Page 43 of Forbidden Forward

“Nope. Kinda used to it since you’ve been on the road so much.”

“I know,” he exhales, “and I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I only said that so you wouldn’t feel guilty about leaving me behind. Of course, if you want to feel guilty, I’m happy to help.”

His laugh warms me. We’re back on solid ground. I hold out my arms. “Hug?”

He pulls me in and wraps me up like a boa constrictor, only long enough to squeeze the air from my lungs.

After he releases me, I softly say, “Hey, thanks again for all you’ve done,” as I fight the stinging behind my eyes.

“No need to thank me. It’s payback for all the shit you’ve done for me over the years. Or pay forward, if you want to look at it that way.”

My phone picks this moment to ring and kill the emotional moment. Not recognizing the number, I pick up because it could have something to do with Brandon’s errand.

“Jackie Harper,” I sing.

“Well, well, well,” comes a deep voice that instantly turns my blood to ice. “There’s my pigeon.”

Chapter 21

Grubbs Unearthed

Jackie

My mind reels, and every nerve in my body shrieks in warning as the unthinkable registers. “R-Royal?” I stammer. My stomach clenches, ready to eject the pancake that was so tasty only minutes ago.

“I’m back, babe. Miss me?” His voice is like an oil slick, turning every inch of my skin greasy and dirty.

“How did you find me?” The question is out of my mouth before I consider the consequences. This scumbag knows he’s gotten to me by the panic in my voice, and if there’s anything I’ve learned after surviving Royal Montgomery, it’s that he feeds on the weaknesses of others. His drug of choice is control, and I’ve just given up a little of mine by letting him see that he still affects me.

“I looked at LinkedIn. It was easy,” he crows.

“B-but I didn’t post where I work.”

“You didn’t need to. Don’t forget who you’re dealing with here.” His voice is shot through with smug confidence.

My mind whirls with how he found me. The color has probably drained from my face because one of Donny’s brows shoots up in concern, and he holds out his hand for my phone in a gimme gesture. Though they’ve never met, my brother no doubt has a few thoughts to share with my ex.

I shake my head, mouthing, “I got this.”

Hesitation pauses his hand, and I read the thoughts streaming through his mind. His determination is glaring; he’s coiled, ready to fight my fight for me. I can’t let that happen. I need to own this myself, even if I fumble taking control. My hands are shaking so hard I’m about to drop the phone.

My voice returns to me, though it comes out in a humiliating squeak. “Or should I say Randy?”

A beat passes, and Royal/Randy chortles. “So you discovered my little secret.”

“I’ve discovered many secrets about you, Randy Grubbs. Where the hell did you come up with Royal Montgomery?”

“What can I say? I was inspired. It has a nice ring to it, wouldn’t you agree? Sure came in handy with the boys at Roscoe Biotech.”

The arrogance in his tone causes anger to flood my system, and it injects steel into my spine. I ignore my brother, who’s no more than two feet away, his body taut and ready to unleash some serious wrath. I love him for it, but I wish he’d back off. I can do this.

I. Can. Do. This.

“More like a flat clang,” I deadpan. “What do you want?”

“Why, to see you, of course. Catch up on old times. Rekindle old flames. How are you enjoying your new job as Community Outreach and Events Coordinator at New Horizons Independence Network? Do they know about your past?”