Power Switch (Power Play #3) - Kennedy L. Mitchell Page 0,88

two fingers up and down her spine. Staring off into the thick cluster of trees, I try to pretend everyone can't hear our conversation from their close proximity.

“You're right,” I admit. “I should've talked to you considering how badly the last agreement with her went.” I cringe at the reminder of what Mother pulled. I've always known she's a manipulating opportunist, but holding aggravated assault charges over your son’s head just for him to do your bidding is over the top. We still don't know how she knew about the altercation with that bastard in Boone, Texas, Randi's hometown, but she does, and she sure as hell jumped on the opportunity to use it to her advantage.

“If we're going to make this work, then we have to be honest with each other.”

I nod, my chin popping lightly against the crown of her head.

“I asked Vlad for information on her, your mother. And Jessica if he can find it.”

Shock halts any response I could've come up with. Wrapping my fingers around her slim shoulder, I push us apart an inch. Looking down, I wait until she focuses up on me.

“And you didn't think that was something we should discuss together?”

Now it's her turn to look confused.

“Mess.” I sigh. My fingers slide through the longer portion of my hair as I try to gather my thoughts. Damn, she's so innocent. “You know every favor comes with strings.”

The line between her brows deepens. “I’m already asking for help with obtaining the information on Kyle. What’s one more favor when so many are stacking up anyway?”

Reaching up, she grips my T-shirt and curls her fingers into tight fists.

“I'm done with you being the only one sacrificing bits of yourself, Trey Benson. What’s done is done—”

The vibrating of my phone in my pocket stops her from continuing. As soon as it stops, it starts back up again.

“Need to get that?”

I sigh, knowing full well who it’ll be. Reaching inside my shorts pocket, I slide the thin device out and hold the screen up so Randi can see.

Her eyes widen. “That's the fourth call you've missed.” Once again, the phone shakes in my hand as Jessica tries calling for a fifth time. “Answer it and put it on speakerphone.”

I groan but do it anyway. I glance across the small clearing to where Tank stands and send him a helpless look. My best friend just holds up his hands palms out and shakes his head, smiling.

Fucker.

I mouth just as much his way as I slide my thumb across the glass screen and hit the speakerphone button.

“What do you want, Jessica?” I say, letting the exhaustion from the last hour seep into my weary voice.

“Why didn't you pick up?”

I stifle a laugh at Randi's annoyed eye roll.

“Working.”

“Listen, you've been gone for a while. Why don't you just come home and we can work on the party plans—”

“I've got to go, Jessica.”

“Wait.” Her voice turns panicky. “I don't feel safe on my own anymore.”

Randi's questioning gaze flicks to me. I shake my head, letting her know I'm not buying the bullshit Jessica is selling.

“Jessica, we've talked about this. I know what you're doing, and it's not going to work.”

“I'm telling the truth,” she says on a sad whisper. “Why won't you protect me like you do her?”

Randi's upper lip tugs upward in a snarl. Somehow, I hold back my amused chuckle—barely.

“For lots of reasons. You know that, Jessica. Listen, you're the one who went behind my back to make this fake engagement part of the deal I had with my mother to stop the bill. Don't act like I'm the one to blame for this mess.”

Silence is her response for several seconds before she drops a bomb on me that leaves me stunned.

“I'm done being second, Trey. I've already cleared it with the management office and your mother. I'm moving in.”

With that, she hangs up.

I stare at the blank screen, a little too nervous to glance up and get a front row seat to Randi's reaction to this. Love her, but she's a tad crazy. Who knows what elaborate plan she's thinking through to get back at Jessica.

After a few moments, it becomes obvious that I'm avoiding the inevitable. Taking a deep breath in for strength, I stand tall and slide the phone back into the mesh pocket of my shorts.

The smile on Randi's face is the last thing I expect.

“Looks like T and Sarah just got themselves a new roomie,” she states, her words and tone leaving no

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