happening as long as Havenshire’s letting things like Cliffhaven go on. We don’t do business with people who can’t look after their own, and you can tell Petra that.” He shivered. “Rather you than me, she gives me the creeps.”

Verity smiled. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” Abe said. “I just told you you’re not getting a trade deal. From what I can tell, you’re up shit creek without it.”

She smiled anyway. “Well. I guess we’d better sort it all out then.”

“Yeah, good luck with that,” Abe said. If anyone knew the size of the task at hand it was him, and by the sounds of it Cliffhaven wouldn’t be easily fixed.

She climbed out, briefcase in hand, and made her way up the stairs into the building, pausing at the entrance, when she found a figure sprawled across one of the lobby couches. Hair slicked back, tattooed fingers tapping away on his phone. He didn’t look up as she approached, though she had no doubt he knew she was there.

“How mad is he?” she asked.

“Furious,” Jesse said, not looking up.

She glanced at his phone. “Is that you telling him I’m here?”

He shook his head. "Just catching up." Pocketing it, he stood, blue eyes flicking up to hers with a smirk. “I’m gonna head out for a bit. Let you two make up.”

Verity managed a weak, apprehensive smile. She was grateful for the chance at a little alone time with Theo, even knowing what was coming. “Thanks,” she said.

He nodded, already heading for the door that led down to the carpark.

“If he asks,” Jesse called over his shoulder, “you didn’t see me. He thinks I’m out looking for you.”

Her eyes widened. “So, you didn’t bother actually looking for me?”

“Nah.” Jesse shrugged, already halfway out the door. “Abe was closer. Figured he’d get there first.” And then he was gone.

Abe was irritatingly right, again. Verity didn’t believe everything she was told, and from what she’d seen of Jesse she couldn’t work out why the Blessed had warned her about him. He was Theo’s brother, and if Theo could trust him so could she. Although she did wonder how he had known Abe was coming and what exactly he was “catching up” on.

Verity didn’t have time to worry about it now though as she climbed the stairs, ready to face Theo and the consequences of one more reckless afternoon.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Verity didn’t know why she tried to close the door to the apartment so quietly. Obviously, he’d know she was back, but she’d take any extra moment of peace she could get.

The instant she dropped the keys back in the bowl she’d stolen them from, he was on her, storming down the corridor and pulling her into his arms hard enough to rock her on her feet. His breath came heavy, a low growl rolling through his chest. She could feel his anger in it, but underneath, his fear. He held her a little too tight, and she let him, let him breathe her in until he settled enough to pull back, stare her in the eyes, and ask: “What the fuck were you thinking?”

“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry.”

He sniffed again and growled. “Why do you smell like him?”

“He kinda saved me,” she said.

“What do you mean, saved you? Why did you need saving, Verity?” He held her at arm’s length, turning her to search for injuries. “Why were you sneaking around like that? Jesse was going to get the briefcase.”

“Well, he didn’t, did he?” she said. “You two were just sitting around, waiting for the perfect moment.”

“Because I wanted to do it properly.”

“Nobody’s doing anything properly, Theo.”