Page 42 of Dex

“We haven’t set a date yet,” I admit.“But it’ll probably be soon.”

“Are you pregnant?”

“No!”

“Is he holding a gun to your head?”

I roll my eyes.“Raquel!”

“I’m just checking!You drop off the face of the earth, then out of nowhere, you’re engaged?”

“I-I love him,” I insist, the words making me shiver.

“You’re stuttering.”

“It’s cold in New York.”

“You stutter when something isn’t right,” she says.“You know what?I’m coming to see you.”

“No.No!Don’t do that.Please don’t do that.”

“Where are you staying?”

“How about I come and see you before I head home?”I suggest.

“We’ll see about that.“I have to go now.”

“Me too.I’m meeting Dexter this evening.”

“Dexter?”

I wince.“Myfiancé.” I stare down at my ringless ring finger.

“Dex-ter,” Raquel repeats, drawing out his name.Suspicion drips from her voice.

A text comes through.From Dexter again.“The Bluebell Manhattan,” I murmur, reading it out loud.That’s where he’s taking me.Another text message pops up.

And I have the ring

My breath catches in my throat.I need to be careful.

“I have to go,” Raquel announces, “but we need to talk, and soon.”

My heart sinks.

Lying to my best friend is possibly harder than living with Dexter will be.

Possibly.

Chapter 12

DANI

This place reeks of decadence.It’s discreet and stylish.Filled with the type of people who came to Paul Knight’s soiree.

Dexter picked me up earlier, not from the hotel door, but from the car.He called me, and I went downstairs.I’m dressed more appropriately this time.A sleek, dark jumpsuit.Simple, yet flattering.

He gave me a casual glance, his eyes not even taking in what I wore.Not that I wanted him to.I don’t.But this is why he’s different.

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