The necklace we’d made together dangled from her neck.

“Trust me. We’ll get through this,” I whispered and pushed her away. “Really, Aria? Time to grow up.”

She lifted her chin. “I don’t want to be here.”

“You want to be with your granddad baking donuts?”

“Yes!”

“Take my advice and listen to your mom. She just might have your best interests in mind.” I brushed past her and handed Marissa the ring. “Sorry about my reaction earlier.”

“I make allowances for your learning curve.” Marissa slipped the ring onto a right finger and admired it. “A little big, but that’s an easy fix.” She nodded at Aria. “Sit down so the three of us can talk.”

Aria sat across from her mother. “All right, I’ll listen. Mom, I thought you were in Phoenix.”

“I changed my mind. The truth is, I’m in a position to provide anything you might want. But in order for you to benefit from my generosity, I require your respect and obedience.”

Aria took a deep breath. “I’m listening.”

Good girl, play the part.

“I’ve found a boarding school in London. Exclusive. You’ll have the finest education. Clothes. Jewelry. Vacations.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me you had money?”

“My secret.”

Aria bit her lip. “I have so many questions, Mom.”

“First of all, call me by my first name. From this moment on, no one is to find out I have a daughter. The paperwork is completed for a last name change to Pearce.”

“What’s your job?” Aria said. “Your clothes and makeup aren’t from Walmart.”

“I own my own business, a lucrative one.”

Aria leaned forward. “Which is?”

“Again, my secret.”

“So it’s illegal?”

Marissa raised an eyebrow. “Does it matter?”

“What if I refuse and want to live with Granddad?”

“Shelby has witnessed what happens when I’m displeased. Anger me, and you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

“Why am I here?”

Marissa uttered an expletive. “Last question. You’re with me as a guarantee Shelby follows my orders.”

“Mom—”

Marissa slapped her hard across the bruised cheek and lower eye. “You broke rule number one. My guess is boarding school is starting to look good.”

Aria touched her cheek. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Shelby will escort you to the spare bedroom. Shower and throw away everything you’re wearing. I’ve done a little shopping. New clothes, makeup, and two wigs are on the bed. I’ll have dinner and lemonade brought to you. Meals will be in your room unless otherwise instructed. One of my bodyguards is always here for our protection. We’re finished.”

“Thank you.”

“The tap of generosity flows as long as you behave.”

75

DENTON

While the rest of world slept and neglected to anticipate a new day, I drove to Clay’s safe house. The idea of seeing him made more sense than a phone call. He’d experienced the loss of his wife, the reality of Marissa’s deviance, threats against Shelby, and Aria’s kidnapping. Not likely he’d hide his anguish in a face-to-face. Maybe he knew more than he’d shared.