Page 37 of Sinful Secrets

Our destination is an upscale hotel on the Upper East Side with adjoining suites.

Rhett pats me on my arm. “Welcome to New York City. The city that never sleeps and always has parties going on.”

“I’ve been here before, dumbass. We come here for games all the time. Or did you forget we fly here often?”

He chuckles. “I’d have to be Williams to forget about our games here, but that’s different. We are tourists on this trip.”

I shake my head vigorously. “Nope. I’m just here for protection, not to sightsee.”

Francesca interrupts. “And don’t forget to add shopping to the list.”

“I have no plans for shopping. Anything and everything I need can be bought back home in Savannah.”

“But what about all of our down time? What about the name brand stores and the high end boutiques?”

“You and Rhett can blow his annual salary on clothes, shoes, and purses. I’m just here to keep an eye on the two of you during the wake and the funeral and make sure all hell doesn’t break loose.”

Her expression softens. “Thank you, again, for volunteering to join us. I know you probably had other plans in mind.”

Rhett pats her leg before turning toward me. “Yeah, Spencer, we appreciate you stepping up and coming with us.”

“That’s what friends are for.” I say before gulping down the rest of my water. I wish it was a beer or something stronger, but that will have to wait until I’m back home and safe.

Well, safer than walking into the lion’s den here in New York City.

It’s not like I really had a choice in the matter.

Francesca was adamant about attending Jax’s funeral. Arturo and Joey said no, and Rhett was more than content to accompany his woman up here in rival territory.

I was just a dumbass who volunteered to accompany her and Rhett. Without guns and without backup. Not to mention, without knowing the area.

At least Francesca still has family here.

Francesca scoots closer to Rhett’s side. The movement causes my heart to ache with need.

A need to be close to Savannah. A need to make sure she is safe from her roommate and her ex-boyfriend.

My hand clenches at the memory of the asshole holding Savannah in front of him as she tells him to let her go.

I grab my phone and send her a message.

Hey. Just checking in. Are you okay?

I stare at my screen, waiting for her reply, but it doesn’t come. She should be done with her classes for the day, so why isn’t she responding?

Did she head to the club?

I send her another message.

Are you working?

I’m about to call Alvin to check on her when she messages back.

I’m just leaving class. I had an impromptu interview with a top executive for a couture designer company.

Can you believe it?

A company chose me! Out of all the up and coming designers in the state and in the world, they chose me!