“Bye, Nate.”
He winks at me, and then stands, leaving the room so silently I barely hear him. I roll over, warm and content, and I go back to sleep.
~*~*~*~
“Where have you been?”
I’ve just arrived home to find Jacob on my doorstep. He’s got his arms crossed and his face is tight with anger. I know he’s been trying to call me for the past week but I’m not interested in speaking to him. There’s nothing to say. I’m not interested.
“Last time I checked,” I say, stepping past him and unlocking the front door, “it was none of your business.”
He flinches and puts his hand on the door, stopping me from opening it. Then his other hand curls around my arm, jerking me until I’m facing him.
“It is my business.”
I snort and stare down at his hand on my arm. “Firstly, it’s none of your business because we’re not together, and secondly, get your hand off me.”
He doesn’t move his hand.
“Are you seeing someone else?”
I glare up at him. “None. Of. Your. Business.”
His fingers tighten. “Don’t you dare think it’s this easy to get rid of me, Avery. I’m part of your life through your father, like it or not.”
“I don’t see my father, so it’s really not my problem who you’re associated with. If you’re so close to him, then I see no reason for you to be here. I’m sure he’d love to listen to you and your bullshit.”
He pulls me harshly, causing my teeth to grind together in anger.
“We need to talk about the business. Your father signed it over to you and Liam when your mother was alive. It’s clear neither of you want it, so the only way to break the agreement is for you two to sign it over to me.”
“No.”
His jaw tics. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, Avery. You’ve no interest in your father’s company, and neither does your brother. He wants me to have it when he goes.”
“I don’t care what he wants, I’m not signing it over to you. No way in hell.”
“I can’t afford to pay out your half,” he barks. “Don’t make this harder than it is. I’ll take you to court and . . .”
“Do it!” I snap, jerking my arm in an attempt to get it out of his grip. He only tightens his hold.
“Listen to me, Avery,” he hisses leaning in close. “You’ll do whatever the . . .”
“Let her go.”
I hear Max’s angry voice and I turn my face to see him standing at my front gate, glaring at Jacob.
“This is a private conversation,” Jacob growls. “Go away.”
Max storms in and quick as lightning takes Jacob by the shirt and hurls him close. “Listen to me, Jacob. I can put you away for trespassing and harassment just because I’m having a bad day and want someone to charge. All Avery has to do is give me the word. My suggestion is that you let her go and walk away, or I just might put you in the cells for the night.”
Jacob drops his hand from my arm and glares at Max for a long moment. Max’s hard expression does not slip, and he doesn’t take his eyes from Jacob’s face. Jacob quickly looks away and turns to me, his eyes narrowed. “We’ll be talking about this.”
“Later,” I snap.
He turns with another scalding glare, and storms off down the path. When he’s gone, Max turns to me. “I’ve been looking for you all night.”
“Sorry,” I say, turning and walking inside. “I needed space.”
“You okay?” he asks, following me in.
“I honestly don’t know, Max. I have so many questions.” I turn to him and he’s watching me carefully, studying my face as if checking to make sure I’m not about to break down. “Can I meet him?”
He looks confused. “You want to meet the man who was sleeping with your mother?”
“Did he kill her?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I honestly don’t think so. His story checks out and there was no DNA of his anywhere in her car.”
“Then it won’t matter if I speak to him.”
“Can I ask why?” he dares to say, tilting his head to the side.
“I have the right, don’t I? To get some answers?”
He sighs loudly. “I guess you do. I’ll have to speak to him—it’s his decision if he wishes to speak to you.”
I nod. “Well, the sooner you can ask the better.”
He smiles weakly and walks over to my coffee machine, flicking it on.
“What now?” I ask, following him in. “With the case, I mean.”
“I’ve got leads. The minute I have anything solid you’ll know.”