“Did you do something with him?”
“God, no.”
I narrow my eyes as I stare at the picture and then at her. “What were you trying to do downstairs, Amara. Seduce me?”
She swallows and nods. “I’m sorry, I know it’s sick but SweetJustice told me to.”
“Is that the blackmailer’s user name?”
“Yes.”
“Open your messages and let me read everything.”
She does as I ask. Her fingers quickly work on the keyboard. When I see the conversation she was in and ask, “You’re leaving me?”
She gasps. “It’s—”
“Your way out of here. From this situation.”
“The only way. Either you’d kill me when you found out I betrayed you tomorrow night, or my life will implode when my secrets are made public.”
“Oh, Amara.” I pull her close, the warmth of her body pressing against mine, grounding me.
“I’m sorry.” She trembles, and it shatters something inside me to see her tears glisten under the soft light of her room. “I never wanted to betray you, I promise.” Her voice wavers, and it cuts deeper than any blade.
“Shush.” My lips brush her cheek, tasting the salt of her tears.
“Are you going to help me?”
“Do you have any idea who it is?”
She shakes her head, eyes wide with fear. “All I know is Caleb’s brother is a detective. That Con hates me and vowed retribution if I spoke about him.” She points at the picture on the screen. “I know I met the mayor, buthonestly it was only for lunch, but somehow the blackmailer thinks it’s more.”
I nod.
"And now this…"
"What the fuck!" I growl when she shows me a picture her me and her in the pool, looking too close for comfort.
“I'm sorry. I just need to give him something…anything. If you can give me a half truth, something to pacify SweetJustice. Something to set him up…”
“Good girl.” I admire her quick thinking, even in this chaos. “Let’s give him something to salivate over.”
Her eyes widen. “Really. You’re going to help me.”
“I am.”
She throws herself at me and presses her lips against mine like she’s not in control of her body right now.
Then an adorable squeak releases from her throat.
I still as she slowly drops her hands to her sides and murmurs, “Sorry.”
“I’m not.” I smile. “I want your lips again.”
“You do?” Her hesitation lingers just a moment before she leans in, pressing those soft lips against mine. Her trust ignites something fierce inside me. The need to keep her safe.
She pulls back slightly, watching my reaction, but I need more.
