Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 48

I glanced outside. If we left right now, we might still make it. Aaron handed me his jacket and helmet, then bought me a meat pie from the stand nearby.

“Eat something first. Tell me where you need to go, I’ll take you,” he said.

I accepted the pie and took a bite. The moment that rich, savory flavor touched my tongue, my eyes started to sting. Tears threatened to spill over, so I stuffed the rest into my mouth and quickly pulled on the helmet, hoping he wouldn’t notice how close I was to crying.

The night air was still freezing, but for the first time in a long while, I felt a little bit warm inside.

***

Claire had been distracted all day. By the time she finished her work and stepped out of the hotel, it was already dark. She checked her phone. The time they had agreed on had come and gone, and I still hadn’t shown up.

“I knew it. He doesn’t have what it takes,” she muttered to Laird. “You were wrong about him this time.”

Laird looked uneasy, but he didn’t argue. He just drove Claire home in silence. When they reached her villa, someone got up from the curb and stepped into the headlights, blocking the car.

Laird hit the brakes hard. “He’s here,” he said quietly.

Earlier, Aaron had dropped me off at Claire’s place, but the security guards wouldn’t let me in. They told me she hadn’t come back yet, so I waited outside. Every part of me ached, but I forced myself to stay, pacing and shivering with nerves.

The moment her car appeared, I pulled myself together and ran out in front of it, planting myself right in their way.

“Why are you stopping me, Lambert?” Aaron’s voice was tight with anger. “She’s just playing with you. Can’t you see that? If she ever meant to give you the money, she wouldn’t have made you do something so ridiculous. She’s just trying to ruin you.”

Claire just smiled, like she found the whole thing funny. “He’s right. I was playing with him. At least you’re smart enough to see it. He’s the one who keeps holding onto hopeless dreams.”

She stared straight at me, eyes cold and hard. Anger burned inside me, but I swallowed it down.

“Claire, I’m serious,” I said quietly. “I really need this money. I did what you asked. Aaron drove me, but I stayed until the very last second. This isn’t about gambling. I’m not lying. I need it, more than anything.”

She walked up close, her voice level but curious. “Then tell me what for. If you’re really honest, maybe I’ll think about it.”