Page 154 of Lush

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re hiding something bigger. I don’t know what it is but I don’t wanna be involved.”

“I didn’t come to fight with you, Laurene,” he said finally. “Only to let you know the money you requested is officially yours.”

He uncrossed his legs slowly, crossing them the other way.

“I’m hoping that shows my loyalty and commitment to this partnership. I cut off something lucrative for me, because I knew it would hurt you.”

Before I could respond, a knock at the door interrupted us, cutting through the tension like a blade.

“Come in,” I called, irritation creeping into my voice.

Maybe Reese had been right about Dante.

The door opened, and Nina stepped inside. She froze when she saw Dante.

“I’m so sorry,” Nina stammered, her eyes bouncing between the two of us. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Dante’s gaze immediately narrowed on her.

“No, you’re not interrupting,” I said. “What is it, Nina?”

She seemed to straighten, forcing the surprise off her face as she gestured behind her.

“I just spoke with the doctor,” she said. “They’re discharging you, Laurene. Reese asked me to come and help you get home.”

“They did?” I sat up straighter.

Nina nodded. “Yes, everything’s been cleared. Unless you want me to call your family or Noelle?”

“No, you don’t have to,” I said. I felt guilty for the trouble I had already caused and how much time my family had spent bymy bedside, so having Nina here was actually quite convenient. All I wanted was the soft sheets and the familiar scent of home and our bed.

“Let’s catch up later, Dante,” I told him.

Nina nodded as she reached for the door handle and stepped out. “I’ll just get the car ready for you.”

I dragged myself out of bed. “Thanks for the cash, Dante. You’ll get that back in your account soon.”

I kept my gaze locked on his as he stood, his eyes unreadable. Then he nodded and left the room, and I heard the door opening and closing. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and started changing. I didn’t notice the door open again until I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps behind me.

“Thanks again for this, Nina.”

I turned and I froze when I saw her gun pointed at me.

The Accident

TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE CRASH—SIX YEARS AGO…

The night air throbbed with the bass of the music, carrying the sharp tang of salt and the sweetness of spilled champagne.

This was it.

We were finally gonna do it.

That yacht was a shining streak cutting through the black Pacific. The wind caught my silk dress, brushing it against my thighs as I stood by the railing. Goosebumps prickled my arms, but I couldn’t tell if it was the ocean breeze or the weight of what Reese and I were about to do.

Breathe, Laurene.

With a sigh, I turned and watched the yacht club, the glittering lights reflecting off the water. I twisted my engagement ring, feeling its smooth surface under my fingers.

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