Page 48 of King of Deception

“No, it’s not.”

“Well, I mean… I didn’t mind her being bi if that’s what she is. It just felt a lot like cheating because she never actually told me.”

“And the parents?”

“Well, they’d already paid for her education and a brand new apartment under her name in downtown Washington… where they’d also used their connections to get her a big job.”

“An apartment and connections. Do you know anyone who’s not rich?”

Tilting back my head, I stared at the bright, clear moon. I could see every line and gray patch. “Now that I think about it… no.”

“What about your family?”

“They’re doing well.”

“What does your sister do?”

“You mean when she’s not busy vying for the attention of her next flame?”

She laughed. “Hey, that’s judgy.”

“I guess I can get a little overprotective. After all, she’s still so young, and I worry about her.”

“It’s her choice. She’s not a kid.”

“Oh, miss hung-over-every-birthday-since-sixteen. Of course, you’ll take her side.”

“Are you shaming me?”

I chortled. “Not even remotely. Just teasing you. So, what’s your dream birthday like?”

“Whoa,” she audibly sighed. “I haven’t thought about it. I mean, most people ask about your ideal date.”

“Of course, but we’ve already established that that’s with me.”

She giggled, and my heart skipped a beat. “You’re full of yourself.”

“That hurts,” I joked.

“You know what Lexi says?”

“Lexi…”

“Alexander? Alex? My best friend?”

Clearing my throat, I felt a tad uncomfortable. “Mhm?”

“The one who’s with James? His boyfriend?”

“Right,” I tittered, mentally kicking myself.

“We’ll get to that in a minute,” she said, and I didn’t understand. “But he actually thinks that the perfect date should be with someone who has lots of money.”

“Do you agree with him?”

“Not really. I think it’s irrelevant. In fact, I’ve never really dated anyone with that much money. But I know how to have fun.”

“And does James have a lot of money?”

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