RUSH (Montgomery Men Book 1) Read Free Page A

next two hours I stepped into the role Jase needed me to take. I wooed the businessmen and complimented their wives. I oohed and ahhed over my talented husband’s accomplishments, but on the inside I just felt dirty. I hated lying to these people, because Jase would fuck them over later, and it would be partly my fault.
    Knowing that made living with myself even harder.
    They would entrust Jase and his father to invest their money, believing that one day they too would have millions. But they would only be giving the Hellman men the power to rule the rest of their lives. Yes, Jase and his father made them money, but they did it illegally. Most people had no idea what their funds were being used for, and when they had realized it was too late. The Hellman men held their illegal actions over their investors’ heads, and they became fearful of prison time, or worse, for being accessories. So instead of turning Bruce and Jase in, they remained quiet.
    Like I said, Jase and Bruce were dirty.
    “Excuse me,” I said, causing Jase to redirect his attention from the person he was talking to toward me. He tightened his grip on my waist and gave me a questioning look. “I just need to go to the ladies’ room and freshen up before dinner is served,” I said in explanation as I plastered on a fake smile and leaned into my husband.
    Appear as the loving devoted wife always, Kinsley.
    The thought made it hard to breathe.
    “Hurry up and come back to me,” he whispered sweetly before leaning in to kiss my cheek.
    I fought the urge to roll my eyes as I stepped away and turned toward the exit of the ballroom where the event was being held.
    I felt like running, just craving the moment alone that I was seldom granted. I ignored the people I passed, who looked as if they wanted me to stop and talk, offering them smiles. I had been given a small taste of freedom, and I was embracing it.
    Once I was safely tucked inside the women’s restroom, I took the first available stall I could find, shutting and locking the door. When I leaned back against the metal, the coolness felt amazing. For a moment I closed my eyes, taking the time I had been allowed to breathe and attempt to relieve some of the tension coiling through my body.
    I stayed that way for a while, then panicked as I realized I didn’t know how much time had passed. Fearing that Jase would come looking for me, I hurried to relieve myself, washed my hands, and rushed toward the door. Just as I was reaching for the handle, it flew open. I stumbled back to keep from being hit in the face and held my hand out in defense.
    Relief washed over me when I looked up and didn’t see Jase. An older, kind-looking woman with gentle eyes stepped inside and offered me a sweet smile.
    “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I almost hit you.”
    I felt like I had seen her somewhere before. Something about her seemed so familiar.
    “It’s okay, I’m fine, really,” I replied and gave her a reassuring smile.
    She stared back at me for a moment, tilting her head to the side with a puzzled look on her face. But then she smiled once again and I relaxed.
    “You’re Kinsley, right?” she asked. “Your father was Arthur.”
    I nodded, realizing then where I knew her from. “Yes I am,” I said. Then her words hit me. “Wait, ‘was’?”
    “I remember seeing you visit him on occasion. I haven’t worked at Whisper Ridge for close to a month, but I do stay in touch with the other caregivers there, and I was so sorry to hear about your father, dear.”
    I had never in my life been more confused than I was in that moment. I stood staring at her as if I was mute.
    “He was always one of my favorite residents. That man always left a smile on the faces of everyone he came in contact with. Such a kind soul. I know the ladies sure do miss him too.”
    My heart sank. “What? I’m not sure I understand what you’re referring to.” My heartbeat hammered in my ears, and I felt lightheaded and nauseous, as if I