“Fuck.” I rest my head back against the wall and close my eyes.
“Did I go too far?” she asks, and I open my eyes and push off the wall.
“Yes, but don’t start acting all remorseful now.”
“I wasn’t planning to,” she says, shivering a little. “I own my shit.”
I pull the collar of her coat up to ward off the chill. “The car will be here any minute.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes penetrate mine, and my heart does this funny little twisty thing. “I had the best time today. I love your family and friends, and all the kids are adorable,” she says as my phone beeps to alert me to the car at the front gate.
I check the image on my phone before automatically opening the gate and granting the driver entry. “You’re good in unfamiliar settings.”
“Consequence of growing up how I did. Dad mixes in wealthy circles. There were always parties and charity events, and I was schooled in how to behave from an early age.”
“Sounds a lot like how we were brought up,” I admit, keeping an eye on my phone as I watch the car drive toward us.
“Then you get it,” she says, cupping my cheek.
I gulp heavily as her touch seeps through my skin and into my bones.
“You’re very lucky, Drew. You have so many people who love and care about you.”
Gravel crunches behind me as the car pulls up.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of your family today, and while I should probably apologize for torturing you, I won’t.” Her mouth presses against my ear. “I liked pretending with you.” Her smile seems sincere as she stares at me. In an unexpected move, she brushes her lips against mine in a fleeting soft kiss. “Goodnight, Drew. See you at the office.”
I’m in a bit of a daze as I watch her get into the town car and drive away.
“She has you tied into knots,” Charlie says, materializing at my side. I didn’t even hear him come out.
“She has an agenda.” My lips are still tingling from that barely there kiss.
“Then maybe you should go along with this. Get close to her and find out what she’s up to.”
“Perhaps.” It would make sense, and it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fucked a woman to uncover her secrets.
“I think we should make one last effort with the two pricks,” he says. “How about tomorrow night?”
I nod. “Agreed, but if they don’t give us anything, we cut our loses and work out where we go from here.” My lips kick up at the corners. “They have enjoyed my hospitality for long enough.”
Charlie chuckles. “Not sure what it says about me, but I’m having more fun than I’ve had in years.”
“I swear I won’t tell Demi.”
He punches me in the arm. “I have plenty of fun with my wife. You know what I mean.”
“From one violent asshole to another, yeah, I do.”
“It feels good to get my hands bloody for a good cause.”
“I need closure,” I say, shoving my hands in my pants pockets.
“I know, buddy.” He clamps his hand on my shoulder. “We’re getting closer. I feel it in my bones. We’ll get the answers.”
“Thanks for forcing my hand. I couldn’t go on without you.”
“I’m glad to help, and I’ve got your back, Drew. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”
