Page 35 of Sapphire's Gem
“Yup. Yet I survive on a cop’s salary. Does that put you off?” I asked.
Sapphire shook her head. “No, it does make you more admirable. Not being a trust fund baby.”
I didn’t have the heart to disclose that I actually had two very healthy trust funds. One from my paternal grandparents andone from my parents, set up when I was born. I’d bet my dad regrets that now.
“And Cassidy?”
“That’s his story to tell, same as Warrick. What about your parents?” I asked.
“No idea.” Sapphire was curt.
“Huh?”
“I was abandoned as a baby.”
“Shit, Sapphire. I’m sorry to hear that.” I felt crap. That wasn’t in her file, not that there was much.
“Don’t be. I found my own family, and I’m sure it’s better than any I had out there. Don’t pity me, Wylde, because I don’t need it.”
I could tell from her face that she meant it.
“So, do you still see your parents?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Yeah, I meet them every couple of weeks at their country club, where they parade available spoiled bitches in front of me. In fact, I’m due to visit them again next Sunday. I’m hoping a big case comes up so I can get out of it.”
“I’ll go with you,” Sapphire blurted, and I stared before grinning. It looked like she wanted to take those words back, and she opened her mouth.
“Great! I’ll pick you up at the clubhouse at twelve next Sunday.” I started the engine, amused as Sapphire tried to find a way to wriggle out of it.
“You can’t be serious. Like I’d fit in there,” she stated.
“I couldn’t give a fuck.”
“Wylde, get real! I don’t have anything to wear to a country club, and nor would I put on a flouncy dress.”
“I know and wouldn’t want you to. Hell, come in one of Nun’s outfits for all I care.”
I sensed Sapphire’s eyes narrow. “You’re going to utilise me to send a message.”
“No. That I would never do. That’s against everything I believe in… to use a woman so badly. But would I be happy if you stood between me, them, and whatever bitch they’ve dragged out this time? Fuck, yes, I would, but I don’t expect it, Saph.”
“Sapphire.”
“Make no mistake,Saph,I wouldn’t ever be ashamed of having you on my arm.”
Sapphire grumbled and complained under her breath as I drove her back to the clubhouse. Inside, though, I was grinning. I just scored a date with the prickly woman!
Chapter Eight.
Sapphire
As Wylde drove us back, I wondered what the hell had just happened. Somehow, I’d been coerced into lunch at the country club. Wylde was humming happily and seemed very proud of himself. Hell, I’d be thrown out before I even crossed the threshold. Was he looking to humiliate me?
“Wylde, this isn’t a good idea.”
“And? Are you chickening out?”
“What? You calling me a coward?” I snapped as we approached the clubhouse.
