“Fine,” she whispers as she steps away.

I don’t bother apologizing; that would only make her want to stay. I can do nothing but watch her go and convince myself that this was what I wanted.

15

Sierra

My mind is racing after I walk away from Logan. I knew he was in debt, and I could tell he’s under a lot of stress, but the fear I saw in his eyes has me shook. Ten grand is a lot more than I expected.

Feeling like a pawn is not what I wanted out of this week, and it draws up a strange feeling of anger, but there’s something else there too. Resentment.

Hale underestimated me if he thought I could be played as a hostage for Logan’s debt. He must think I’m just a stupid rich girl, but he is so very wrong.

As I return to the table to continue breakfast with my parents, I keep that image of Hale on the beach in my head, knowing that if I saw him again, I would turn the tables on him. Threaten him with my dad’s law firm, use him to garner as much information as possible until I had him exactly where I wanted him, enough to get him to let Logan go free of his debt. I could keep Logan safe.

When I walk into the restaurant, the first thing I notice is that the food must have come while I was gone because Mom is putting a piece of bacon in her mouth with a smile. Then I notice that my parents are not alone. A blond-haired man is sitting next to my mom, at first blocked by my dad’s head.

“There she is,” my mother calls toward me. With the next step toward the table, my heart drops into my gut when I stare directly at the familiar blond-haired boy I was just thinking about. He’s giving me a sly, crooked smile as I approach, feeling stunned and sick seeing him with my parents, especially after what I know now.

He stands up and takes my hand, and I nearly slap it away, wanting to claw his eyes out, but he takes my hand in his and pulls me close to place a kiss on my cheek. Just when I start to pull away, he grips my hand tighter and leans his mouth against my ear.

“It’s so nice to meet your parents,” he whispers. “Your secret is safe with me.”

When I pull away and glare at him, he gives me a quick wink, and I realize what secret he’s talking about. Logan’s secret.

It turns out that Hale beat me to it. Instead of having him where I want him, he has me right where he wants me.

“Sierra, you didn’t tell us you were inviting your new friend to lunch,” my mom squeals, giving Hale another bright smile.

I slowly sit across from him, letting my mind process this new situation. To my parents, Hale is perfect. He is exactly who they want for me.