Page 3 of Sinful Lies

I manage to stay clear of both Dimitri and Giovanni for the next hour or so, slowly sipping on my champagne as I wingwoman Karlie as she tries her best to land a date with Harrison, one of the junior solicitors.

“I think we’re getting out of here.” Karlie has a huge smile on as she shrugs on her coat. “Harrison and some of the other guys are going to a bar downtown. Are you okay getting home?”

“Yeah, I’ll grab a cab.”

“See you Monday?”

“Bright and early.” Unfortunately.

Karlie gives me a quick hug goodbye before hurrying off to catch up with Harrison.

I’m happy for her—she’s been pining after him for months. But I make a mental note to check in with her in the morning just in case.

What happened with Giovanni has meant that I’m always on high alert when it comes to men, no matter how nice they seem. Because at one point in time I thought I wassafe with him. He was charming and kind, and seemed genuinely interested in me as a person.

Or so I thought.

Sometimes, I wonder if I only saw what I wanted to see. Perhaps if I hadn’t been so blinded by his success, the red flags would have made their appearance much sooner.

I push the thoughts away, not wanting them to ruin any more of my night.

After finishing the last of my drink, I go in search of my coat, which I left at one of the tables when I first arrived.

My feet are screaming at me in my heels, and I can’t wait to climb into bed and fall asleep watching some trashy reality show.

“Leaving so soon?”

I pretend I don’t hear Giovanni as I make my way through the sea of tables.

“You’re not ignoring me, are you, Zara? Perhaps I’ll have to make a note of your rudeness in your performance review coming up?—”

“Can I help you with something?” I whirl around, almost colliding with his chest.

He knows exactly the right buttons to push. He knows there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect my career, which means he has all the control, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.

“Have another drink, let it loosen you up a bit.”

“I’m fine, thanks.” I keep my voice almost bored, though my body is screaming at me to run.

“I’m more than happy to give you a ride home if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’ve got it covered.”

“Come on, Zara. This isn’t like you,” he murmurs. “Youused to be fun. Why don’t I remind you how much fun we used to have together?”

He reaches out to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear, and I can’t stop myself from recoiling at his touch, at the feeling of his calloused fingers against my skin.

“I’m not interested.” I move to turn away, but Giovanni grabs my arm, gripping me hard enough to bruise. “I have a boyfriend.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“He won’t like the fact you’re touching me right now.” My eyes dart around to see if anyone noticed. To see if the one person who could save me happens to be watching.

“Well, it’s a good thing thisboyfriendisn’t here,” he murmurs in my ear.

Cringing at his hot breath on my skin, I screw my eyes shut as I fight back the memories that are starting to claw their way to the surface once more.

“He doesn’t need to know, Zara…”

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