“He spent some time helping us with a few issues with our accounting system.”Peter smiles.“You remind me of him.”
I touch my hair.“We both got the red hair.It definitely makes us stand out.”
“Not just your coloring.The way you think.The way you question.Your curiosity.Very similar.”He wipes his hands and puts his napkin across his plate.“You’ll excuse me, Ms.Morris, but I need to attend to a meeting.Please enjoy dessert.My associate will escort you back to your room.”
Ah, Lurch.I don’t say anything as Peter walks across the room and out the door.Lurch closes the distance to stand behind my chair.I’ve completely lost my appetite, but I’m not going back until I’ve taken in everything.
I eat slowly while checking out the trim and the windows that look out over a rolling green lawn lit with concealed lights.Escaping at night would probably be impossible.
As I eat the chicken, the serving staff claims my focus.There are two standing at each door.They wear black pants and black vests over white buttoned shirts with a black tie.Doesn’t matter if they are male or female, the uniform is the same.
Another server comes into the dining room through the door that must lead to the kitchen.That’s the woman who took away Peter’s empty plate.She stands next to the wall as if she can become one with the woodwork.But her gaze keeps dropping to my plate.
The meal is delicious but I can’t eat another bite.And he said there would be dessert.
I set my fork and knife in position to indicate I’m finished and dab at my mouth before lifting my wineglass to take a sip.
The woman comes forward and takes my plate with a polite bow before turning away.I pay close attention to her pockets, trying to determine whether she has a cell phone on her.
I blow out a breath as she disappears with my plate and another server emerges with something dripping in chocolate and caramel.When he sets it in front of me, I drop my napkin on the floor.
“Oops.”I look at it like it’s lost.
When the server bends down, I quickly check out his pockets for anything that could potentially help me out of this.He straightens and holds out my napkin with a pressed-lip look.No one looks at me as more than an object they have to deal with.
Sighing, I say, “Thank you.”
I used to steal Tom’s phone all the time from his pocket.It’s one thing I can do well and might actually help me out of this situation.
My attention goes to the chocolate masterpiece in front of me.My stomach churns at the thought of eating more, but I can’t stop myself from trying a few bites.And it’s as decadent as I imagined.
At least I have a polite kidnapper.I chuckle to myself and notice one of the door guys glance my way.He’s an older gentleman who looks like he’d rather die than have a button out of place.But there’s something soft about his brown eyes.His lips tug down in a frown before he corrects himself.
Maybe I might have found a friend after all.I take another bite and then drape my napkin beside my plate and stand.
I hold my arm out to Lurch.“Shall we?”
* * *
Wyatt
Verity folded and gave us her uncle’s information.Her Uncle Gideon is fond of Natasha and lets her abscond with his yacht for her adventures, figuring she’ll be safer on his yacht than traveling around Europe with a backpack, which she apparently did when she was eighteen.
She keeps it from her father.He doesn’t know about the yacht.
As we left, Verity reminded me to lose her number.It was highly satisfying to tell her I already blocked it.She huffed, but she’s not coming at Sara through me.After this morning, she’s not coming after any of us if she wants to remain queen bee.
“We should stop at my club.”Drew glances at his phone again.
“What are you hiding?”I take him in.
He’s been watching his phone like a hawk.Sure, he has feelers out about Tom and Sara, but I noticed earlier when he seemed more secretive about his phone.The worry that creased his brow.The way he checked to see if I was watching him.
Drew smirks and leans back.“I’m an open book, my fuck buddy.”
He uses that to annoy me and get me off topic.It won’t work this time.This might be something that could potentially hurt Sara.I need to know.
“Besides, you’re the one holding back.”Drew turns and gives me a serious look.“I don’t know what kept you from pursuing Sara.Maybe it’s your love for her brother, but the fact you’d be willing to walk away from her doesn’t make sense.”
