Page 50 of Gilded Desires

I nod. “Just a little tired.” From being shared, screwed, pampered, and screwed again. Who knew sex was so exhausting?

The floor is empty which isn’t surprising at this hour. The runners usually don’t come in until about noon. Lucky me.

I find Sapphire in the back huddled over her computer system. It ties her in with all the runners Club Genesis has out on the streets fulfilling all the contract work.

“Hey, babe. Busy planning mob hits I see?” I don’t feel nearly as chirpy as I sound. My stomach gurgles at the scent of Sapphire’scoffee. One minute I am upright and the next my head is in her paper wastebasket.

When I’m done revisiting my breakfast a napkin and a fresh water bottle are shoved into my hands.

I sit back feeling more embarrassed than sick. “Thanks. That was harsh.”

“Are you okay?”

I straighten my bun and her attentive gaze tracks my every move. “I don’t think last night’s sushi settled well, is all,” I lie, not ready to acknowledge I won’t be seeing the men after tonight and I think my body is rioting against the truth.

I clean my mouth. “I think I need to lie down.”

Her eyes turn pensive which is never a good thing. “They don’t know, do they? And you’re sick over telling them you’ve been lying to them this whole time.” She leans back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest.

I will admit, it’s freaky that she knows me so well. “Damn you’re good.”

Her lip quirks up in a half smile. “I know my cousin. Now spill it. Why haven’t you told them?”

I rub at my chest. “My heart hurts, Sapph. They want to see me tonight as a farewell party kind of thing and then it’s over.” I can’t stop the tears from falling.

I stand, my knees feeling weaker than wet paper. “If they find out I am mafia blood now it will only ruin the memory of me. I don’t want that, ya know. I’m going to cancel tonight and justleave it as is. Let our time together end with no chance of my secret identity coming out.”

She nods and studies me for a minute and I can tell she understands my reasoning.

I excuse myself and push the up button on the elevator. “Harlon will come looking for me sooner or later today. Will you cover for me? Just say I am out helping a friend or something.”

She leans a shoulder against the marble wall outside the elevator. “You know he’s getting curious as to where you are going when you ditch your security detail almost every night. He’s not buying the whole evening art classes lie.”

Figures. He’s too fucking smart.

The elevator dings and speak of the devil. My detail walks off looking as exasperated with me as I feel toward them. It’s getting harder and harder to give them the slip.

I throw a hand up. “Not going anywhere today. You can rest for once.” They eyeball me for a moment and then continue on their way. Probably to go report to my brother. Fuckers.

“Are you going to at least let him know what you’ve been up to?”

There’s no judgment in her tone, only curiosity.

“Yes, but after I can stop feeling like the worst person in the world for keeping my identity a secret all this time.”

Sapphire wraps an arm around my shoulder and I forget about the men in suits paid to make my life hell. “I get you’re upset, but you seriously do not look well.”

I shrug. “I’m fine. I’m going to head to bed.”

I go to step on the elevator but she won’t let go.

“Sapph,” I say, wanting my bed.

“I think I know what is wrong. I think I know why your cheeks have been so red and why you are feeling nauseous. Wait here.”

Now she has me curious. Sapphire grabs a bag from beneath her desk and shuffles me into the elevator.

Five minutes later I’m peeing on three different pregnancy sticks.

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