Page 46 of Undeniably Unexpected (Boston’s Irresistible Billionaires #6)

“He wasn’t specific other than the bait he drew me in with.

He mentioned he had photographs as well as video and dirt that would damage Powell’s reputation.

And yours too, because you’re a Fritz. He said that if I loved you and wanted to protect you, I’d help him.

Or if I wanted to hurt you both, this would do that.

” Alden’s tone grows sharp and edgy. “He seemed to think that would motivate me. The idea of hurting you. He thought I was that kind of person.”

My free hand grips the edge of the pool.

Being a Fritz has always been both a blessing and a curse.

My family’s wealth and social standing in Boston meant doors were always open, but it also meant people were always watching, waiting for scandal.

My father mastered the art before my mother came along, and my family is no stranger since.

“Did he say anything else?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“He wants me to meet him because he said he wouldn’t do this over the phone.

Said he’d show me what he had and how he intends to use it against Powell, and depending on what my angle with you was, if I’d protect you or hurt you, we’d do it a couple of different ways.

He wasn’t opposed to either. He said someone with my money and influence in the city could pull a lot of weight, and it would be very damaging for both of you.

I got the impression he wanted me to come out publicly and say negative things about the two of you.

Declare that your relationship is fake.” Alden grunts.

“Look, Keegan, I know things ended badly between us, and that was entirely my fault. And yes, I... I miss you like crazy and regret how it all went. But I’d never do something like that.

Not to either of you. It’s abhorrent, and it worries me for your safety and even his. He has a kid, right?”

“Yes. A little boy.” I gulp, my body trembling. “I don’t know what to say to this.”

“Say you’ll have it looked into by your people.

It was a burner phone that he called me from.

I already researched that, but promise me you’ll be careful.

He sounded… desperate. Angry even. That was the impression I got.

Angry and desperate. Fuck, Keegan, just promise me you’ll be careful.

Someone wants to hurt you. How is this fucking happening?

You need to call your people and security now. ”

I find myself nodding, though he can’t see me. “I will. Holy crap, Alden. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you for telling me.”

“Do you know who it might be? Do you know of someone who’s made threats?”

I wrack my brain, trying to think of people Loomis has mentioned or anyone who would want to hurt me, though, straight facts, I’m like a freaking ladybug.

I bother no one and just crawl along with my red hair and freckles.

But Loomis is Loomis. Maybe there are rival actors, disgruntled former employees, paparazzi out to make headlines.

Or maybe it’s Fen’s mom behind all of this.

Maybe she has some grudge and doesn’t care about her son or anyone.

Maybe this was her plan all along. Or maybe it’s his dad.

Christ, it could be a million people, and I need to talk to Vander ASAP.

Alden doesn’t know about Vander. When he says my people, he means my Fritz security.

“I’m not sure,” I answer and have to clear the shakes from my voice. “It could be anyone. I’ve got nothing.” And the things they know. The things they could have.

“Whoever he is, he’s going to do something whether I play along or not.

He wanted me to come out and say something public.

He wants the Hughes name with that and against you.

He seemed determined.” Alden pauses. “I’m sorry to drop this on you.

I don’t want to frighten you, but I’m frightened for you, and I couldn’t sit on this. ”

“No, I'm so glad you told me.” And I am. Despite our broken relationship, I still know Alden’s character. He’s not malicious. He’s tender and kind. A good man. He just wasn’t the right one for me.

“Did you... did you tell him you were interested in his plan?”

“I played along a little. I thought it was better to know what he was planning than to shut him down and have him find someone else who might actually go through with it.” Another pause.

“I told him I needed time to think about whether I wanted to hurt just Loomis or both of you. He’s supposed to contact me again tomorrow. If you want me to meet him, I will.”

I close my eyes, feeling the warm breeze against my face. “Could you let me know what he says when he calls, and I’ll talk to my people, and we can go from there? I don’t want to put you more in the middle of this situation, but right now, you’re the only link.”

“Of course.” His voice softens. “Keegs, I’ve seen the pictures, and you look… happy. Are you happy? With him?”

The question catches me off guard, though I don’t know why it does. “Yes,” I say after a moment. “I am. I had a thing for him before you and I ever got back together, and it’s carried over and grown.”

“Good. That’s... that’s good. I want that for you.” He clears his throat again. “I care about you, and I want you to be happy. I should let you go. I just wanted to warn you.”

“Thank you, Alden. I mean it. You’re amazing, and I’m so grateful for you.”

“Take care of yourself, Keegan. I’ll be in touch once I hear from him again.”

The call ends, and I stand in the water, staring at the phone in my hand. I need to tell Loomis about this immediately. Whatever this guy has, whether it’s photos, rumors, videos, or whatever, we need to be prepared.

I turn toward the house and freeze. Loomis stands on the other side of the pool, his expression vacant and hard. Shit.