“We, huh? I have a plan, but you’ll need to follow it to the letter.”
With my hand completely steady, I returned the paper. “You always do have a plan in that big head of yours. I will be involved and I’ll think about obeying.”
“Yes, you will. It would seem you’re my partner in crime. As well as other more provocative things.”
“Mmmm… I think I like that idea. Now, do you remember when I mentioned I would have a couple codicils to our deal?”
Sinclair groaned. “I remember. What are they?”
“Just what are your plans for the Strathmore property?”
“A resort and upscale shops, a townhouse project. All very classy, I assure you.”
I nodded a few times then inched closer, placing my hand on his chest. “You’re going to make a couple additions to that plan.”
“Oh, yeah?” He brushed his hand down my face, knowing damn good and well he’d create another wave of desire. “What are they?”
“A dog park and a very classy doggy bakery. We don’t have nearly enough dog parks in the city.”
“Let me guess. You will be the owner of the doggy bakery.”
“Well, of course. I do need to utilize my skills on something other than beignets.”
Laughing, he pulled me into his arms. “You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Samuels, but I’ll agree to the deal.”
“You better,” I said as I wrapped my arms around his waist. “I’m not the kind of girl to take no for an answer.”
“One last thing,” he said as he pulled out my phone. “You crave revenge regarding Zane?”
I was salivating at the thought. “More than I care to breathe.”
“Here’s your chance, my beautiful wildcat. You had three phone calls from an unknown number. My guess is Zane wasdetermined to put the fear of God into you. I suggest you tell him you’d like to meet.”
“Oh, yeah? Alone?”
He shrugged, the grin on his face positively mischievous. “With supervision, of course.”
“Of course.” I took the phone, accepting that I also had a bad girl streak in me a mile wide. “What if he doesn’t agree?”
“I assure you, he will. You’ll be the icing on the cake of success. Or so he’ll be led to believe. Just trust me.”
Trust. How many times had I wanted to place my trust even in myself? As our fingers collided, a deep breath following, I knew instinctively how Sinclair felt about me.
And how I felt about him.
“Here’s the thing. I do trust you. More than anyone.”
“Good, baby. Because there are more adventures to come.”
I dialed the number, taking a few deep breaths, not surprised in the least when Zane answered.
“Well, hello, my beautiful sister. Are you ready to come home?”
My skin crawled, but I plastered on a smile. “Maybe. But with conditions. You and I need to meet.”
Betrayal.
I knew it well.
