Page 86 of House of Lies

“I’m new.” When Angelo’s expression doesn’t change, I add, “And temporary.”

This makes his eyes sparkle, and I like that even less than his sleazy smile.

“Well, Ethan’s temporary assistant…” He pulls a business card out of his pants pocket. “Why don’t you give me a call when you’re done? I have something you might be interested in.”

Yeah, like your tiny dick.

“You don’t even know what I do.” I cross my arms over my chest, giving him a glare for good measure.

Angelo’s gaze drops to my cleavage. “I have a pretty good idea.”

Ew.

I release my arms, and quickly wrap my fingers around my mother’s pendant, frowning hard. “The hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Come on, Cassidy,” he croons. “The dress? The jewelry?” Angelo shrugs. “I’ve known Ethan for years. You might have everyone else fooled, but I know exactly who you are.” He steps closer. “I’ve met some of his assistants before. I know the kind of shit he gets up to with them.”

I flinch when Angelo tucks his business card in my dress’s bustier, but thankfully he doesn’t make contact with my skin. I’d have to go scrub my skin with bleach if that happened.

“I’ll be waiting for your call. I’ve been looking for an assistant of my own for quite a while now.”

He walks down the hall, idly peeking his head into one of the guest rooms. I guess he has as much right to view the property as any of the other buyers, but I don’t like it. Not one fucking bit.

“The exit’s that way!” I call out.

Angelo turns, another smile plastered on his face. “I know.”

Despite my misgivings, he seems almost familiar with this place. Was he really such good friends with Ethan?

Close enough that he could maybe fill in some blanks for me?

My chest grows tight with the thought of spending another second speaking to this man, but I’m quite possibly staring a sleazy gift horse in the mouth.

“How do you know Ethan?” I call after him.

Angelo slowly ambles back toward me. We’re back at the same spot where Ethan made me come against the railing, and I cringe as Angelo leans to put his elbow on the railing right where I’d been standing.

Is that a wet spot on the carpet?

“We’re business partners.” Angelo grimaces faintly, but wipes the expression off his face so quickly I might have been my imagination. “Were. Past tense.”

My mind is working overtime. If he worked closely with Ethan, is there a chance he knew about Remington’s appointment with Rebecca?

Cold rushes through my veins.

Of course.

I should have tried searching for ‘becks’ on his laptop. That seemed to be the nickname he used for her. How could I have been so stupid?

The words tumble out of my mouth before I can second guess myself.

“Did you know Becks?”

Angelo’s lips twitch, and for some reason I expect him to snarl. Instead, he gives me a bright, fake smile. “Of course I did.” I don’t like the light in his eyes one bit. “Such a shame what happened. But it was inevitable.”

My blood runs cold. “He, uh, never told me the full story,” I manage weakly.

Angelo quirks up an eyebrow. “I’m not surprised. Only three people know what happened. Becks, Ethan…and me.” He leans in, putting a hand on my arm. “Let me take you out to dinner. I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

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