Page 84 of Hunter's Revenge

I stare out the window at the lavish setting before me and think about how to answer that.

I’m sitting on the steps by the alcove that overlooks the Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Jean showed me around earlier and blew me away further when I took in the rest of the house and surrounding grounds.

Earlier, when I thought the house was grandiose, I hadn’t really seen anything yet of the stunning ten-bedroom mansion with its stately gardens and the beach.

The vast expanse of grounds by itself was enough to fit a small colony of people on it. The more I saw, the more I wondered why Malik owned such a massive home for just himself. I imagine him more at home in a high-rise penthouse apartment in the city. Then again, I could also see him sitting on a throne in Hell with infernal fires billowing around him and a host of poor unfortunate souls at his mercy.

It would be easier to tell Dru I’m at a hotel, but it’s not plausible for a stay as lengthy as I’ve described. I’ve made it sound as if I’ll be away for several weeks.

“I'm staying at a guest house,” I decide to tell her. “It's easier to get to all the places I need to be.”

“Wow, a guest house in Boston. It sounds like they’re really taking care of you.” Dru giggles.

“They are. I’m just so glad for the opportunity and how everything worked out. Most of all, no more Conrad.” There is no pretense there. I genuinely am glad I don’t have to deal with Conrad anymore, and hopefully will never again.

“This is so exciting. I just wish I could be there with you.”

“I know, but soon.” Sadness pulls at my heart. I don’t know when I’ll be seeing Dru again. This is like when we parted ways to go to college, but not. At least back then, we could arrange weekend visits or meet somewhere in between. I’m not calling the shots here. Malik is.

“Is there anything I can do? I don’t want to be a sitting duck or like I’m dragging along for the ride.”

“No.” I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “I've got this part covered. Besides, as it is, you've done so much already, so just keep doing what you're doing. I will keep you updated every step of the way.” I sound so convincing, I almost believe myself.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Absolutely. I've got everything we need under control for the moment. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, cool. That sounds good.”

“I should finish up the designs for the new line by the end of next week, so I'll send those over to you.” I should have plenty of time to do that. All I need is a notebook for the sketches, material to create the mock-up designs so the team back home can follow them.

That’s what’s going to keep me sane here.

Who knows what's going to happen after Monday when I meet my father’s family?

“Perfect. Alright, enough business talk. Tell me more about Malik. You haven't said much about him.”

I glance down at the ring on my finger and my entire body feels weak as if I’ve been drained of all the years of my life. I figured the less I say about Malik, the better it will be.

“He’s been great.”

“What's he like, though?” Her voice comes out in a hurried rush, like a child rattling off their Christmas present list. “Please tell me this is not just business. We both know it’s not.”

As far as Malik goes, Dru doesn’t even know I slept with him. I told her I went to see him to thank him for taking care of me and then he put me in touch with someone here who could help me set up the store. I also made it sound like he had to rush back here for his own work.

“There’s nothing really to tell.” I can feel my nose growing with every lie.

“Please tell me you’ve kept in touch and haven’t just ditched him.”

Again, I think of what the hell to say. “Well, he’s busy, but we’ve agreed to meet up tomorrow.”And get married.God, this is so crazy.

Dru scoffs. “Well, at least it’s something, and thank goodness you weren't shy about telling him what you wanted to do with your life. But clearly, the seriously hot guy likes you, Gwen. Please don’t allow the hot lieutenant to escape your grasp.”

“Dru, you and I both know I need to be careful when it comes to men.” That’s my now old mantra, which is completely useless to me because I wasn’t careful in the least.

“I know. But I just don’t want you to miss out, especially on a guy who has literally served up your dreams on a platter. But I get it. I do think this whole thing is strange, but I’m telling myself he’s like the secret millionaire.” There’s an edge to her voice that sounds as if logic is piercing through the veil of our excitement and telling her this is all too good to be true. “What’s his actual story apart from the Navy?”

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