Page 90 of Betrayal

“Yes.”

“As the closest thing he has to family, you should be telling him he’s crazy to let me go.”

“I have.”

The finality in Casildo’s voice frightened her more than anything else had in the last few days, snuffing out the few shoots of hope she’d had.When she gazed at her lap, she was holding the handle of her bag in a death grip.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The tight knots inHunter’s shoulders eased when Anna walked through the door.Just seeing her made his day better.“I’ve got drinks.”He handed Anna a keep cup of hot chocolate and Cas a coffee.“Want a tour of the site?”

“Not today.”She peered into his cup.“Your favourite inky-evil brew.”

Hunter couldn’t read her.Knew he’d hurt her.Hopefully today was a start to changing that.“We can use the childcare director’s office.”He turned and led the way.

Casildo stopped at the doorway.“I’ll be here if you need me.”Then closed the door with him on the outside.

“Please sit.”Hunter gestured to the new furniture still covered in plastic.“Not quite ready to go.”

“Why am I here, Hunter?”

“Clearly, by your calculation, I’m expendable.”

He hadn’t been able to get those words out of his head.

“You’re not expendable.”He huffed out a breath.“I didn’t want you to remember me as a man who beat up women, but I made the decision that if you tossed me aside for that reason, you’d keep your pride, and ultimately your heart, intact.”

The wordexpendable, and all its dreary companions—of little significance, disposable, non-essential, unnecessary—tormented him.She was as necessary as his next breath, as essential as water, the love of his life.His plan might not work; he wasn’t sure how he’d let Anna go if he failed.

“I’d like your help to bring Nick down.”And asking was easier than anything Hunter had done in his life.Her answer mattered, but being able to ask set him free.

“I have a few questions first.”

“Ask.”

“Cas said your mum’s death brought Nick back into your life.Back when I read that stuff, Bizgos claimed you inherited everything.”