Page 202 of Fierce Storm
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I fake a smile, making it appear as though I’m being coy.
“How about I help you out? Can you confirm the reports that you’re dating Salvatore D’Angelo?”
“Oh. Ah. I think it’s best if we keep the discussion on the game. Zane absolutely killed it out there. Did you see his final leap into the end zone?”
“Yes. Yes, I did. Keeley’s right, Zane. You were incredible.”
“I’ll leave you both to it.” I move off camera but stay close by, waiting for what I think is about to happen, and sure enough…
“One last thing before you go, Zane.”
“Of course.”
“Can you confirm the rumors about Keeley and your team owner?”
“I’m not saying a word, but I’m alsonotdenying it. If you know what I mean.” He smirks, melting more hearts, and I bite back a smile as I walk away.
Thank you, Zane. Consider us even.
Chapter Fifty-Six
SALVATORE
With my heart trapped in my throat, I wait until I’ve boarded my chartered flight before texting Jill. She messaged this morning to say she wants twenty-five million, and I have to say it surprised me. It was less than I thought. Not that I had plans to give her anything.
SALVATORE: No deal. I don’t trust you. See you in court.
I don’t get a message in return, not that I expected it. I figured I’d have to wait until our plan plays out before finding out if she took the bait.
Considering I only got the alert about Keeley’s and my relationship going public at halftime, I’m pleased to note that I’m already on a flight home by the time the Storm game is over, with more alerts coming through.
Storm wins by three points.
A close call but a victory all the same.
I wish I had it in me to celebrate. Especially when one of the alerts shows an ecstatic-looking Beckett—an expression I rarely see on his face. If I’d stayed, I would have been there. I would have been closer to Keeley.
But our plan never would have worked.
A few more alerts ping my phone—more highlights from the game, making me feel worse—and I’m about to put my phone away when Keeley’s beautiful face comes onto the screen.
Jesus. Fuck.My pulse spikes.
She went to the game.
She’s speeding up the process.
Sheleaked the news early.
And now she’s making sure the Mikklesons know where she is by joking around with Zane.
Fuuck, she’s brilliant. A pain in my ass, but brilliant.
I’ll bet she’s thinking our relationship status will garner more attention from the Mikklesons if they think I’m still in New York. And I hate that she’s not wrong. Austin confirmed they weren’t tracking me there. Most likely because they knew the two places I’d be—home or the office. And let’s face it, it’s not me they want to attack. They want to push me far enough so I’ll make their problems all go away.
There’s a big difference between ten years and a lifetime, and people will do crazy things when they feel trapped.
I understand what Keeley’s attempting to do, but I don’t like it.
