“You see, you have this spotless reputation, but your . . . boss, shall we say, does not. It’s terribly unfortunate how one can betarred with the same brush, as it were,” he says, all wide-eyed innocence, before proceeding to order us another bottle of ridiculously expensive wine.
My stomach drops. What the hell does he know about me and Liam? Andhowdoes he know it? My mind races, trying to piece together what he’s playing at here.
Does the man have people trailing us or something? Knowing my luck, Alastair was probably on that damn birdwatching boat.
“What are you referring to?” I ask, struggling to keep my tone casual.
I smooth out the serviette on my lap, buying myself some time to figure out how I want to play this. I guess it’s not the end of the world that Alastair knows about me and Liam, but I sure as hell don’t want him using it as ammunition.
Alastair leans forward, not shying away from the conversation at all. “I hope you don’t think I’m overstepping, but I feel the need to look out for you. Regarding your . . .friendshipwith Liam.”
“Oh, don’t worry about me,” I say, hoping that’ll shut him up. Fat chance.
“But I would worry about a lovely, genuine person like yourself. You see, I’ve known Liam for a very long time. I know how he operates. I’d urge you to be cautious. You aren’t the first lady to get caught up in his games. I should hate to see you get hurt.”
I tense up, gripping my wineglass tighter. “I’m aware of what Liam is like,” I say coolly.
“Hmm.” Alastair’s gaze bores into me, that single syllable heavy with unspoken meaning. It’s the most infuriating thing ever.
I take a sip of my wine to avoid telling Alastair to mind his own bloody business. It’s not like I trust what he says.
“So long as you both understand the nature of your . . . arrangement.” His tone is placating, but there’s an undercurrent of something else. Something that puts me on edge.
I narrow my eyes. “I’m aware you and Liam don’t exactly see eye to eye in business matters, but this seems a little uncouth, Alastair.”
He holds up his hands in a gesture of mock surrender, but the glint in his eyes tells me he’s not backing down, not by a long shot. “I do apologize if I’ve overstepped. I merely wish to ensure a lovely young woman such as yourself is fully informed.”
I shift in my seat, the plush leather feeling stifling. I know he’s trying to rile me up, to bait me into begging for sordid details about Liam’s supposed misdeeds.
Shit-stirrer, that’s what he is. These guys play everyone like chess pieces.
“So what is it exactly you think I should be informed about?” I ask, keeping my tone breezy. Mostly I’m just curious what angle he’s working.
“I’m assuming, or rather I do hope, that even in your casual arrangement, you’re cognizant of his recurring soirée.” His lips curl around the wordsoirée, making it sound sleazy as hell.
“Soirée,” I repeat flatly.
His brow shoots up. “Oh dear. You do know what I’m talking about, don’t you?”
Suddenly my heart’s racing. He’s doing this on purpose, the prick. Whatever bomb he’s about to drop, he’s milking the suspense for all it’s worth.
“Care to elaborate?”
“The charming members club across the street. The Berkeley Athenæum.”
“Okay,” I say slowly. “What is it? A gentleman’s club?” I ask, hating that I’m asking. A sinking feeling builds in the pit of mygut. Is that rich-people code for “orgy”? What the actual hell is he talking about?
Alastair chuckles, the sound dripping with condescension. “Gentlemen do not go there, I’m afraid. It’s more about certain high-society members indulging in their more . . . shall we say, discreet desires.”
He watches me, his expression a nauseating mix of pity and satisfaction. Like he’s just delivered a fatal blow and he’s waiting for me to start crying.
Nice try, buddy.
I know what Liam is like. Him being part of some fancy sex club or whatever? Not exactly shocking. But he’s always been straight with me, has never given me a reason to doubt him.
I won’t and don’t believe the worst in Liam.
I swirl my wine, aiming to look bored rather than ready to throw it in his face. “Sounds like you know an awful lot about this special club.”
