Page 57 of Dirty Intentions

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Shane

It took exactly five minutes for Heather to break down and give up the name of her partner in crime. What I hadn’t expected, and should have, was that Eric, Daniella’s ex, had also been involved. He’d helped hide the money over the last couple of years for a cut. Sure, that fucker hadn’t technically stolen from me, but he’d helped cover up for someone who was and had made a tidy profit from it.

The worst part was Heather’s reasoning. It wasn’t for a sick family member or because she owed money to someone. Nope, it was because she wanted to live in Tribeca and needed the money so she could pay for her condo. One, I might add, that was nicer than my own. Simply put, she somehow had convinced herself she was owed a lifestyle she couldn’t afford.

I couldn’t believe that after confessing, she even had the audacity to ask to keep her job. Not only was she fired, but she was also lucky we weren’t pressing charges. Of course, I needed to discuss it with Max, but the last thing we needed was either the scrutiny or embarrassment. As it was, it would be hard to explain the situation to the other employees. And after I made a call to the distributer later, Heather wouldn’t be the only one out of a job. As for Eric, I hadn’t decided what his fate would be, but I planned to give him a call to ensure he returned Daniella’s money by the end of the week. Otherwise, his big secret would be public in a hurry.

Daniella. Fuck. I’d hurt her. In my defense, I’d been operating on no sleep, and her bombshell had caught me completely off guard.

I walked up the steps to my office slowly and deliberately. There I met the eyes of Max, who was anxiously waiting.

Based on my grim expression, he knew instantly how it had turned out.

“Did she at least give a reason?”

I poured a whiskey and sighed. “Her condo overlooking the city. Her plastic surgery. A lifestyle she feels entitled to.”

“I was really hoping for a better excuse, like a sick relative.”

“Me, too. She gave up the name of the distributer.”

“Fucker. I take it you’ll call the supplier and get him fired tomorrow?”

“Chances are she’s already called him, and he’s taken off. And for a cut, Eric helped shift around money to hide it from being obvious.”

He cursed again. “Will you have the pics go viral?”

“I haven’t decided. Heather actually had the nerve to ask if she could remain working here.”

“She’s lucky we won’t press charges. We aren’t, right?”

I shook my head. “Not worth it. Where’s Daniella?”

He leveled me with a look. “Dude. Where do you think she is? She took off after you basically accused her of being jealous of Heather. I believe you also implied that her wanting to stay another morning to give you proof was because she wasn’t ready to let you go.”

“I didn’t mean—shit.”

He held up a hand. “If that’s your excuse, then it’s probably best you don’t see her again.”

“I don’t want that. Is she back at the hotel?”

He shrugged. “Not sure, but I do know she’s not coming back here. Matter of fact, she has a flight out tomorrow, leaving on vacation.”

This was news. Although come tomorrow, was it really my business? I didn’t like the answer.

“I fucked up.” I had. Although I hadn’t known Daniella that long, I should’ve handled what she was saying better and not made it personal.

“Guess you could start with that.”

Here’s hoping it would work.

***

Daniella

Even after packing everything up and taking a shower, I was restless. I told myself I didn’t care that he hadn’t knocked. But it was a lie. I cared. Too much.

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