Page 52 of Undercover Desires

“That wasn’t very smart. And you’re such an intelligent girl, aren’t you, sugar?” He tuts.

“I know. I’m sorry. Can we deal with this later? My friends are waiting.” I motion to the girls who are watching our conversation play out intently. I hate to imagine what they think of this.

“We will deal with this later, sweetheart.”

“Okay,” I agree, backing away from him and the dark look in his eyes. Something tells me Kobe is into kinky shit, and me lying to him has just somehow flicked a freaky switch in his brain. Am I about to get punished? Why do I kind of hope so?

I take a seat at the table with Hazel and Summer, still feeling a bit shaken up. “Hi,” I say, trying to smile and cover up how I really feel.

“Hi, yourself. What was that?” Hazel asks, concern in her eyes.

I glance back over my shoulder at Kobe. He’s on his way out the door. “He’s pissed because I lied to him about where I live, and he just worked it out. How was I to know he would see mewalking out of my place?” I sigh, hoping my explanation will hold up. The last thing I need right now is for Kobe to uncover my true identity. As I get closer to him, I find it increasingly unlikely that he could be capable of the things Detective Reader says he did. But what do I really know? Right now, I could just be letting my attraction for him cloud my judgment.

“Whoops.” Hazel laughs, and Summer shakes her head at her friend.

“So, this big shopping trip. You know I don’t have a lot of money, right?” I say, looking between them, wondering what's going on.

“We know, that’s why we’re going to help you out,” Hazel replies with a proud grin.

Summer chimes in, “There are a heap of last season’s samples about to go on sale. They’re one-offs and totally affordable. That’s why I wanted you to meet us today. They go on sale to the public tomorrow, and there will be nothing left. Trust me, they fly off the racks.”

Hazel bites her lip before continuing, “I also have a favor to ask.”

“Oh yeah?” I inquire, wondering what on earth I could help her with.

“I have this massive charity event on Saturday night for my foundation. It’s kind of a big deal because it’s the first one, and I need another person at our table. I asked Summer, but, well, she’s not feeling too friendly toward Kobe after what happened or didn’t happen between them.”

“I’m not spending the night anywhere near that man,” Summer chimes in, looking disgusted, and I feel even more guilty. She’s been so nice to me.

I can’t help but feel relieved by her statement. “Are you setting me up with Kobe?” I ask, panicked, feeling worried about Hazel’s intentions.

Hazel quickly shakes her head. “No, it’s not like that. I just don’t want him bringing some bimbo with him, you know? And I would prefer a friend by my side for moral support. So, can you come? Please.”

I glance at Summer, unsure of what to do. The idea sounds intriguing, and it would be an excellent opportunity to investigate the family further. But sitting at the same table as Kobe all night also sounds dangerous.

“So, it’s next Saturday?” I ask, trying to assess my options.

“Actually, it’s this Saturday. Sorry for the short notice,” Hazel corrects me.

“I’m working at the club,” I reply honestly. There’s no way I can get out of my shift the day before, and I wouldn’t want to let my co-workers down like that.

Hazel persists, “You’re not. I talked to Shelby earlier, and she got you the night off. And I know you need the money, so I’m happy to pay your wage for the night so you can come and help me as my assistant or something.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I protest, feeling awkward about taking money from her.

“Yes, I do. I want you there. I would have liked both of you there, but I can’t convince this one,” she gestures to Summer, “so you have to come. Please,” she begs, batting her lashes at me, trying to look cute.

I finally relent, realizing that this could be a good opportunity to see how the family functions outside of the club. “Well, alright. But I literally have nothing to wear. I left all my nice dresses back in Australia.” Along with just about everything else I own. I know I should go back to LA and get them now that Wyatt’s gone, but I can’t bring myself to. The thought of even going back to our apartment now feels chilling.

“That’s why you’re coming shopping with us today. We’ll find you the perfect gown,” Hazel says with enthusiasm.

“Gown?” I utter, surprised by how fancy this event must be.

“Yeah, it’s kind of a ball. The tickets are super pricey, and all the profits are going toward my foundation.”

Curiosity piqued, I ask, “What’s your foundation?”

Hazel’s expression becomes serious. “It’s something very close to my heart—violence against women. I want to help people stuck in dangerous situations, give them a safe place to escape to, you know.”

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