Hold Me Tight(59)

“Don’t we?” Conrad’s insinuation hangs in the air.

“Conrad, listen—” I protest.

“Frankly, I’m through with listening to your assurances that you’re on top of this when it’s clear that you’re not,” Conrad scolds me. “And now that things have taken a turn, the only way you can make it up to me is by tying up the loose ends, and maybe then I’ll call it even.”

“I don’t think I can—” I start, but he cuts me off again.

“If you don’t, then you’re as good as dead to me,” Conrad says sharply, and I know he means it.

Everything I’ve worked so hard for is about to be taken away from me. The long hours, the sacrifices, the drudgery—will all be for nothing. He has the power to ruin me. It’s his company. He holds the keys to the castle. I gave up everything for a chance at the brass ring, but he’s asking too much.

“Why can’t you hire someone to do it? Why does it have to be me?” I take a firmer stance, balking at his request.

“There isn’t time,” he insists, and I know he’s not going to give in on this. It’s his way of punishing me for screwing this up for him.

I allowed Tim to be influenced by Ivy. I should have seen it coming. It’s my fault this happened. In Conrad’s estimation, I’m the one to blame if his affair with Cassidy gets out. He’s not the irresponsible one—I am.

I can picture my mom sighing, “Typical. I mean, what else would you expect from a man?” as she puffs out a stream of cigarette smoke.

God, I wish she’d never married him.

Not if he was going to offer me the world then take it back. I should’ve known whom I was dealing with. Conrad Price is a man accustomed to getting his way, no matter what.

“And I want you to do it in front of them,” he utters.

“What?” I gasp.

“You drive Tim to Eric’s house and you take him out there,” Conrad dictates. “It’ll send a clear message that they better keep their mouths shut.”

“Conrad, you’re asking too much of me,” I whine, looking around the room, desperate to find a way out of this.

“The spy cameras are already set up on his property, so I’ll know if you don’t do what I ask of you,” Conrad continues. “And if you don’t, I’ll have no problem turning my attention to Eric Young, especially since I know how much he means to you.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” I seethe into the phone. “Haven’t you already done enough to him?”

“I never cared for his cockiness,” Conrad replies, showing an undercurrent of resentment I didn’t know existed. “Like some gardener’s spawn would ever carry my name. The arrogance.”

“Well, you certainly didn’t want it,” I retort.

“What did you say?” he asks, irate.

“You heard me. At least Eric would’ve given your child a loving home, which is more than I can say for you,” I cry, sticking up for him. “He would’ve been a great father. He’s going to be a great father.”

“What’s that I detect? A note of surrender in your voice? You’re certainly no daughter of mine,” Conrad says blisteringly. “You were so close to getting what you wanted. Ivy Thompson’s life is hanging on by a thread and you couldn’t finish her off. It looks like Eric’s going to meet his maker before her.”

“Stop!” I wail, hating him for the position he’s putting me in.

“I’d actually get more enjoyment out of seeing Mr. Young go down,” Conrad rambles on, intent on making me suffer. “Sure, Tim is a pain in my side, but he’s harmless. He’s a person who can be reasoned with. But he had to go and tell Eric, and we all know what a pompous media whore he is. Let him live with the guilt of bringing about the death of his best friend. It’ll serve him right.”

“Why are you so sure I’m going to do this for you?” I resist him, waiting for his response.

“Because you won’t let your obsession go that easily,” Conrad chuckles ruefully. “He’s what you live for. He’s why you get up in the morning. Even though he’ll never be yours and we both know it.”

“Shut up!” I yell angrily, losing my composure.

“Don’t worry. I don’t think he’s that great of a lover anyway,” Conrad goads me even further. “I sure didn’t have a problem coaxing Cassidy away from him and into my bed. So you’re probably not missing out on a whole lot. Besides, I’ve been watching you for a long time, Lauren. I know what turns you on.”