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“This.”

She suddenly leans forward, her face so close that we’re almost nose to nose, and I find myself tottering on the edge of something, arms failing desperately⁠—

“A little advice, Karyna. I’d think twice before telling the owners about this. Someone might call the Feds and ask them to look into their past, and who knows what they’ll find? You don’t want to cause trouble for them, do you?”

I don’t have time to answer since I’ve already lost my balance.

I can only squeeze my eyes shut and wait for the inevitable splash as I fall into the pool.

But I don’t.

Whoa!

Patrick yanks me back in time, and I fall against him.

“T-Thank you?”

“Are you alright?”

I’ve never seen or heard Patrick this furious, and so when he turns to Sadie⁠—

“Please don’t.”

I can’t let him say anything else, not with the other woman’s threat still ringing in my ears like a tsunami alarm.

“I saw the way she had you running all over the place,” he mutters under his breath. “It’s not right⁠—”

I cut him off and pin a bright smile to my lips as I turn to Sadie. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Amparo. Can I get you another margarita?”

“We’re all good now.” Why is she smiling at me like that? “Both of you can leave.”

“Please don’t hesitate to call us if you need anything, Ms. Amparo.” I quickly drag Patrick away with me when I sense him still wanting to give Sadie a piece of his mind.

“We should tell Mr. de Laigny about what happened,” Patrick says angrily as soon as we’re out of earshot.

“There’s no need.”

“They’re good people,” Patrick insists. “They always do what’s right.”

And that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.

Taking my side can get them into trouble, and I don’t want to be a burden to them, too.

“Karyna?”

I only realize my eyes have started smarting when Patrick says my name.

“Are you okay?”

I nod.

“You don’t look okay.”

I want to assure him I’m fine, but it’s already taking everything of me to keep myself from crying. Why am I always such a burden to everyone?

“If you need anything, you can tell me⁠—”

I shake my head. Getting him involved is the last thing I’d ever want. I already know how that’s going to end.