Page 72 of Judgment

I’d tell him, but I’m not sure he’s willing to spend that much money.

Paisley’s gaze is back on the table as she reaches up to tuck her hair behind one ear. “They’re thinking I’m acting like a whore.”

I’m so stunned by her read on the situation that my head tips back. I take another look, just in case I missed something. The man is trying to get the woman’s attention now, rambling on about something she’s clearly not interested in.

I know this because she’s looking right at where I’m stroking Paisley’s hand, eyes soft with unmet hunger.

I lean across the small table, reaching out to run my finger along Paisley’s chin, lifting it until she looks at me. I can practically hear the woman sigh as I do it, confirming my suspicions. “They’re not judging you, Duchess.” I slowly stand up, dragging my finger down her arm before taking her hand in mine and pulling her up from her chair. I step in behind her, sliding one hand across her stomach as I press my lips against her ear. “They’re jealous of us.” I nip at the skin of her neck and the woman’s lips part. “Jealous of you.”

The maître d’ comes with my coat and I drape it around Paisley’s shoulders before moving back in front of her as the woman continues to blatantly watch us. I curve my hand along her neck as I lean in to take her mouth with mine.

A loud clamor behind me sends Paisley jumping back before the kiss can do much more than begin. I glance over one shoulder to find the woman mopping up spilled wine with her napkin.

The interruption leaves me irritated. I wanted Paisley to see the same thing I saw.

Only so she could be more comfortable with what we need to do.

But now the moment’s over. Ruined by a woman who definitely won’t be getting what she needs tonight.

“It’s time to go.” I take Paisley’s arm, leading her out of the restaurant and to my waiting car.

I pull her close as she tries to scoot across the seat. “We’re taking Miss Davis home.”

Paisley’s wide eyes come to me. “But I thought—”

I shoot her a look that seals her lips.

I considered bringing her home with me tonight. Trying again to get to the truth of her lie about her shift at Platinum.

But I won’t let Paisley think she’s the whore she believes others perceive her to be.

I stay quiet as we drive, even though there’s so many things I want to say to her. I like Sal. He wouldn’t be my driver if I believed he would turn against me.

But some things aren’t worth the risk, and Paisley is one of those things.

We stop in front of her building and get out. I lean down to tell Sal to circle the block so I can walk her up, but when I turn around Paisley’s slipping into the building, the door latching behind her. She gives me a wave through the barred glass window before disappearing.

I scowl at the empty window where she stood.

That wasn’t an ideal goodbye.

She should know that.

I consider getting in and leaving. Maybe she’s just paying me back for sending her home last night like I did.

If that’s the case then her lie won’t be the only thing I address the next time she’s naked in front of me.

I slam the car door and follow the cracked walk to the steps leading into the building. I test the door just in case it didn’t latch completely, but the heavy steel holds tight.

“You need a key to get in there.” I recognize the voice carrying up from the corner where the steps meet the building.

I lean over the concrete wall serving as railing and look down at the homeless man who’s helped me find Paisley on more than one occasion. “I don’t suppose you have a key.”

He gives me a smile of feigned innocence. “I guess that depends on what you want in there for.”

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