Page 27 of Beautiful Deception

Sheistempting. But I need to marry a woman with wealth who can help me in my war against Erik and Dante. I don’t need to marry a penniless maid.

“You don’t need to worry,” I say, taking a sip of my coffee. It’s cold and disgusting. This is why I don’t like cafes.

“How do I know that for a fact?”

“You’ll just have to see in time.”

Natasha smiles back at me but I can see the tightness around her eyes. She doesn’t like Inessa and that’s going to be a problem when we marry someday. Natasha very well might fire Inessa and I don’t want that. My maid should be the least of my concerns but I do care for Inessa. I’m not even sure why I do. I don’t care about most people.

The only person who’s ever had my heart is my sister, Julia. Romantically speaking, no woman has ever been able to win my heart. Not even Natasha has it.

So the fact that I find myself caring for Inessa is something that should worry me.

But I’m not going to let it. I have more important things to think about.

My maid is not going to consume my thoughts.

Inessa

“Inessa,” Viktor says, approaching me as I sweep the foyer floor. “I’m going to be hosting a party for a friend of mine. His name is Samuel White. He’s a business associate. The party is going to be this Friday. I want to make sure the house is perfectly clean.”

“Yes sir.”

“You do a good job. I have no worries. You and Mrs. Green will be making a cake for the party. It was what Samuel wanted. I gave her the instructions.”

“I’ve never helped with a party before.”

“Mrs. Green will know what to do. You just need to help her. I just wanted to let you know.”

“Of course.”

We both stand there, staring at each other, neither one speaking, and yet there’s a feeling in the air like we both want to say something.

It’s Viktor who moves first. “Well, I have work to get to.” He nods at the floor. “Keep up the good work.”

My hands grip the swifter as he walks away. Why is my heart pounding when all Viktor and I did was talk about an upcoming party?

I go to see my dad again but this time, I don’t bring any extra money he can steal from me. I’ve been keeping all of it in a box I keep under my bed at Viktor’s house. That’s the last place my dad can find it.

“Inessa.” He’s lying on the couch in a stained wifebeater, drinking a beer, and looking like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

“Dad.”

“Isn’t this great?” He motions his hand around the dingy motel room. “I don’t have to do anything. No work whatsoever. I can stay here for as long as I want.”

“That’s because I’ve been paying for your room every day.”

His eyes light up with hunger. “Do you have more money on you?”

“No.” I angle my purse away from him. “And even if I did, why do you need the money?”

“Well, I need food. You’ve only paid for the room.”

“You’re just going to use the money on gambling. If you want food, I can pay for a meal for us. But I’m not giving you anything more.”

He jumps off the bed and lunges for me before I can even react. My purse is in his hands in a matter of seconds.

“Hey!”

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