Page 52 of Betrayed

“You’re still coming? I thought in light of the new intel—”

“Mari’s safer out of town and having her away from Adriana suits me fine. I’ll make up some excuse about an urgent business matter.”

“This is a promising turn in the case. We’re inching closer to exonerating her.”

“Yes, but it’s yet another blow from within her circle of trust. I’m not sure how much more her armor can take.”

“The beach is a perfect place to get in with her deeper.”

“I know, but it smacks of manipulation.”

“All’s fair in love and war,” Jonas stated with confidence, having gone to extremes to protect Lexie with her recent situation. “She’ll come around, especially since you’re doing this to save her ass.”

“I hope she realizes that when it’s over,” he murmured as he rose to leave, wishing he could be as optimistic as his American friend.

* * *

“WHO IS HE?”

Mari met Jordy’s concerned gaze. “He’s a very charming man I met recently.”

“Where? He’s French. In what circles do you meet French dudes?”

“At a social event. I’ve been trying to get out more and meet new people. He was right when he said I’ve been lonely. With you two at school, it’s been worse.”

“What do you know about him, Mom?” Beth asked. “He looks, I don’t know, kind of dangerous. What does he do?”

Her brows gathered. They’d been so busy fucking, she’d never asked about his job. He’d mentioned business in Houston, she’d just assumed... But what about a family or his plans after his business, whatever it was, concluded, and for his life? Dang, that made her feel as slutty as the looks on her children’s faces when they caught her making out with a stranger in the kitchen.

And wasn’t that what Arturo was, a stranger?

She refused to be swayed by the insidious doubts. They had a connection; she was sure of it. The details were simply that, details.

“He’s not dangerous, honey. He’s here in Houston on business and we hit it off.”

“Is it serious?” Jordy asked, his tone more respectful, but his expression full of suspicion.

“It’s still new,” she answered evasively. “We’re seeing where it leads.”

“But if he’s French, and it gets serous...” Beth alluded. “Are you going to be moving to France?”

“It’s way too early to even consider anything like that.”

“So it’s about sex?” Her daughter’s voice cracked as she asked that personal question.

“That’s not really your business.”

“That’s a yes,” Jordy answered with a scowl, not liking it. Then he rubbed his forehead just like Derek always did when frustrated. “But that’s okay,” he sighed. “Monsieur French Dude was right. You’re still young and beautiful. Just do like you’re always telling us. Go slow, use protection, and be careful.”

Mari smiled, although her face was on fire. “I never thought I’d be on the receiving end of this old lecture.”

“Rather awkward, isn’t it?” Beth asked, her cheeks crimson.

“Yeah. Let’s change the subject. What are you two doing here?”

Jordy looked away and Beth’s face crumpled.

“You came for money, didn’t you?”

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