It’s a good plan, but I promptly forget it as I lift the case. The weight is off…
I slap the suitcase on the bed, undoing the zips. I don’t have much in terms of clothes, it was mostly filled with money.
Tossing open the top, I stare at the interior, my mouth hanging open. It’s empty.
My money is gone.
I let out a scream, my hands clenching at my sides. “Fucker,” I snarl, slamming the lid back on top of the case. Win did this. He’s taken my money. Tried to pin me down in an even more meaningful way.
I don’t even bother with a shirt or with shoes.
Slamming open my door, I stalk back down the hall. The party is in full swing, which is perfect.
I head back through the second-floor landing, passing the grand staircase, and then I make my way into the opposite wing.
At the very end of the hall is a set of double doors I know belong to him. His bedroom.
Tossing them open, I step into his room, stopping to take in the details. Large, curtained bed, dark mahogany furniture, thick carpets under my toes.
Beyond, his windows overlook the vast lawns and then the ocean beyond. A perfect view for the Duke of Grandmont.
I close the double doors behind me and set myself to exploring. Does he think he can just steal from me, and I won’t return the favor?
I’ve got all night to look, and whatever I take from him, I want it to hurt.
I start my search with an antique armoire.
I check the side tables next to the bed, then peek under the large mahogany frame, before I make my way into his private bathroom. It’s done in marble, crisp and clean, but I ignore the finishes and check the drawers.
It’s all standard supplies: razor, cologne, shavers, cufflinks.
Huffing with frustration, I enter the closet, the color-coded rows of clothing looking like money and smelling like Win.
How can a man that awful smell that good?
But I shake my head, standing up on tiptoe to scan the upper shelf. That’s when I see a hatbox.
It’s pink floral and is stark contrast to everything else in this room.
I pull it down, carrying it over to his bed.
Tossing back the dark blue bed curtains, I set the box down and pull the lid off.
Neatly folded on the top is a lovely pale blue pashmina. I pull it out and wrap it around my shoulders.
Beneath that, a stack of letters.
Next is a box. I open the lid and find some of the loveliest jewelry. A diamond ring sparkles in the center. I know it’s a box of mementos from his fiancée.
Things he values. Items he prizes. I empty the contents, stacking them in my arms and then leave the box on the bed.
I want him to know what I’ve done.
Walking back down the hall, pashmina still around my body, I pass by the party once again, listening to the merry sound of laughter.
Is Win charming some woman into being his bride right now? I snort. He’s about as charming as a desert snake.
I keep going past the stairs, returning to my room, where I start my next search. This one for the perfect hiding place. This is a game with which I’ve had loads of practice.
