Page 45 of Save Me (The Wolf Hotel Mermaid Beach #2)

T hey approach from the beach like ghosts emerging from the shadows.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I mutter as Sloane’s body goes rigid in my lap.

What the fuck is Henry Wolf doing here? Tension cords my muscles as I watch him step onto Sloane’s property, Abbi at his side.

They’re dressed for whatever dinner function they came from—she’s in a gauzy white dress, he’s in a pale green linen suit. They practically glow in the dark.

Heads turn, one here, two there; someone turns the music down to a lull.

Frank sets his ukulele on the ground next to him, his brooding sights set on Sloane’s nemesis like a guard dog deciding how far it should allow an intruder in before it lets them know they’ve made a terrible mistake.

He’ll have to beat me to Henry if he’s here to threaten Sloane in any way.

The tension is choking.

Ralph decides that’s the perfect moment to peck Connor’s bare chest. A flurry of wings and a howl of pain later, Connor’s ribs are clawed, and Ralph dines on the scattered bag of chips.

“Bad boy,” Rebel scolds, even though Connor’s the idiot for carrying the damn rooster around in the first place. She abandons her seat to inspect the angry-looking, red scratches. “Let’s get those cleaned up right away. There’s a first aid kit in the house.”

“I’ll help!” Skye chirps, trailing them away and inside. I’m not sure if it’s because she wants to avoid the impending confrontation or if Connor’s already fucked her and she’s staking her claim. Poor girl if it’s the latter.

Abbi moves in while Henry hangs back, closer to the beach, his hands tucked into his pockets as he sizes up the little beach house.

“This might be the best slice of cake you’ll ever try in your entire life.” Abbi holds out a plate wrapped in foil. Sympathy etches her face. “I hope you like chocolate.”

Sloane hesitates. “I do.”

“If it’s poisoned, we’re all witnesses,” Mick mumbles, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Sloane climbs to her feet. “Thank you.” Her voice is cordial but strained as she accepts the offering. How does she feel about Abbi now, after she betrayed her confidence? Now that Sloane knows our history? Will they ever be true friends? I hope so.

“Ronan? Henry would like a word.”

“Would he, now …”

Abbi’s eyes shift to me, and I see the pleading in them.

May as well get this over with. Heaving myself out of the chair with a stretch, I take my sweet-ass time crossing the property to where the prick waits. “What do you want?”

“Walk with me.” Henry turns and heads back toward the beach without waiting.

“Sure, why not.” I follow, on guard for whatever threat he plans on serving up next, across the sand until we’re mere feet from where the water laps at the shore.

Behind us and to the left, the hotel looms, lit up and full of life as its first guests drink and eat like gluttons who aren’t paying a dime. But out here, the silence takes center stage, neither of us saying a word, staring into the darkness for several long moments.

“I will not be unveiling the harborfront plan tomorrow,” Henry finally says.

“Probably smart, until you can buy off whoever you have to.”

“I will not be unveiling the harborfront plan at all .” His tone is cold and calm, and full of displeasure. “Not in its current design and scope, anyway.”

“And what exactly does that mean?”

He sighs. “It means you’ve won.”

“Won what ?”

“Sloane’s home and business are safe.”

I abandon the view of the dark, foreboding water to take in the little I can see of his profile. “Is this for real, or are you feeding me bullshit? Because if you are, so help me fucking God, I will?—”

“It’s real,” he cuts my threat off before I have a chance to utter it. “There was an emergency closed-door council meeting this evening to discuss the accusations brought forth. All current revitalization plans for Mermaid Beach’s harbor and surrounding area are suspended until further notice.”

“Already?” Doubt mars my voice. “That was fast.”

“Yes. It seems Wilson got a call from the state governor, asking if there was any truth to the rumors after Olivia McEowan contacted him, expressing her concerns over corruption in Mermaid Beach’s government.”

“ Seriously ?” Olivia called the governor? There’s no way she gives a shit about Mermaid Beach’s mayor trading trips for votes, so either she hates Henry Wolf that much and wants to flex her arms, or she did it for me, which might be even a more bizarre reason. I don’t know the woman at all.

“Yes. Seriously . Clearly, you made an impression. I truly hope it wasn’t with your dick, after all your theatrics.”

“Shut the fuck up. I didn’t sleep with her.” But my mind picks through his words. “You said ‘until further notice.’ That means they can wait until this all blows over and start up again.”

Henry’s already shaking his head. “This was always going to be an uphill battle. I knew that, and I was prepared to make it happen. But now, a few heads will have to roll, and then elections will bring new faces. Wilson’s done.

Future development plans will be put under a microscope.

” He pauses. “One day, Sloane’s going to realize things can’t stay the way Ruby Parker started them.

There will be development. Residents will demand the chains and boardwalk upgrades, I promise you that.

And when they do, I will be there to make sure it benefits my company.

” He doesn’t falter a beat with that admission.

“But she won’t be fighting against me anymore. Not in the short term, anyway.”

“What about with the council and the mayor?”

“They won’t come after her. I’ll see to it.” His jaw clenches, and I have to wonder what that means.

“And the access road through here ?” I jerk my head toward the little bungalow.

He follows my gaze, settling on the lights from the window. I can just make out Abbi’s and Sloane’s silhouettes inside the kitchen. “I’ve expressed my opposition to it.”

He says it as if that’s enough to halt plans. It likely is because when Henry fights, it’s never fair, and he always gets what he wants.

Until now, apparently.

“So, that’s it.” Just like that.

“Yes, just millions of dollars lost in design later,” he mutters under his breath, but then he exhales, as if trying to expel his bitterness.

“You were right. I do owe you for what you did in Alaska. For risking your life for me. And you’ve never asked me for anything.

So, I will make sure Sloane’s interests are protected with any future plans, and you can play house or whatever the fuck it is you plan on doing with her. But consider us even.”

“Fair enough.” I guess my groveling made an impact after all.

“I need to get back to people.” He peers up at the house again. “But I think Abbi would rather be with her friends than listening to Shelby Singer describe in excruciating detail the intricacies of herding ducks. ”

A bark of laughter escapes me. “I am not going to miss that.”

“Get her back safely, please.”

“Of course.”

With one last glance to his wife, Henry trudges back the way he came.

And I move swiftly for the house, barely able to contain my excitement to share the news with Sloane.

A cringe-inducing caw screeches into the night.

“And get rid of that fucking thing!” Henry’s voice booms in the darkness.

I laugh. “Can’t. Ralph stays. He’s family.”