Until I see her talking to Tyler. The guy who referred me to the agency. And he’s got a hungry look on his face I know all too well.
I’m still pushing past people when she walks away from him. It distantly registers that she seems relieved to see me, but I’m too locked on Tyler to fully consider what that might mean. Thankfully, the moment his gaze meets mine, and he sees the murder in my eyes, he strides off without a word.
Scarlett stops in front of me. “There you are?—”
“What was that?” I demand, too sharply, still looking after Tyler.
She jerks back in surprise. “What? Nothing.”
My eyes narrow, my focus finally locking on her. “Don’t lie to me, Scarlett. This doesn’t work if we’re not honest with each other.”
Her hesitation is obvious. And maybe if I didn’t feel so on edge, I might be able to see what it’s hiding. But I am, and I can’t.
“Okay, fine,” she says slowly. “He propositioned me.”
I don’t even blink. “And?”
Her brow furrows. “And what?”
“And what did you say?”
At that, her eyes go wide. “What did Isay?What kind of question is that?”
“A logical one,” I retort. “You said it yourself: we were going to run into former and potential clients of yours tonight. So. What did yousay, Scarlett?”
Fear flashes in her eyes, but I’m too lost to my own to do anything about it. “I said no,” she says in a small voice.
“Why? He didn’t offer enough?”
Scarlett jerks back as if she’s been slapped. “What?”
I know I should stop. IknowI should stop. I should take a deep breath and talk myself down from this ledge. But I’m spiraling, and the alcohol running through my veins isn’t helping. My feelings for Scarlett are making my fear that hers aren’t real grow to insurmountable heights. I can’tbreathe.
I step closer, my voice dropping to a too-harsh whisper. “Was any of this real? Or have I been a game to you this whole time? Poor, naïve Nico, falling for the high-class escort. And paying for the privilege.”
Her eyes widen more as they search mine, her chest heaving. “It isn’t like that?—”
I don’t let her finish, because all I can picture is another man kissing her. “God, you must’ve gotten a real kick out of making me pay to watch you vomit all night long. That was probablya first in escort history, huh? Did you laugh about it with your madam?”
“Why are you doing this?” she whispers, tears shimmering in her eyes. “What happened when you left?”
I slide my hands into my pockets and say stiffly, “I ran into one of your clients.Anotherone, apparently.”
Her gaze darts over my shoulder, a nervousness appearing in her expression. “I’m sorry that happened,” she says slowly. “But I’ve never lied to you about who I am. And Itoldyou this could happen.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Warning me I might run into someone who’s tasted your pussy is a little different than finding out I’ve fallen victim to the same scheme as who knows how many other men, Scarlett.” Then something occurs to me, and I bite out, “If that’s even your real name.”
Hurt colors every inch of her features, but I’m too blinded by my panic to truly see it. “Whatare you talking about? What scheme?”
I lean closer. “Are you honestly telling me you’ve never used your little no-kissing rule to string men along for more dates?”
Christ, her acting skills are next level. She doesn’t even look guilty.
“You think I did that as aploy?”
I shrug and lean back. “I have no idea. Honestly, it would be a damn good one.”
She still just looks shell-shocked. “You’re so wrong, Nico. I don’t even know what that would accomplish.”
