Page 12 of High Class

Skylar waves a hand. “Say no more. I’ve had my share of complicated, so I understand.”

When we get to the hotel, I am grateful to discover that the penthouse is a two bedroom so there will be no lack of privacy. When I’m not seeing clients, I’m an introvert and need a lot of quiet alone time. I was worried that on top of having to bail on some very lucrative jobs, I was also going to be smothered by Luke and his overbearing personality.

Skylar offers to order breakfast, so the men can continue their conversation. It’s then that I realize I’m starving, so I readily agree.

“I can’t eat eggs,” I tell her when she asks what I want. “But some oatmeal would be good and a smoothie if we can get it.”

“My trainer sent a smoothie recipe to all the room service kitchens in the Novak chain of hotels. His way of making sure I have no excuse not to drink one when I’m on any of the properties. Do you want me to get you one of those?”

Skylar has a residency at one of the three massive resorts owned by Hunter Novak. I don’t know a lot about her story other than what’s in the tabloids, but she’s had an interesting life.

“That would be great. Thank you.”

While I wait for breakfast to arrive, I unpack my meager belongings and contemplate a shopping spree. My wardrobe could use some refreshing, and the high end shops in Las Vegas are a great place to look for some new items. Perhaps Skylar can be a shopping buddy. It’s been a long while since I’ve had one of those.

Don’t get too attached, I remind myself before I join the rest of the group in the living room.

“Luke was just telling Matteo you’re here without most of your belongings because of the last-minute nature of this trip. Do you want me to put you in touch with my stylist?”

Geeze this is all too much. I live a life of luxury thanks to my clients, but I’m careful not to get too attached to any of the niceties. They’re never guaranteed.

“Actually, I was thinking I might like to go shopping. It’s been a long time. And he’s right, I’m missing most of my stuff since I was planning to be on my way to France tomorrow night.”

Skylar claps. “I would love that. We’ll need to take my security, but they never complain about holding bags.”

Matteo rolls his eyes but doesn’t say anything. I’m curious about their relationship. From what I gathered, Matteo is also a criminal. Italian Mafia? I’m still listening to bits and pieces of conversation, so I’m not sure. It makes little sense for the likes of Skylar Cameron to be hooked up with him. And the fact that none of it is in the tabloids—at least not that I’ve seen—is incredible. Are they lying so low that no one has gotten wind of their relationship?

“Let’s go tomorrow, after I’ve had a full night’s sleep.”

Skylar nods and looks at Matteo. “Do you need me here, Sir? I’m not ready to be around Luke if I don’t need to be.”

He frowns. “What about breakfast, Princess?”

“I’ll get something at home.”

“Let her go, man,” Luke mutters. “The fewer people who know all the details, the better.”

Matteo relents and kisses her on the cheek. “You can go. I’ll see you at your place in an hour.”

She smiles at me and gives a little wave as she exits the room. “We can coordinate when you wake up. It’s my day off.”

When she’s gone, I sit at the dining table and wait for someone to ask me a question, since I know that’s why we’re here.

“I’ll just be blunt. Did someone pay you to set Oliver Bowden up for murder?” Matteo asks.

My pulse races at the absurd question. But they’re a suspicious lot. They have to be in order to survive in their world. So, I’m not mad at it. But I do need to be careful how I answer.

“No. Absolutely not. I was paid to go on a date with him. That’s it.”

“How much were you paid?”

I cringe. Discussing numbers is in poor taste. But they won’t stop pushing until they get their answers.

“Fifteen grand.”

“That’s a lot for one date, Ms. Blaire. Forgive me if I’m skeptical.”

“I’m very good at my job, Matteo. I’ve worked up to charging those prices. If you don’t believe me, I am willing to show you some of my accounting. Nothing with names, but the numbers should be sufficient.”

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