Page 91 of The Prize
“It’s in here.” I tapped my purse.
“Will you give us a moment, please, Marshall?” Tobias was asking him to leave the car.
Marshall exited the vehicle and I could see him wait loyally a few feet away. “What’s going on?”
Tobias turned in his seat and took my hand. “This next part isn’t going to be easy for you.”
“How do you mean?” I wondered if he’d picked up on my dark musing.
“Zara, I invited Adley here for drinks.”
I pulled my hand from his. “Why didn’t you warn me?”
“Didn’t want you to worry.”
My gaze shot to the hotel door and my stomach tightened as I realized my boss was in there. “Abby?”
“She’s with him.”
“What about our plan?”
“The ball is set for tonight. Look, I don’t want you anywhere near the secret auction that will go down afterward.”
“You’ll face Eli alone?”
“It’s for the best. I want to keep you safe. Knowing you’re well away from this place will ensure my focus. Eli is unpredictable.”
A valet opened my door and I glanced back at Tobias, needing more time to talk about this.
“I’ll be right there with you,” he reassured me.
I climbed out of the car and waited for Tobias to join me. He gestured a wave of thanks to Marshall and led me into the hotel.
Opulencehad a new meaning at The Plaza with its Beaux-Arts style and a luxury that made it easy to forget this was not the real world, with its pristine decor, luscious furnishings, grand touches of splendorous satins and the plush carpeting flattering each step.
The Rose Club exuded privilege with its dimly lit atmosphere, red walls, leather sofas and Persian rug glamour. I wondered if Tobias had chosen this place to case it for tonight. This would be where Tobias would bring our scandalous lady and he’d set in motion a series of events that would make history. Only the world would never know about what had gone down here.
Strangely enough, it was easier to think of that then this, the imminent meeting with my boss who had flown all the way from London to berate and then fire me.
I turned to Tobias, conveying my dread. “Should I face them alone?”
“No, it’s best if I do all the talking.”
“You’re sure?”
“They’re expecting an arrogant billionaire who always gets his way and that’s what I’m going to give them. Let me take the fall, Zara. What I need from you is your poker face.”
My gaze shot around the room for anyone who looked like they could be from the FBI. “What are you going to tell them?”
Tobias was already walking off with his usual stylish swagger, emanating the kind of charisma that might work on Adley and Abby who were seated at a corner table. I couldn’t grasp why he’d not warned me they’d be here and uncertainty returned to shake my confidence.
He shoved his hands into his pockets as he weaved around the large leather chairs and sofas, following the pathway leading to them. When Adley saw him he pushed to his feet and it pained me to see the worry lines etched deeply in his brow. After being given a chance to work at his firm I owed him to put this right. Adley had known my father and perhaps this was why he hadn’t fired me yet.
I bloody well deserved it.
My feet reluctantly followed and I gave a welcoming smile as I approached their table. Abby forced a smile and even in these circumstances I was relieved to see her. She looked pretty in her black lace dress having styled her hair a little differently. In her eyes I saw suspicion.
She pulled me into a hug and it felt like a warning. “How are you, Zara?”
