Page 78 of Beautiful Sins

When I head over to Harrison’s place, I’m remembering how he said we aren’t like normal people. The reminder of how easily he can wield that power and for whatever he wants hits me like a bucket of ice.

23

Harrison

As I pull up to the building, my phone rings with a number from Spain.

“Christian,” I say when I answer. “What a pleasant surprise. We’re not due to talk for another three days.”

I toss my keys to the valet as Christian’s cough comes over the line. “I’m afraid it can’t wait.”

I stride through the door held by the doorman and straight into my elevator.

“I’m selling La Mer to Mischa.”

My grip tightens on the phone. “What did he offer? I’ll match it,” I go on as the elevator reaches the top floor and the bell dings.

“It’s not a price you can match.” His voice wavers. “It’s over, Harrison.”

I force myself out into my penthouse condo, standing in the middle of the entryway in front of the mirror.

The luxe backdrop blurs. Nothing matters except the man on the other end of the phone.

“You wanted me to investigate my parents as a way to bide time and run up Mischa’s bid.”

“No. I wanted to give you the chance to prove your parents weren’t duplicitous.”

I don’t believe him. “From the moment I rejected your offer of La Mer in exchange for marrying your daughter, you weren’t intending to sell to me.”

I pace the hall, my voice rising.

“This isn’t about honor, Christian. It’s about money and pride.” My laugh is humourless. “You and Ivanov deserve one another.”

There’s a beat of silence, then a second, before he clicks off.

I stare at the mirror.

Even if I was focused on the club here, it was all in service of winning La Mer. Now, I’ve lost the thing that mattered most.

I slam my fist into the glass.

* * *

Rae

I’m standing in the bathroom freshening up, waiting for Harrison to return and trying to deal with Whelan’s arrest.

I need to know if he’s behind it. If he is, I’m not sure how to feel. On one hand, I’m grateful Whelan is being forced to account for his crime—crimes, if what Kian says is true.

But having my business handled so neatly by another person leaves me feeling a different kind of exposed.

The sound of the door jerks me out of my thoughts.

Harrison’s speaking to someone on the phone.

“…wanted me to investigate my parents as a way to bide time and run up Mischa’s bid.”

He’s speaking with Christian.

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