Chapter 52

"Listen to me. He won't. I can assure you that much. He needs leverage. So he will hold onto it for as long as possible. Trust me. I know people like him." Linc says, and for a second I feel my paranoia dissolving at the absolute confidence in those gold flecked dark eyes.

"When he calls tomorrow, you will play along. You haven't told me anything. You don't have the money yet because you don't know how to ask me without seeming suspicious. If he asks to meet, you will agree. I will take it from there with Hernandez. Amelia, do you get me?" Linc shakes my shoulders with gentle force. I can hear all he is saying but I really can't process it in my fear adled brain. I nod but I don't look convincing so Linc pulls me to his chest, cradling my head under his chin reassuringly. I close my eyes to savour the moment.

Hernandez's arrival had cast a dull glow on our conjured bliss and it won't ease anytime soon but we can start somewhere. I cling to him, breathing in his intoxicating sce