By the time I make it back to my car, I’m vibrating with rage. Darren Paulson just went from my girl’s awful stepfather to my number one enemy. And for him to jump over Dad, that’s quite a feat. It’s time I start learning a thing or two about this prick.

I pull out my phone and text Jude. Since he hides out in Grandpa’s house all the time, he has a way of making things happen from afar. Right now, I need him to find someone to dig into Darren.

Me: I need you to get everything you can on someone so I can ruin their fucking life.

Jude: Just take both Dad and Jamie out at Sunday dinner with a steak knife.

I fight a smile because it’s surprising that Jude would reply right away. Usually, if he does respond, it’s hours, or sometimes days later.

Me: I’m saving double homicide for a rainy day when I get bored and need entertaining.

Jude: Can I watch?

Me: You’re my brother. Hell, I’d even let you help.

Jude: Who’s pissed you off now?

Me: Darren Paulson.

Jude: The attorney? Why not just ask Hugo about him? He knows everyone in that circle.

Me: See, you’ve already helped me. I didn’t know he was an attorney.

Jude: My work here is done.

Me: Not quite. I need you to track one of my students.

Jude: That sounds illegal.

Me: Discussing a double homicide isn’t?

Jude: What’s the name?

Me: Willa Reyes. I think Darren might be hurting her and her stepbrother is shady as shit. I’d feel better if I knew where she was at all times.

Jude: Do I want to know?

Me: Nope. Just track her phone. I have her number if that helps.

Jude: Yeah, man, send it. I’ll be cashing in a favor soon. You owe me. This shit is big.

Me: I’ve got your back.

I know this is all kinds of wrong, but so is everything I’ve done this week with Willa. If I’m going to be wrong, I might as well be really good at it, too.

Now that I have Willa, I’ll be damned if I let anyone hurt a hair on her pretty head.

Chapter Fourteen

Willa

I’ve been drifting today, head high in the clouds as I keep letting my mind wander to last night. Not the part where Darren burst into my room, nearly scaring the crap out of me.

The other part.

Callum.

I’d gone through a rollercoaster of emotions, up and down and upside down. It wasn’t until he had his mouth on me and assurances rumbling from him that I fully realized something.

He’s completely and utterly lost with me.

It’s far from one-sided.

We’re in this together.