Page 93 of His Rules

“Who do you think did this?”

“I know who did it. Sebastian’s partner.” I was taking this so personally. But it hurt.

“Why in God’s name would you say that? Aren’t they tight?”

I poured the wine almost to the rim of both glasses. She laughed and sat across from me.

“Well, let me tell you why.” I proceeded to explain what had occurred and what we were attempting to do and all the while, her eyes opened wide.

She took a hefty gulp of her wine, even allowing a tiny burp to slip. We both laughed, but I sensed her concern. “Shit. Those are some serious accusations. Do you have anything to back it up?”

“That’s what we’re attempting to do. I can’t help but think Drake has more than one accomplice. I don’t know. He’s been going to this hotel frequently.”

“He has a girlfriend.”

“Maybe. But why not use his house?”

“She’s married?” Stephanie suggested.

“Or maybe he’s handling business there.” I thought about my bestie’s occupation. She was a whiz with computers. Maybe… No, I couldn’t ask her to hack into records. That could get her arrested.

“You’re serious about finding evidence.”

“I am. And I’m going to help Sebastian before I find another job.”

“You’re going to search for another job?” She gave me a waning smile.

“Think about it. I need to. Sebastian doesn’t really care about me. I can try and tell myself otherwise, but what we were sharing was just physical.”

“You’re certain about that?”

“Right now, I’m not certain of anything. Except that Sebastian doesn’t deserve to lose his company.”

“What about your dad?” she asked timidly, as if I might slap her.

“I love my father, but I’m not going to allow my life to be railroaded by a son of a bitch with no regard for anyone but himself. I also won’t let my dad do it either. I control my destiny.”

“Did you ever stop and think you should be having this conversation with your dad?”

Sighing, I shook my head, but knew she was right. “I will. I did try, but he was more interested in bashing Sebastian’s head in than talking about anything in a rational manner. I couldn’t allow that to continue.”

“So you stormed out.”

“Yes, I… I stormed out. I felt like an idiot and I was angry. No, I was enraged.”

Stephanie laughed softly. “That much I gathered. No matter what you say, it’s apparent how much you like Sebastian.”

“I tried not to. I really did, but I just couldn’t… I don’t know. He gets me. He acts like I’m the most beautiful girl in the world. He treats me like a queen. Like an equal. I never expected it from him. Do you know he took me to this incredible little boutique hotel last night? He had rose petals placed on the bed and the floor. He had champagne waiting and the pool was warm and incredible.”

“And out in the open.”

“There was a wall around the patio. It was romantic with the moon and stars. I loved it.”

“You just said he was using you.”

“Yes, I did, but I can’t believe it. Why would he do that?” I had no idea what to believe. I was babbling on like some lovesick kid when I needed to think this through.

“Maybe as ammunition against Drake. To get you to do the dirty work.”

---