And a hairbrush and a robe and pajamas and a cozy blanket—though Rory said she went rogue with the last one because she couldn’t resist how soft it was.
See how nice they’re all being?
And I was supposed to plant evidence on Chrissy’s laptop.
To frame her for something she didn’t do.
Tohurther.
When she did absolutely nothing to me.
Shit. I have to tell her—and do it now, while Pascal is here, while all the rest of them are too.
They deserve to know what kind of person they’re sharing their space with.
Deserve to understand the shitstorm I’ll likely bring into their lives.
I bend, reaching for the hem at my ankle where I sewed the flash drive before I left for the winery. A quick tug and it’ll come free. I’d done that on purpose.
In and out.
Get into Chrissy’s office, plug it into her laptop, transfer the files, get the hell out.
Let the powers that be do their thing.
But thatthinghad been a lot easier to swallow when I didn’t really know her.
When she was just the spoiled daughter of a billionaire.
Not a woman who’s passionate about helping animals and whose kind heart clearly expands to care about strangers she doesn’t even know.
Dammit.
I have to tell them.
I open my mouth?—
“You know your lips are still swollen.”
“Rory!” Chrissy gasps, swatting her on the shoulder. “Don’t saythat.”
Tiff sighs and shakes her head.
Marie’s lips twitch but she just pulls out her phone and starts tapping at the screen.
“What? I mean, it’s impressive, really. She’s clearly a woman who’s been thoroughly kissed and”—she leans closer, eyes flicking to the men where they’re standing in the kitchen, deep in conversation—“I, for one, have always wondered what Brooks would be like when he kissed a woman.”
Chrissy rolls her eyes. “Do I need to remind you that youhavea husband?”
“No.” She sighs dreamily. “King is a great kisser. But I’m curious by nature.” A shrug. “So why can’t I know if he’s a kiss-you-senseless-because-he’s-so-intense-he-can’t-help-it or a slow-sip-you-up-until-your-bones-turn-to-goo kind of kisser?”
“Because it’s none of our business?” Marie says dryly.
Tiff nods.
“Since when has that ever stopped us?”
Chrissy sighs heavily. “Rory?—”
