Page 95 of Betrayed

“To gloat,” Mari replied, answering her own question. Yet she wasn’t upset or offended. Surprised, yes, and mildly amused at the irony. That Adri, sitting on the inmate side of the plexiglass in a numbered jumpsuit, no makeup, and with her dark and gray roots showing, somehow thought she still had something on her.

Suddenly tickled, she laughed, the sound flowing through the receiver. From the look of anger contorting her features, her amusement didn’t sit well with her former friend and ex store manager.

“What are you laughing at?” she snapped.

“You. Because you still think you’re better than me. I’m not the one facing twenty-five to thirty years in a federal penitentiary. But in your arrogance, you believe you have a leg up on my eight-figure bank balance even after the feds seized Derek’s ill-gotten gains. And in spite of the fact that when I walk out of here, the gorgeous man standing at my back will go with me, and will be there for me, loving me, very well I might add, while you’re rotting in your lonely cell every night, wearing gaudy orange.”

“You bitch!” she spat, spittle actually landing on the plexiglass.

“No, dear. That’s you. Check your mirror. If they let you have one in this lovely place.” She started to hang up but thought of one more thing. “By the way, your roots are showing. That’s never been a good look for you. Neither is that annoying mustache you’ve been waxing for years.”

She yelped in outrage, her hand flying to her mouth.

This time, Mari hung up the receiver, cutting off Adri’s spluttering and cursing, and rose from her chair.

Stepping into Arturo’s side, his arm encircled her shoulders as they moved to the exit, his deep chuckle warming her after the coldness of the confrontation.

“I got catty, which wasn’t my intention, but it felt freakin’ awesome.”

“I certainly enjoyed it. I’m proud of you,chérie.”

She angled her face up at him and grinned. “I’m rather proud of me, too.”

They walked down the long corridor through two sets of security gates before they got to the guard doors that led to the public area and the parking lot beyond. Mari savored the fresh air after the staleness of the jail.

“Sadly, it’s not over for you,” Arturo said as he beeped the lock on his GTS.

“Yeah, testifying won’t be pleasant, but I’m ready for it. I refuse to let her, or anyone else drag me down by their judgement or contempt. That’s in the past.”

“Good for you,” he said, bringing her against him, before opening her door.

“Thank you for arranging this for me.”

“I admit I was doubtful at first, thinking it would be counterproductive, but you were wise to confront her here before the trial. And I know it was freeing for you, my brave girl.” His words of praise sent spirals of happiness racing through, yet not nearly as much as his last words said softly against her lips. “Je t’aime, Mari.”

“I’ll never tire of hearing you say that. In French, it makes it extra special. Is that silly?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Promise you won’t laugh?”

He cocked his head in question.

“Thank you for bringing me back to life, Arturo.Je t’adore.”

“That’s perfect,mon amour, and the truth is, I was stagnated. You breathed air into my life as well.”

“Are you sure you won’t miss the action and intrigue of being an international spy? After traveling the world, moving from London to Houston may be rather anticlimactic. Talk about culture shock.”

“I’ve had my fill of action and intrigue. As for getting bored, Tony gives me plenty of freelance work. The weather is superior to dreary London. The beach is a short drive, my beautiful fiancée is here, we have friends, a club that we enjoy nearby—”

“Three hours away isn’t nearby, sir.”

“It gives us time to talk, unwind, and get focused.”

She grinned up at him. “Are you always so optimistic?”

His perfect smile flashed back. “Lately?Absolutely. Let’s say we celebrate our renewedjoie de vivrewith an early dinner before heading to the club.”

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