Page 24 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. Two
“And who’s hiring,” Oliver says, flopping onto one of the pristine white couches.
“Okay, but…” I wave my hand around, still trying to take in the space.“Thismuch money?”
“Ah, no,” Elliot says. “The money we make helps, of course, but most of this came from my trust fund and managing it well. My parents are loaded.”
“It meant Rhett and I got to go on the sweetest vacations in high school,” Oliver says, looking up from where he’s been admiring the piano. “Took some convincing, but eventually his parents said yes.”
“Alotof convincing,” Rhett mutters, his tone tinged with bitterness. Before I can dwell on it, he’s glancing at his watch and saying, “We need to get moving. We have a lot of ground to cover today, and it’s already noon.”
“Shit, right.” Elliot turns to me. “And we need to get you food.”
“I’ve got it handled,” Rhett says. “Why don’t you and O start exploring, and the two of us can check out the first-floor restaurant?”
“Works for me,” Oliver says with a sly smile.
“I get to help?” I ask.
“You get to learn,” Rhett tells me. “Now come with me.”
The penthouse has two bedrooms, and we take the one that’s decorated in silver and light blue. It’s a cooler color scheme than I would’ve picked for a bedroom, but the balcony—thethirdbalcony, so far—makes up for it.
“Wow,” I breathe, moving to the sliding glass door. “That’s a beautiful view.”
The resort overlooks the ocean, and the sky is so clear today that the water is a deep, vibrant blue. Relief washes over me when I realize it’s not causing me to panic. It must be far enough away.
“So I get to stay with you?”
“We’ll probably switch at some point, but Elliot and Oliver need some time together. And I—you…” He clears his throat. “Never mind.”
I’d pry, but based on the way he’s fiddling with the lilac strap of my bag, it’d just make him more uncomfortable. “That’s thoughtful of you.”
He doesn’t seem to know what to do with the compliment. He shifts from foot to foot and awkwardly clears his throat. “Uh, thanks.”
Rounding the bed, I take my bag from him. “I just want to get changed before we eat. I’m not dressed for summer weather.”
Rhett nods. “Right. That makes sense.”
After cleaning up in the bathroom, I slide a light and flowy dress on. It’s black with a sunflower print on it. The back and the straps are crocheted black lace that I fell in love with the moment I laid eyes on it.
I put my hair up so it’s off my neck and check in the mirror to make sure I look okay. The woman staring back at me makes me smile. I look like a main character in a sweet romance novel. Maybe even a romcom. Or maybe I look like the fun, supportive best friend. But hey, that’s okay too. I love a good side character.
Back in the bedroom, Rhett takes a long look at me. He’s changed into a black T-shirt, but he’s still wearing pants, and he has his hands in his pockets while he leans against the dresser. Slowly, almost lazily, his eyes travel up and down my body.
Okay, definitely a main character outfit.
“Ready to get food?”
He nods, but he doesn’t move. His gaze hasn’t left me, and it’s a really long stare. Like, really long.
Okay, maybe it’snota main character outfit.
“Do you not like the dress?”
“What?”
“You haven’t stopped looking at me.”
He raises an eyebrow. “And you’re automatically assuming it’s because I think you look bad?”
