Page 25 of Bolted

“Nothing to discuss Riley.” He pulls out his phone and looks to be checking emails, completely disregarding me. My feelings are instantly hurt. Not that I thought we were going steady or something, but he doesn’t need to treat me so coldly.

“Ok,” I start, “are we meeting with Frederick again today? Or did you want me to start pulling together the case?”

“We need to understand where Galant is investing the money. My guess is drug or skin trade. The fact that Degerson is hesitant to broadcast information on Galant makes me wonder how much clients sign up for. Degerson is willing to show us some of his cards, but there’s got to be more going on under Galant.”

I nod, but feel my brows pinching together in confusion. “You think Degerson is involved in human trafficking? Like through Galant?”

“I’d never put words in a client’s mouth Riley. We just need to firm up the case against Galant with the information we do have access to.”

Sebastian continues on his phone and I feel someone walking up behind me.

“Ready for lunch, you two?” Frederick asks from behind me. I turn and see his flushed face, either sweaty from the humidity or from some morning drinks. This man is definitely creepy. His whole vibe and demeanor creeps me out.

“Of course,” Sebastian says. “Bloody Mary by the pool?”

“My man!” Frederick exclaims. What a good old boy relationship these two have. I watch as they head out the doors toward the pools, trailing behind and wondering once again why I’m here.

“I miss you. Can we have dinner when you get back home?” Nate sounds genuine and it’s so rare that he actually speaks this way that I’m taken aback. I had retreated to the villa after our long, leisurely lunch with Frederick. Sebastian was heading out to the golf course with him and I felt like I needed some time alone. And also, I was still pissed that he was chatting up another woman, potentially meeting with her while we’re here.

“Well I’m back late tomorrow. Maybe we could have dinner Monday?” I say to Nate. I’m still not fully committed when I don’t know that we’re on the same page. He never apologized or explained the situation with him and Sasha. And while I want to be married, I don’t want to be treated like trash anymore. Things need to change if we are going to work this out.

“That’s great. Monday is perfect. Want to meet at the house and we can go to our old spot down on Oak?”

“Sure.” I say. “Listen Nate, I know things have been weird between us.” I pause and think through what I want to say. “I want honesty between us going forward.”

“Could we start with what’s honestly going on with you and your boss on this trip?” Nate says and I sigh. There’s the man I’m used to.

“I told you, we had some confidential client work to get into here. Nothing’s happening with me and Sebastian. I have no idea where he even is.”

I don’t know why I feel the need to defend myself. Even more so, I don't know why the fact that Sebastian is still not back and it’s after 8:00 pm makes me so upset. I had had visions of wearing one of Kaz’s beautiful dresses to have cocktails on the beach. Instead, I’m in sweats drinking room service wine and talking to my jealous husband.

“Well, don’t let him take advantage of you,” Nate says. “You’re an employee, an intern, not his assistant.”

I bite my tongue as I think of Sasha, the original assistant who apparently also “knew” my husband.

I sigh. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you when I’m back.” I hang up and lean back against the armrest of the couch. This may be a long evening.

Chapter 26

Sebastian

I narrow my eyes at the camera feed. I’ve been watching for the past 10 minutes. I always install a running feed whenever I go out of town to not only ensure my safety, but the safety of anybody traveling with me. Running my firm, and being as good as we are at what we do has definitely granted us just as many enemies as friends. Only Riley could look sexy as fuck in a pair of sweatpants curled up on a couch.

“Nothings happening with me and Sebastian,” I hear her say.

Little fucking lying mouse.

My blood boils at just how easily that little lie rolls off her tongue. There was plenty happening between Riley and I when she was writhing on my fingers last night, practically begging for her release while clenching against me.

Fuck, I better stop. I’m getting hard already.

“There you are,” the sexy blonde from my earlier tennis match says, sliding her arm through mine. “Were you hiding from me?”

Quickly closing out the camera feed on my phone, I turned to her with my most dazzling smile. “Of course not gorgeous, just taking care of some work real quick. But don’t worry, I’m yours for the rest of the night.”

The flirtatious look she gives me back lets me know exactly where she would like this night to end. And what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't give her exactly what she wants?

Two hours later, and she’s giggling incessantly while stumbling through the villa door. I quickly check the lock on the door and turn around to find her already pressed up against me.

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