Page 67 of Diamonds & Deception

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Itext my mom Mondaymorning, letting her know I’ll be sticking around Boston a little longer. I don’t trust myself to call her. She’ll be able to tell something isn’t right, and I don’t want to add to their grief.

They’ll be heartbroken to learn of Lenora’s murder, and they’ll carry the extra weight of my grief on them because that’s what loving parents do. They hurt, often more, when their children do. My mom has told me this many times and has told me I’d understand when I’m a mother.

Drake is up and wearing workout gear when Daisy and I finally emerge from the bedroom. “I figured she’d want to go for a run. I can take her if you’d like to take a shower.”

“I could use some fresh air.” I go back to the guest room and change into leggings and a sweatshirt.

We’re quiet again during our jog. I normally listen to music when I run, and it takes me a bit to adjust to the sounds of traffic and people. I like to block everyone out and zone as I run, but this morning I find comfort in the noise and chaos around me as people start their work week.

I don’t feel as alone.

I have no idea what time Drake came home last night. Sleeping on the other end of the penthouse, I wouldn’t have heard him even if I was awake. I tossed and turned for too long wondering—and then imagining—him bringing the gorgeous blonde back to his bedroom.

The first time he brought me to the penthouse, he told me he’d never had a woman in his personal space before. I believed him. Now, I’m not so sure of his honesty. Drake is a charmer with his sweet words and tender touches.

Well, sweet and tender until you get him naked. It’s like a wild beast comes out. His language is more vulgar, his kisses rougher, and his voice more growly. I love seeing that side of him.

Iloved.We’re over. I ruined our relationship. All I can hang on to now is a possible friendship. I have to hold on to the belief that what happened between us was genuine, despite my lies. Ineedto believe he’d been honest with me. I can’t imagine if he wasn’t.

And then it hits me. If I’d discovered our relationship had been a farce, an act to get information, I’d be hurt and angry too. Beyond crushed. I don’t know if I’d be able to trust him or another man again. Is this what I did to Drake?

I want to pull him in my arms and apologize over and over again and make him believe that everything but my name was one hundred percent real. Instead, I take the coward’s way and pump my legs faster.

He matches my stride, as does Daisy. Another mile into our run, Daisy starts to slow. We take it down to a jog and make one final circle of the park before heading back to the casino.

Daisy dashes for her water bowl, lapping up every last drop. I refill it for her and fill her food bowl.

“I’m going to shower and head downstairs to my office.”

“I’d like to see if I can get my things from Lenora’s.”

Drake shakes his head. “That’s not a good idea.”

“Why not?”

He wipes sweat from his forehead. “Make a list of what you need. I’ll send someone to get it.”

“I’m not having a stranger riffle through my personal belongings. Besides, you can’t keep me cooped up in here every day. I have a job. Deadlines. I need my computer.”

“You can use mine.” He thumbs over his shoulder toward his in-home office.

“Why are you keeping me hostage?”

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