Chapter 25

**A Test of Trust**

The promise of something terrible and unavoidable hung in the air like a rain cloud after Jack's remarks. "You're investigating him, Victor knows that."

Grasping the papers in my hands as though they may somehow shield me from the gravity of his warning, I swallowed hard. Charlotte stood behind me, her face a mask, but I could sense the waves of stress washing over her.

Are you saying that he is coming to get me? I hardly raised my voice above a whisper, but Jack could hear it. Every time.

Jack took a deep, slow breath as his jaw tensed. Victor leaves nothing hanging. He will act as soon as he perceives you as a threat. You won't want to know what he can do, Amelia, I promise you.

It sent shivers down my spine. I remembered Victor's courteous smiles and the charming exterior that belied something far worse when I had seen him at my father's gatherings. Was I blind from the start?

In an attempt to determine whether I was making another error, I made myself look directly into Jack's eyes. Meanwhile, Jack, how about you? You gave me false information. I was misled by you to think that you were the one who destroyed my family.

Pulling a hand through his hair, Jack took a deep breath. Because doing it that way was simpler. If you didn't like me, you wouldn't be doing things that could kill you.

I felt as though my stomach was twisted. My desire was to believe him. Despite everything, I wanted to believe that he had been keeping me safe. Still, the betrayal was extremely painful. In what way can I trust you now?

Jack moved in closer and spoke in a softer, lower tone. You shouldn't, in my opinion. But I must have your attention. Amelia, you may not believe in me, but you should believe in the danger you face.

We were silent for a while. With her eyes darting between us, Charlotte shuffled next to me, seemingly undecided about whether to step in and help me or let me handle my own problems.

Putting my feelings aside, I took a deep breath. What are we going to do now?

After a pause, Jack spoke with a quiet certainty. “We fight back.”

I was awakened by a glimmer of something strange. Hope? Panic? Both could be. Jack had been the antagonist in my book for a long time, but what if I was mistaken? Could it be that the real threat has been there all along?

Charlotte's voice broke the quiet. There's not much time left if Victor is pursuing Amelia. We require a strategy.

Nodding, Jack said. "We have to keep ahead of him, but I have people watching him." And that involves hiding Amelia from view.

I stiffened up. Are you asking me to hide?

For the time being. There was no denying Jack's voice. "Until we have sufficient strength to defeat him."

Though logic told me he was correct, everything in me resisted the thought of running. After destroying my father, what would stop Victor from pursuing me next?

With my decision made, I exhaled steadily. “All right. But I'm not going to sit here and let you take care of everything. We proceed jointly if we do this.

A smile that wasn't quite there twisted Jack's lips. "You don't do well under orders, do you?"

My chin went up. "Not by you."

Although Jack's laugh was low and nearly delighted, there was more to it than that. There was a feeling that this was just the start.

It was ruined by a jarring knock on the door.

Jack's body went completely still. A breath was drawn by Charlotte.

As I looked at the door, my heart pounded, and the tension in the air was palpable.

A low command was in Jack's voice. "Don't open it."

But it was too late. The handle was already turning.

A man I didn't recognize emerged as the door swung open. He had broad shoulders, was tall, and had a sharp, dangerous edge to his features. He glanced at me and then at Jack, his eyes hard and assessing.

Then he responded quietly, "Sterling." “We must speak.”

Jack's entire demeanor changed in an instant, his stance stiffening. The man who had been playing with me moments before, with a hint of amusement, was no more. There stood someone stern and unfathomable in his place.

In a steely voice, Jack answered, "Not here."

He grinned. It's too late to do that.

He was followed by two additional figures before I could reply. It made my stomach turn. There was no social visit here. This served as a caution. A statement.

Jack moved forward of me in a protective stance, his fingers briefly touching mine. It was impromptu and unplanned, yet the warmth of it gave me a shock.

Behind me, Charlotte's breathing became harsh. "Jack---"

He answered sourly, "I know."

With a constant smile, the man in the doorway stepped forward once more. Sterling, let's make this simple. Victor is aware of what he desires.

Jack's tone sounded eerily serene. "Tell Victor I'm not scared of him."

With a shake of his head, the man laughed. "You ought to feel afraid." She should too.

His gaze returned to me and lingered long enough for my skin to itch.

Jack's jaw muscle was twitching, and his entire body tensed. "Climb out."

A man's head tipped. “We will communicate.”

So he turned and left, the other two men walking closely behind him.

Jack, breathing strainedly but steadily, closed the door behind them.

Charlotte's eyes widened at me. This is not good.

Jack turned to face me after rubbing his face with his palm. "You have to prepare a bag. Presently.

My heart ran. “Where are we heading?”

There was no reading on his face. "You will be found somewhere Victor won't."

I developed a lump in my throat. “What if he does?”

My gaze was met by Jack's dark, unfathomable blue eyes. "I will then ensure that he regrets it."