PlayingTheMillionaire

NewYorkTimes,USAToday&WallStreetJournalbestsellingauthor

SandiLynn

PlayingTheMillionaire

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ChapterForty-Four
BooksBySandiLynn
AboutTheAuthor

ChapterOne

Kate

Myeyeswereclosed,butmymindstillplannedmynextmove.MymovetoleaveSeattleandgohome.

IslowlyopenedmyeyesasIlaythereonmysidewithhisarmstretchedoutovermywaist.Hewasa

good man and my time spent with him was coming to an end. Nigel Thorne was a fifty-year-old

millionairewholikedtodevouryoungerwomen.He’dcharmthem,usethem,andthendiscardthemwhen

hegotbored.Hebecameboredquickly,whichwasgoodformebecauseIhadnoplanstostickaround.

ButhesaidIwasdifferent.Great.HesaidIwasakeeper.Shit.Forhowlong,Ididn’tknow.Hisfirst

mistakewastrustingme.Hewasacharmer,butIcharmedbetter.Hewasaseducer,butIhadseducedhim

first.HetoldmehelovedmeandItoldhimnottobesilly.Wehadonlyknowneachotheralittleover

twomonths,justenoughtimeformetofindouthisweaknessesandplayonthem.Heboughtmeexpensive

handbagsanddesignerclothes,aswellasdiamondearringsandabraceletthatwereworthovertwenty

thousanddollars.

Asmallsmilecrossedhislipsashiseyesopenedandlockedontomine.Hishandsweptthroughmy

hairasheleanedinandbrushedhismouthagainstmine.

“Goodmorning,”hewhispered.

“Morning,”Ispokewithasmallsmile.

“Whattimeisit?”heasked.

“Sixthirty.”

Hischestheavedasheletoutasighandrolledontohisback,foldinghishandsbehindhishead.

“Ihaveameetingateight.Don’tforgetaboutthedinnerpartyattheAndersons’tonight.”

“Ihaven’tforgotten.”Myfingerrandownhischest.

Hekissedmyforeheadbeforeclimbingoutofbedandhoppingintotheshower.

“I’llgomakesomecoffee,”IspokeasIslippedonmyredsatinrobe.

“Thankyou,darling.”

HelikedhiscoffeeFrenchpressed.Onceitwasfinished,Ipouredsomeintohisfavoritebrownmug

withonecubeofsugarandtwosplashesofskimmilk.Takingitintothebathroom,Isetthemugonthe

counterwhilehestoodinfrontofthemirrorandshaved.

“Whatareyourplansfortoday?”heasked.

“IthoughtI’ddosomeshopping,perhapsbuyanewdressforthedinnerpartytonight.”

“Good idea. Make sure it’s black, tight, and short.” He winked. “Take my credit card and spare no

expense.”

IhadnointentionofattendingthatpartybecauseI’dbelonggonebeforeheevengothomefromthe

office.Seattlewasniceandall,butmytimeherewasupandIhadotherprospectstocheckout.AsIwas

leavingthebathroom,hecalledmyname.

“Becca?”

“Yes?”Iturnedaround.

“Ithinkyoushouldmoveinwithme.”

Ugh.Ihatedwhentheysuggestedthat.Walkingovertohim,Iplacedmyhandonhisbackandstaredat

himthroughthemirror.

“We’lldiscussthatlater.You’regoingtobelateforyourmeetingifyoudon’thurryup.”Ismiled.

“I’minlovewithyou,BeccaWright.”

MylipspressedagainsthisbareshoulderbeforeIwalkedintothebedroomandlaidouthissuit.Once

hewasdressedandheadedoutthedoor,hekissedmegoodbye.Littledidheknowthatthekisshegave

mewouldbehislastone.Assoonasthefrontdoorshut,Ishowered,gotdressed,andwentintohishome

office,whereIremovedthelargepaintingofahuntingdogthatrevealedhiswallsafe.Hiscombination

was heavily guarded by him and nobody was allowed in his office when he opened it. I had placed a

hiddencameraamongstthebooksthatsatonthebookshelfacrossfromthepainting.25left,10right,5

left, 6 right, and voila, it opened. Inside sat piles of cash, two Rolex watches, a diamond ring that

belonged to his grandmother, and important documents that pertained to his business. Documents that

could ruin him if anyone ever got their hands on them. I placed the three-carat canary diamond on my

fingerandheldmyhandoutinfrontofme.Hisgrandmotherraisedhimhiswholelifeandbeforeshedied,

she was the most important person in the world. I grabbed a few stacks of cash—about a hundred

thousanddollars’worth—andthetwoRolexes,andshutthesafe.AsIwasputtingthepaintingbackonthe

wall,myeyescaughtsightofhisgrandmother’sring.Guiltstartedtowashoverme.AsmuchasIwanted

tokeepthepricelessbeauty,Iknewitwoulddevastatehimifitwentmissing.Hewasalreadygoingtobe

devastatedenoughoncehefoundoutIhadconnedhim.SoIreopenedthesafeandplaceditbackinside

thelittleredvelvetboxthatkeptitsecure.

IgrabbedthesmallovernightbagthatIpacked,shovedthemoneyandthewatchesinside,andheaded

outthedoorbacktomyapartment,whichIrentedfromweektoweek,tookoffmyshortplatinumwig,put

onmylongbrunetteone,andcalledforacabtotakemetotheairport.

WhenIarrived,Icheckedinandplacedmyluggageonthescale.WhenIhandedtheshortstockyman

mydriver’slicense,helookedatitandthenhandeditbacktomewithasmile.

“HaveasafeflighttoNewYork,MissGreaves.”

“Thankyou.”Iflashedmypearlywhitesathim.

Ienteredtheplane,setmycarry-onundertheseatinfrontofme,andsankintofirst-classseat2D.It

always had to be the second row and the window seat. If that seat was sold out, I’d have no problem

gettingthepersonwhoboughtittoswitchwithme.Firstrowwasoutofthequestionbecausetheyalways

made you stow your carry-on. Any rows beyond the second always ran out of the first choice of food

beforetheflightattendantreachedyou.Thatpissedmeoffmorethananything.Andthewindow?Always

thewindow.ItwasallabouttheviewandthepeaceandserenitythatIfeltwhenIsawthefluffinessofthe

cloudsthatenvelopedthesky.NottomentionthefactthatIhatedpeopleclimbingovermetogettothe

bathroomorthefoodcartsbumpingmeastheflightattendantsmadetheirwayupanddowntheaisles.

Ilaidmyheadbackandtookinadeepbreath,mybrunettewigstillinplaceandmyChanelsunglasses

coveringmyeyes.

“Soyou’retheonewhobookedthewindowseat?”Iheardaman’spowerfulvoicespeak.

I turned my head and slightly lowered my sunglasses only to find a well-tailored black Armani suit

staring me in the face. All six foot two of it. My eyes watched as he put his carry-on in the overhead

compartment,shutit,andthentookhisseatnexttomine.Shortlightbrownhairthatwascutinaclassic

crew.Simple.Stylish.AllAmerican.Astrongmasculinejawlinewithaperfectlymanicuredfiveo’clock

shadow,alluringlips,andapairofmen’sPhantomAviatorglassesthatcoveredhiseyes.Heradiateda

scent.Warmyetcool.Sophisticated.Sea-likewithahintofpatchouli.Hereekedofwealth.

“Excuseme?”

“WhenIbookedthisflight,Iwasdisappointedtoseethewindowseatwasalreadytaken.”Thecorners

ofhismouthslightlycurvedupwards.

ArushofwarmthfloodedmypantiesandIsworeI’djusthadanorgasm.

“Whendidyoubookthisflight?”Iasked.

“Yesterday.”

“Thenmaybeyoushouldhavebookeditsoonerifyouwantedthewindowseat.”Ismiled.

“Perhaps.ButmybusinessinSeattlefinishedearlierthanIexpected.”

“MayIgetyouabeverage?”theperkyyoungflightattendantasked.

“Tequilawithasplashoflime,please,”Ireplied.

“Andforyou,sir.”Her“Iwanttofuckyou”smilewidened.

“I’llhaveavodkacranberry.Lightonthecranberry.”Hegrinned.

Iglanceddownathisarm,whichwassittingonthearmrest,andtooknoteoftheCartierwatchthatsat

proudly on his wrist. Elegant, powerful, and out-of-this-world expensive. He didn’t remove his

sunglasses,butneitherdidI,soIcouldn’tverywellsaysomethingtohim.ButIwasdyingtoseehiseyes.

He wasn’t complete until I saw the color of them. Actually, he would never be complete until I saw

firsthandwhatkindofpackagehewassportingunderneathhisexpensivedesignerpants.Hewasthetype

of man women fell to their knees for, and I could understand why. He was beyond gorgeous. In fact, I

don’tthinkmyeyeseverlaidonanyonesexier.Helookedtobeearlythirties,thirty-twoatthemost.

“Yourtequilawithasplashoflime.”Theflightattendantsmiledasshehandedmemydrink.

“Thankyou.”

“Andyourvodkacranberry,lightonthecranberry.”Hergrinwidenedasshehandedhimhisdrinkwith

anapkintuckedunderneathit.

“Thankyou.”Heflirtatiouslysmiledback.

Rollingmyeyes,Ibroughtmyglasstomylips.Whenhesethisnapkindown,Inoticedshehadwritten

herphonenumberonitwithanotethatread:

“I’llbeinNewYorkforacoupleofdays.Callme.”

IsighedasIsetmydrinkdownonit.

“Oh.I’msorry.”Ipickeditbackup.“Iwouldhatefortheinktosmear.”

Heletoutachuckle.Damnit.Eventhatwashot.

“Noworries.Andifitdid,Iwouldn’tcare.”

“She’scute.Youwouldn’twanttohititatleastonce?”Iarchedmybrow.

“She’scute.Butshe’snotmytype.”

“Andwhatexactlyisyourtype?”Ismirked.

“Brunettes with long wavy hair and,” he reached over and pulled my glasses from my face, “rich

browneyes.”

I stared at him through his Ray-Bans, speechless and gasping for air. Grabbing my glasses from his

hand,Islippedthembackon.

ChapterTwo

Gabriel

The moment I stepped onto the plane and saw the incredibly beautiful woman sitting in the window

seatnexttomine,mycockstartedtorise.Longbrunettehairwithahintofwavethroughit,fullsensuous

lips,highcheekbones,andapairofblackChanelsunglassesthatframedherfacetoperfection.Normally,

I would ask the person occupying the window seat to switch with me, but something told me that this

beautywouldn’tgiveitup.Itwasthewayshecomposedherselfinherseat.Sheradiatedconfidenceand

thefactthatshekepthersunglassesonindicatedshedidn’twanttobemessedwith.AsIwasputtingmy

carry-on in the overhead compartment, the scent of jasmine and rose overtook my senses. Fresh,

seductive,andwarm.Shehadattitude.Ilikedit.TellingmeIshouldhavebookedmyflightsoonermade

melaughinside.Shedidn’tfumblewithherwordslikemostwomendidinmypresence.Shewaspoised

andcarefullyspoken.

“What’syourname?”Iaskedasshetookhersunglassesfrommyhandandputthembackon.

“Firstnamesonly.”Thecornersofhermouthcurvedupintoasmallsmile.“Hannah.”

“It’snicetomeetyou,Hannah.I’mGabriel.”

“Nicetomeetyou,Gabe.”Shecockedherheadassheextendedherhand.

“NotGabe.Gabriel.Idon’tdonicknames.”Iplacedmyhandinhers.

“Okay.Nowthatwe’veestablishedyoudon’tdonicknames,whatdoyoudo?”Inoticedherbrowarch

fromunderneathherglasses.

“I’mincorporatebusiness.Andyou?”

“I’manentrepreneur.”

“Forwhattypeofbusiness?”Iasked,forIwasintrigued.

“Handbags,jewelry,shoes.Anythingthatmakesagirlfeelpretty.”Shesmiled.

Her smile. Illuminating. Radiant. A one-of-a-kind smile. The kind of smile that would turn even the

shittiestofdaysaround.Mycockwasbehavingbadlyandshewouldbetheperfectwomantopunishit.

“IsyourbusinessinNewYork?”Iasked.

“No.I’mjustvisitingafriendforacoupleofdays.”

“Isee.Areyougoingtokeepyoursunglassesonthewholeflight?”Iasked.

“Are you? Or are you afraid that you will lose your power over me and expose your emotional

vulnerability?”Asmirkcrossedherlips.

“I’msorry?”Ishookmyhead.“What?”

“Peoplewhowearsunglassesinsideplacesdoitsotheycanintimidatepeople.Withthatintimidation,

comespower.Andthatpowerisamaskfortheemotionalvulnerabilitythatyoupossess.Oritcouldjust

simply mean that you want to create an aura of mystery about yourself, leaving people to guess what’s

hidingbeneaththoseglasses.”

Shit.Whatthefuck?

“Sowhichisit,Gabriel?Emotionalvulnerabilityormystery?”

“Icouldaskyouthesamething,Hannah,”Irepliedwithanarchinmybrow.

Sheletoutalightlaugh.“I’mwearingthembecauseI’mtiredandthedarknessoftheshadeswillhelp

mesleep.

“Thenbyallmeans,getsomerest.Iwillwakeyouwhenweland.”

“Thankyou.Youstillhaven’tansweredmyquestion.”

IsighedasIstaredather.

“AndI’mnotgoingto.”

“I’mgoingtogowithemotionalvulnerability.”Shereclinedherseatandturnedherheadtowardsthe

window.

Didsheevenrealizetowhomshewasspeaking?Somethingtoldmethatthisonewasoutofcontrol

withhermouth.Butyet,Ifoundherirresistible.Assheslept,Istaredather.Myeyesrakedoverthegray

cardigan she was wearing with the black tank top underneath and tight black pants. I needed to see her

standing up. My mind only imagined what was hiding under those layers of clothes. Her face was

beautifulandIwouldbetmylifethatherbodywasjustassexy.Onceagain,mycockstartedtorisejust

thinkingaboutmefuckingherfrombehind,grippingherassastightasIcouldwhileIpoundedinandout

ofher,listeningtothescreamsofherecstasyasmycocksatisfiedhereveryneed.

Ihadn’thadgreatsexinawhile.Greta,mynewlyex-girlfriend,hadbecomeunbelievablyirritating,

alwayswhiningandbitchingatmeforsomething.She’dbitchwhenIhadtoworklateandthentellher

momandsisterwhatahorribleboyfriendIwasbecauseIdidn’tspendenoughtimewithher.We’dbeen

datingforsixmonths,andforme,itwassixmonthstoolong.Withholdingsexwasherformofpunishment

forme.DidIcare?Notreally.We’dbeenbrokenupfortwenty-fourhoursandithadbeenthebesttwenty-

fourhoursofmylife.IhadnochoicebuttodumpherwhenIwasinSeattle.Icouldn’ttakehercallingme

everyhalfhourandthenblowupmyphonewithridiculoustextmessagesaskingmewhoIwassleeping

with because I didn’t answer. I’d never cheated on her. I didn’t do shit like that. It wasn’t who I was.

EventhoughIwasarichpowerfulman,Istillrespectedmyrelationshipswithwomen.Itwasherown

insecuritiesthatledhertothinkIwassleepingaroundwitheverywomanintheworld.Ha.Iwished.

WhenIwasn’tinarelationship,whichIfoundIwasbetteroffnotbeinginone,I’dhavealotofsex

withdifferentwomen.One-nightstandsmainly.WomenImetatbusinessconferences,bars,restaurants,

business trips. All casual, no strings, and absolutely perfect. I got my needs fulfilled without all the

bullshitdrama.ImadeavowthatonceIgotridofGretaandshewasoutofmylife,Iwouldstaysingle

foralongtime.Eveniftherightwomanappearedrightinfrontofme,itdidn’tmatter.Iwastiredofall

the harping. It exhausted me and work did that enough. Running a multi-billion-dollar hotel and resort

chainwasn’teasy.TherewastoomuchcompetitionoutthereandIneededtokeepontopofmygameifI

wantedtoremainthebest.

I was the CEO of Quinn Hotels. Our chain was right up there with Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and

MandarinOriental.Lastyear,ForbesplacedQuinnHotels,alsoknownas“Q,”numberfourontheirlist

ofthetenbesthotelschainsintheworld.Iinheritedthecompanywhenmyfatherpassedawayacoupleof

yearsago. He inheritedit from hisfather, my grandfather, whostarted the luxurioushotel chain back in

1929andquicklybecameahugecompetitorforHiltonHotels.

MyworkwasmylifeandthewomenIdatedneededtounderstandthat.Gretasworeshedid.WhichI

believedforthefirstmonthofourrelationship.Thenthearguingstartedandallthecrying.Thatwoman

criedarivermorethananyoneI’deverknown.Shestressedmeoutmorethanshemademehappy.Why

didn’tIdumphersooner?Ihadalotgoingoninmylifeandhavingtobreakupwithherseemedtobe

more trouble than what it was worth at the time. Piss poor excuse, I know. But I was in the middle of

openinganewhotel.WeranintoloadsofproblemsandIdidn’twanttodealwithher.

ChapterThree

Kate

Thebumpinessoftheplanelandingjoltedmeoutofmyseat.

“Whatthehell?Doesn’tthispilotknowhowtolandaplane?”

Gabrielchuckled.“Itwasn’tthatbad.”

“Saysyou.Youweren’tinthemiddleofadreamonthebeach,soakingupthesunandbeingserved

fruitydrinkswithcutelittleumbrellasbyanincrediblysexyguy.”

“No.Iwasn’t.AndI’dbeoverlyconcernedifIwas.”Hesmirked.

Hissmirkmademetightenmylegs.Ididn’tmentionthattheincrediblysexyguyservingmedrinkson

the beach was him. I’d just met him and he was already invading my dreams. My eyes couldn’t stop

divertingthemselvestohisshinywatch.Theplanefinallycametoastopandthecaptainspokeoverthe

speaker.

“There will be a thirty-minute delay in retrieving your luggage from baggage claim. It appears that

someofthecarouselsarenotworkingatthemomentandthere’sabackupofluggagefromotherflights

thatwillbeputthroughfirst.”

“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”IsighedasIstoodupfrommyseat.

“Doyouhavesomewheretobe?”Gabrielasked.

“Ofcourse.Don’tyou?”Icockedmyheadathimasweexitedtheplane.

“Yes,butit’sonlythirtyminutes,”hereplied.“Howaboutwegetadrinkwhilewewait?”

“IthinkadrinkwouldbefinesinceI’mnotgoinganywhereanytimesoon.”Ismiled.

Ineededthatwatch.

We entered the Delta Sky Lounge, ordered our drinks, and took a seat on a bright red couch. When

Gabrielremovedhisglasses,Ifelttheairinmylungsconstrict.Arichchocolatebrown.Seductive.The

kindofeyesthatcouldburnaholethroughyourverysoul.

“So,whatdoyoudointhecorporateworld?”Iasked.

“Alotofshitthatmakesmyheadgocrazy.”Hegrinned.“Whereisyourstorelocated?”

“CyberWorld.”

“Ah,you’reanonlineretailer?”Hisbrowarched.

“Yes.”Ismiled.

“What’sthename?”heasked.

“Whydoyouwanttoknow?”

“Whynot?”

“Soyoucanstalkme?”Igavehimaslysmile.

Oureyeswerefixatedoneachother’sandthesexualchemistrybetweenuswasonfire.Hewantedto

fuckmeasbadlyasIwantedhiswatch.

“Iwouldn’tstalkyou.I’mjustcurious.”Hebroughthishanduptomycheek.

“I’msureyouhavesomeonewaitingathomeforyou,”Ispoke.

“Idon’t.”

“Someoneassexyasyouissingle?”

“Yes.”Hishandrandownmycheek.

Igulpedatthefiercevibratingdownbelow.

“Howaboutyou?”heaskedasheplacedhishandbetweenmylegs.

“No.Idon’thaveanyone.”

“Someoneasbeautifulasyouissingle?”

“That’sright.”Ismiled.

Hetookhisthumbandranitacrossmylips.Asareaction,Itookitinmymouth.

“Fuck,Hannah.Ithinkweneedtogointothebathroom.”

“Leadtheway.”Ismiled.

Hegrabbedholdofmyhandandledmedownthesmallhallwaywherethebathroomwas.Assoonas

wewerebothinside,heshutthedoorandlockedit.Suddenly,hishandsgrabbedthesidesofmyfaceand

hismouthsmashedintominewithoutwarning.Istumbledbackasheheldontomewithonearmwrapped

around my waist. Our lips tangled and our tongues greeted each other. This was what you called an

unexpected heated moment. Sliding his suitcoat off his shoulders, I quickly unbuttoned his crisp white

shirtashishandsslidoffmycardiganandthendippeddownthefrontofmyshirt,gropingmybreastsas

subtlemoansescapedhim.Hebrokeourkissandtookdownhispants.Thankgodhewassoblessedin

thegoodsdepartment.Thick,long,hard,andbeautiful.Iwasgoingtohaveanorgasmjustlookingatit.

“Likewhatyousee?”Hesmirked.

“Definitely.”Ilickedmylips.

Heplacedhishandsonmyhipsandturnedmearoundbeforepullingdownmypantsandpressinghis

hardcockagainstme.

“Iwantyoutowatchmefuckyouinthemirror,”heseductivelyspokeashedippedhisfingerinside

me.

Ithrewmyheadbackindesireasheexploredmyinsides.

“You’resowet.Areyoureadyforme?”heaskedasherippedacondompackageopenandrolledit

overhiscock.

“Yes,”Ispokebreathlesslyasmybodyprepareditselfforhisentrance.

Hethrustinsideme.Hard.Deep.ThefeelofhimwasintoxicatingandIwasgettingdrunkwitheach

stroke.Hisgriponmyhipstightenedashepoundedintome,makingmevoicethepleasureIfelt.Ilooked

athimthroughthemirrorandoureyesmet.

“Don’tlookawaywhenyoucome,”hespoke.

Mybodywaspushedtothelimitsandtheminutehereachedhishandoverandplaceditontopofmy

clit,anorgasmrushedthroughme.

“That’sit.God,that’sit,”hepanted.

Onelasthardthrustandhehaltedwhiledeepmoansescapedhimashecame.

Ireachedmyhandaroundandplaceditonthebackofhisheadashislipspressedagainstmyshoulder.

Hepulledout,removedthecondom,andtosseditinthetrashcan.Hebentdown,pulledupmypants,and

thengropedmybreastsonelasttime.Ipickedupmycardigan,slippediton,andtookholdofhiswrist

beforeheputonhissuitcoat.HelookedatmeasIbroughtmyotherhanduptohischeek.

“Thankyou.”Ismiledasmylipstenderlymethis.

“You’rewelcome.”

I let go of his wrist and slipped his watch into the pocket of my cardigan. Now I needed to make a

quickexitbeforehenoticeditwasgone.Wewalkedoutofthebathroomtogetherandoutofthelounge.

“Itwasnicetomeetyou,Gabriel.”IsmiledasIwalkedtheoppositeway.

“Baggageclaimisthisway?”Hepointed.

“Ihaveaquickphonecalltomakefirst.Thanksagain.”Ibitdownonmybottomlip.

“Thepleasurewasallmine,Hannah.”Hewinked.

IknewJFKlikethebackofmyhandsinceItraveledsomuchandwentanotherwaytogettobaggage

claim.WhenIgotthere,Ihidaroundthecornerandwaitedforhimtoretrievehisluggage.Oncehedid

andbegantowalkaway,IswallowedhardasIsilentlywhispered,“Goodbye,Gabriel.”Afterhewalked

outthedooroftheairport,Igrabbedmybagsandheadedtheoppositeway,whereIhailedacabandwent

home.

ChapterFour

Gabriel

MybagwascomingaroundthecarouselwhenIarrived.IfeltalittleoffbywhathadhappenedandI

didn’twanttowalkaway.ShewasincredibleandIneededtoknowmoreabouther.Butshedidsayshe

wasonlyinNewYorkforacoupleofdays.ItwastimeIputHannahoutofmymindbecauseI’dnever

seeheragain.

“Goodevening,Carl,”IspokeasIclimbedintothebackofmylimo.

“Goodevening,sir.HowwasSeattle?”

“Rainy.”Ismiled.“Butproductive.”

“Home,sir?”heasked.

“Yes.”

Iturnedmywristtolookatthetimeonmywatchanditwasn’tthere.

“Whatthehell?”Iloudlyspoke.

“Issomethingwrong,Mr.Quinn?”

Inevertookmywatchoff.IdistinctlyremembereditbeingonmywristwhileIwasfuckingher.

“Thatbitchstolemywatch!”

“Excuseme,sir?”Carlspoke.

“Nothing.”Iclimbedoutofthecar.“I’llberightback.Ihavetolookforsomeone.”

I raced back to baggage claim and looked around for Hannah. Looking at the carousel where our

luggagehadcomefrom,itwasempty.Isteppedoutsideandlookedaround.Nothing.Shewasn’tanywhere

tobefound.IclimbedbackinthelimoandtoldCarltotakemehome.

Iwasenraged.Athirty-thousand-dollarwatchgone.TakenbyawomanImetonanairplaneandfucked

intheskyloungeatJFKairport.HowstupidcouldIbe?Fuck!Ipulledmyringingphonefrompocketand

sawitwasGretacalling.Whatthehelldidshewant?Iwasn’tinanymoodtodealwithher,soIsenther

tovoicemail.

Carl pulled up to my building at 178 East 94

Street, a townhome I had purchased three years ago

when it went into foreclosure. My family and friends were shocked when I purchased it because they

always believed I was a high-rise penthouse type of man. The thing I liked most was the homey feel it

had.ItwasaplaceIfeltwouldberighttohaveafamilysomedayinthedistantfuture.Oratleastthatwas

whatIsawthreeyearsago.Sincethen,myviewsonfamilyandmarriagehaddrasticallychangedthanks

tothecrazywomenI’ddated.

AssoonasIsteppedthroughthefrontdoor,Grace,myhousekeeper,greetedme.

“Welcomehome,Gabriel,”shespokeasshetookmysuitcasefromme.

“Thanks,Grace.How’severythinggoing?”

“Well,yourex-girlfriendstoppedbyearlierandcriedhereyesouttome,mumblingsomethingabout

whatanassholeyouareandhowyoubrokeupwithheroverthephone.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Sorryaboutthat.”

“Don’tbe.TheonlythingIheardwasyoubreakingupwithher.”Shesmiled.“Don’tgetmewrong;

shewasanokaygirl,butshesurewhinedandcriedalot.”

“Iknow.”Isighed.

“I’mgoingtotakeyoursuitcaseupstairsandthenheadhome.There’sdinnerwarmingintheovenif

you’rehungry.”

“Thanks,Grace.Iappreciateit.”

“Noproblem.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

I took the bottle of bourbon and a glass and went up and took a seat on the terrace. Pulling out my

phone,Icalledmylittlebrother,Caleb.

“Hey,bigbrother,howwasSeattle?”heanswered.

“Itwasgood.Whatareyoudoing?”

“Packing.IleaveforLosAngelestomorrow.”

“Ah.That’sright.Doyouhavetimetostopbyforadrink?”

“Sure.GivemeaboutanhourandI’llbeover.”

“Soundsgood.IcansendCarltopickyouup,”Ispokebymistake.

“Really,Gabriel?”

“Sorry.I’llseeyouinaboutanhour.I’mupontheterrace.”

Caleb Quinn, my twenty-four-year-old determined-to-be-a-rock-star brother was against anything

money. I guess you could say he had always been the black sheep of the family, at least in my father’s

eyes. He hated wealth and wanted nothing to do with the upper-class society, including our father’s

company.Iwasallbusinessadventureswhilehewasallaboutthemusic.Hehadmusicinhissoulandit

showed every time he picked up his guitar. Our father was a tough man with a dream of both his sons

running the family company, and when my brother graduated high school and threw away a college

opportunity to pursue music, my father practically disowned him, calling him a disgrace to the Quinn

name.Ididn’tcarewhatCalebdidordidn’tdo,hewasmybrotherandIlovedhim.

“Hey,bro,”Calebspokeasheleaneddownandgavemealighthugbeforetakingaseatacrossfrom

me.

“Hey,Caleb.Drink?”Iasked.

“Yougotanybeeruphere?”

Ichuckled.“Onlyforyou.”

I stood up from the couch and walked over to the minibar that sat on the terrace and grabbed him a

beer.

“Whattimeisyourflighttomorrow?”Iasked.

“Eighta.m.Where’sGreta?Ifiguredshewouldhavebeenheresinceyoujustgothome.”

Isighed.“Ibrokethingsoffwithher.”

“Wow.When?”

“Acoupleofdaysago.”

“WhileyouwereinSeattle?”Helaughed.

“Icouldn’ttakeitanymore.”

“Yeah.Igetthat.Shewasawhinerandveryinsecure.Ineverunderstoodwhatyousawinher.”He

helduphisbottleofbeer.“Here’stoboththeQuinnbrothersbeingsingleagain.”Hesmiled.

“Touché.”Ilightlytappedmyglassagainsthisbottle.

IwasembarrassedbywhathappenedattheairportandIdebatedwhetherornottotellCalebuntilhe

noticedIwasn’twearingmywatch.

“Where’syourwatch?Younevertakeitoff.”

Itookinadeep,relentlessbreath.

“You’renevergoingtobelievewhathappened.”

“Don’ttellmeyoulostit.”Hekickedbackhisbeer.

“Itwasstolen.”

“Stolen?Themaidatthehotel?”Hecockedhishead.

“No.ByawomanwhoImetontheplanehomeandfuckedinthebathroomintheskyloungeatJFK.”

Aroaroflaughtercamefromhim.

“Shutthefuckup!”Hecontinuedlaughing.“Youleftitonthesinkandthenshetookit,right?”

“No.Shetookitrightoffmywrist,andIdidn’tknowituntilIgotinthecartocomehome,”Ispoke

withirritation.

“JesusChrist,Gabriel.Howdidyouletthathappen?”Hecontinuedtolaugh.“Imean,comeon,bro,

shejustslippeditrightoffyourwristwithoutyouknowing?”

“Yep.”

“Damn,shemusthavebeenonehellofafuckforyoutospaceoutlikethat.Justcallherupandaskher

foritback.”

“Iwould,butIdon’thavehernumber.”

“Ah.”Hefinishedoffhisbeer.“Didyouatleastgethername?”

“Hannah, and that’s all I know about her except that she runs some women’s online retail shop. She

doesn’tevenliveinNewYork.Shesaidshe’sonlyhereforacoupleofdaysvisitingafriend.”

Hetippedhisemptybeerbottletowardsme.“You,bigbrother,gotrippedoffbyachickwho’ssitting

prettywithathirty-thousand-dollarCartierwatch.”

“Domeafavoranddon’tsayawordaboutthistoanyone.Thislittlemishapstaysbetweenus.”

“Don’tworry.I’mwaytooembarrassedforyoutotalkaboutit.”Hegrinned.“Thanksforthebeer.”

He stood up. “I better get going. I have a few things to wrap up before me and the band head to L.A.

tomorrow.”

Ipulledafewhundred-dollarbillsoutofmywalletandplacedtheminCaleb’shand.

“Gabriel,Idon’t—”

“Idon’tcareifyoudon’tneedit.Justtakeit.Please.I’vebeenthroughenoughtodayandyouturningit

downwillmakemefeelworse.”

Heletoutaheavysigh.

“Thanks,”hespokeashehuggedme.

“You’rewelcome.GoodluckwithSonyRecordstomorrow.Iknowyou’llnailacontract.”Ismiled.

“Ihopeso.I’llcallyouwhenIgetback.”Heflickedhisfingerundermychin.“Cheerup,buttercup.

Thebrightsideisyoucanaffordtogoouttomorrowandbuyanotherone.”

Igavehimasmallsmile,andashewasleavingtheterrace,heturnedandlookedatme.

“Iknowit’snotactuallyaboutthewatch,bro.”

Ipickedupthebottleofbourbonandpouredonelastglassforthenight.AsIstoodandlookedoutat

theEastRiverinthemidstofthebrightlylitcity,Iknewhewasright.Itwasn’tsomuchaboutthewatch

asitwasaboutthewomanwhostoleitfromme.

ChapterFive

Kate

Whenthecabpulledupto16East84

Street,Igotoutandstaredatthefive-storybrickbuilding.Itfelt

goodtobehome.

“Here’syourluggage,ma’am,”thecabdriverspoke.

“Thankyou.”IsmiledasIreachedintomypurseandpaidhimalongwithageneroustip.

IrolledmysuitcasebehindmeasIclimbedontheelevatorandtookituptomyapartmentonthefifth

floor.Insertingthekeyintothelock,Ipushedopenthedoorandturnedonthelightswitchinthehallway.

Brownboxeswerescatteredalloverthefloorwaitingtobeunpacked.Ihadonlybeeninmynewplace

forthreenightsbeforeIleftforSeattle.

ImovedfromChicagotoManhattantobeclosertomydad.WhenIwasalittlegirl,wemovedaround

alot,neverstayinginoneplacemorethansixmonthstolessthanayearatatime.Ineverhadanyfriends

because we never stuck around long enough for me to make any connections with anyone. When I was

eighteen,wemovedtoChicago.Mydadsaidthatitcouldpossiblybeapermanentplaceforus,andifthe

job he was going to do in New York panned out, we could stay and I could go to college. But he got

involvedwiththewrongpeopleanditendedupcostinghimtwentyyearsatRikersIsland.

Ithrewmycarry-onbagonthebedandstartedunpackingit.PullingGabriel’swatchfromthepocketof

my cardigan, I held it in my hand and thought of him. A feeling swept over me and thoughts about our

encounter in the bathroom sent shivers down my spine. In fact, it wasn’t just thoughts about what

happened,itwasthoughtsabouthimingeneral.Shakingmyhead,Isnappedbackintorealityandfinished

unpackingmyluggage.Icouldn’tthinkabouthim.Ididn’twanttothinkabouthim.Ihadotherthingstodo.

Business.Itwasnowalwaysaboutthebusiness.IhadsixrulesIlivedby.

Knowyourmark.

Listenandneverlookbored.

Neverrevealyourtrueself.

Neverstayinoneplacetoolong.

Exitassmoothlyasyouentered.

Neverfallinlove.

EverythingIdid,Ididalone.Ididn’ttrustanyone.HowcouldIwhenIcouldn’teventrustmyself?

This wasn’t going to be my life. Just long enough until I paid off his debt. I visited my dad once a

month,nomatterwhereIwas.Itwasimportanttomeandtohim.HewasallIhadleftinthisworld.I

lived out of hotels most of the time and some of the time I rented an apartment week to week,

dependingonhowlongIwasgoingtobeinoneplace.

Ihadbeenlyingtohimforthepastsixyears.HebelievedIhadbeenlivinginChicagoworkingas

awaitressinanupscalerestaurantandpayingmywaythroughcollegetakingparttimeclasses.Ifhe

knewthetruth,he’dbedisappointed,andhewasthelastpersonIwantedtodisappoint.

****

OneMonthLater

I placed the long burgundy-colored wig with the loose curls on my head and secured it in place.

Afterpoppingtheemeraldgreencontactsintomyeyes,Idressedinalowcut,shortblacksleeveless

dressandslippedmyfeetintoapairofJimmyChoopeeptoeblackheelswithredbottoms.Grabbing

myredeveningbagfromthedresser,IhailedacabovertoThePlazaHotelwhereSamuelColdwater

waspickingmeup.HebelievedIwasstayingthereuntilIfoundapermanentplacetolive.Iwaited

insideandwatchedoutthelobbydoorsforhislimotopulluptothecurb.OnceIsawhimclimbout,I

methimonthesidewalk.

“Amy, you look simply stunning.” He smiled as he took hold of my hand and brought it up to his

lips.

“Sodoyou,darling,”Ispokeashehelpedmeintothecar.

“Iwasgoingtocomeupandgetyou.Youdidn’thavetowaitinthelobby.”

“Iwasreadyearlierthanplanned,soIthoughtI’dsaveyouthetripup.”Ismiled.

WewereonourwaytotheChampagne&DiamondsWinterGalaattheMandarinOrientalthathis

company,ColdwaterEnterprises,washosting.Itwasacharityeventforthesupportanddevelopment

of a women’s center for specialty care. It was to be named the Celeste Coldwater Center after his

wife,whopassedawayoverayearago.

“Iwanttogiveyousomething.”Hesmiledashereachedintohiscoatpocketandpulledoutasmall

blueboxfromTiffany.

“Samuel,youshouldn’thave.”

“Justopenit,darling.”

Iuntiedthewhiteribbonandopenedthebox.Reachinginside,Ipulledoutavelvetblueringbox

andslowlyliftedthelid.

“Samuel.Ohmygod.It’sbeautiful.”

Hetookthewhitegold,round-cutpinkdiamond—encasedwithsmallerpinkdiamonds—ringoutof

theboxandplaceditonmyrightringfinger.

“Itlooksgorgeousonyou,Amy.”Hebroughtmyhandtohislips.

“Samuel,Ican’tacceptthis.It’stoomuch.Wehaven’tknowneachotherthatlong.”Tearssprangto

my eyes. On command tears that I had mastered over the years. The same tears I used to use on my

fatherwhenitsuitedthesituation.

“Nothingistoomuchforyou,darling.You’reveryspecialtomeandIwantyoutoknowjusthow

much.”Hecaressedmycheek.

Leaningin,Ibrushedmylipsagainsthis.

“You’respecialtometoo.Thankyou.”

The limo pulled up to the Mandarin Oriental and we stepped inside and headed to the grand

ballroom where the event was taking place. Guests had already started to fill the room. All of the

Manhattan upper class society was there. Women were dripping in diamonds and men reeked of

Cartier,Rolex,anddiamondcufflinks.

“MayIgetyouaglassofchampagne?”Samuelasked.

“Aglassofchampagnewouldbenice.Thankyou.”Ismiled.

Samuel Coldwater, founder and CEO of Coldwater Enterprises, was worth millions. He was a

fifty-five-year-old man who stood approximately six feet two with salt and pepper hair. He was in

great shape for his age and a man who took his looks very seriously. I wasn’t the first woman he’d

datedsincehiswifepassed,butIwastheyoungest.

IwalkedaroundtheroomandmingledwithSamuel’sguests,accidentallybumpingintomenwho

quicklyforgavemewithaglorious“Iwouldlovetofuckyou”smile.Asmilethatwouldquicklyturn

to frustration once they discovered their wallet, watches, and other valuables were missing in the

morning.

ChapterSix

Gabriel

Iwasstandingbythebartalkingtoafriendofmine,OwenGray,whenawomanwithcurlybrown

hairinaredlowcutdressinvadedourspace.

“Heythere,handsome.”Shesmiled.

“Hello.”Ismiledback.

“Isthatbourbonyou’redrinking?”

“Itis.Wouldyoulikeone?”

“I’dloveone.”Shebattedhereyes.“I’mTashCummings.”Sheheldoutherhandwithherwell-

manicuredfingers.

“GabrielQuinn,”IpolitelyspokeasIplacedmyhandinhers.

Owen excused himself to the restroom and left me and Tash to talk alone. As she was going on

aboutherex-boyfriend,myeyesglancedaroundtheballroominboredom.Ineededtofindawayto

politelyescapethiswoman.ThatwaswhenInoticedawomanwithlongburgundy-coloredhairinan

elegantblackdressheadedtowardsthebar.Shecaptivatedme.

“Excuseme,Gabriel.Areyouevenlisteningtome?”Tashaskedwithirritation.

Myeyessnappedbacktohers.“Yes.I’msorry.Pleaseexcusemeforamoment.Afriendofmine

justwalkedinthatIhaven’tseeninaverylongtime.We’llcatchuplater.”IsmiledasIplacedmy

handonherarmandwalkedaway.

As I was walking towards her, she was stopped by another woman and they began to have a

conversation. I halted a few feet back. That smile. I gulped. It couldn’t be. She finished her

conversationandIfollowedbehindhertothebar.

“WhatcanIgetyou,miss?”thebartenderasked.

“Tequilawithasplashoflime,please.”

IcouldfeeltheangerrisethroughmybodyasIclenchedmyfists.Icouldn’tletherseeme.Notyet.

Nothereinfrontofallthesepeople.I’dfollowherandwaituntilshewasalonebeforeIconfronted

herandpossiblykilledher.Iwalkedawaytotheothersideoftheballroom,nevertakingmyeyesoff

her,watchinghereverymove.Samuelwalkeduptoherandkissedhercheek.Whatthefuck?Wasshe

withhim?Shehookedherarminhisasheledhertotheirtablefordinner.Itookaseatatatablewith

somefriendsofmineacrosstheroom,farenoughawaybutcloseenoughtokeepaneyeonher.

“Nodatetonight,Gabriel?”myfriendJordanasked.

“Actually, the woman I was supposed to bring has the flu. And speaking of dates, who is that

womanwithSamuel?”

“I have no clue, but he’s sure one lucky bastard. She’s gorgeous. I’d fuck her until my dick went

numb.”Jordangrinned.

“AllIknowishernameisAmyandhe’sheadoverheelsforher,”Owenchimedin.“Heboughther

thisgorgeoustwenty-thousand-dollarpinkdiamondringatTiffany.”

“Hetoldyouthat?”Iasked.

“IwasintherebuyingabraceletforKitty’sbirthdayandIranintohim.Hewasreallyexcitedto

giveittoher.”

“Isee,”IspokeasIstaredacrosstheroomather.

Samuelgotupandexitedtheballroom.Isuspectedhewasheadedtothemen’sroom,soIfollowed

him.

“Hellothere,Samuel,”IspokeasItooktheurinalnexttohim.

“Goodtoseeyou,Gabriel.Thankyouforcoming.”

“Noproblem.Anythingforagoodcause.Icouldn’thelpbutadmireyourdatetonight.”

“Ah, yes. That’s Amy. Isn’t she a beauty? She’s so smart and elegant. She’s a keeper, that one. I

haven’tbeenthishappysincebeforeCelestepassedaway.”

“Yes.Sheisverybeautiful.You’realuckyman,Samuel.”Ismiled.

“Isuream,Gabriel.”Hewinked.

****

Kate

Iwaseatingdinner,andwhenSamuelgotupandexcusedhimselftotherestroom,Iglancedacross

the room and saw a gorgeous-looking man in a black tux heading out the ballroom doors. What the

hell? Shit. It couldn’t be. A nervousness settled inside me. What was he doing here? I needed to

remaincalm.Therewasnowayhecouldrecognizeme.Ilookedtotallydifferentfromthatdayonthe

plane. Different hair, different color eyes, and a different nose. But I couldn’t take the chance, so I

neededtomakeanescapeandgetthehelloutofthere.IwaitedandwatchedasGabrielandSamuel

walkedbackintotheballroomtogether.Shit.WhatifSamuelbroughthimoverandintroducedus?I

started to feel sick. I wasn’t just a fuck at the airport. I was the fuck who stole his thirty-thousand-

dollarCartierwatch.SamueltookhisseatnexttomineandIgentlyplacedmyhandonhis.

“I’mnotfeelingwell.Ifit’sokaywithyou,I’mgoingtoheadbacktothehotel.”

“What’swrong,darling?”heaskedwithconcern.

“Just a little lightheaded and my stomach doesn’t feel very good. I’m worried I may be coming

downwithsomething.”

“Thenlet’sgo.Youneedtoliedownandrest.”

“Youstay,”Ispoke.“Thisisyoureventandyou’rethehost.Youjustcan’tleave.”

“ButI’mworriedaboutyou.”

“Thank you, Samuel. I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine. If I need anything, I’ll call you.” I gently

smiled.

“Alright.I’llhaveBrunobringthelimoaround.”Hekissedmycheek.

****

Gabriel

Isawhergetupfromherseatandheadoutthedoorsoftheballroom,soIfollowedher.Iassumed

shewasheadingtotherestroom,butshewentoutsidethehoteldoorsandstoodatthecurb.Pullingmy

phone from my pocket, I called Carl to bring the limo around. I waited inside and watched as a

differentlimopulledupandsheclimbedinside,alone.Asthelimowaspullingaway,Carlpulledup.I

hurriedandclimbedinside,tellinghimtofollowthatlimobuttobediscreetaboutit.

Her limo pulled up to The Plaza Hotel and she climbed out and went inside. I needed to get her

alone,soIplannedtofollowheruptoherroom.ButbeforeIcouldevengetoutofthelimo,shecame

backoutsideandhailedacab.Whatthehellwasshedoing?

“Followthatcab,Carl.”

“Yes,sir.”

Thecabpulledupalongsidethecurbofanapartmentbuildingandsheclimbedout.

“Carl,followherandgrabthedoorwhensheopensit.”

CarldidasIaskedandassoonassheenteredthebuilding,Isteppedoutofthelimoandfollowed

her inside to the elevator. This was my chance. The doors began to close, so I stuck my hand in

betweentostopthem.Whentheyopened,oureyeslockedoneachother’s.Emeraldgreeninsteadof

brown.Ithadtobeherandifitwasn’t,Iwasindeepshit.

“Hello.”IsmiledasIplayeditoffasifIdidn’tknowher.

“Hello.”Shelookedawayfromme.

Isteppedinsidetheelevatorandnoticedshepushedthebuttontothefifthfloor.

“Whichfloor?”sheasked.

“Sameasyou.”

Shewasnervous.IcouldsmellitandIcouldtellbythewayshestaredstraightaheadandlightly

tappedherfootontheground.

“You’reverybeautiful,”Ispoke.

“Ifyou’rethinkingabouttryingsomething,youbetterthinktwice,”shereplied.

Isilentlylaughedtomyself.Thatfuckingattitude.Itwasherallright.Thesecondthedoorsshut,I

placedmyhandaroundherneckandpushedherupagainsttheelevatorwall.

“YouhavesomethingofmineandIwantitback!”IspokethroughgrittedteethasIstaredintoher

calmeyes.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

Mygriparoundhertightened.“Ithinkyoudo,Hannah.”Icockedmyhead.

“ThenameisAmy.Youobviouslyhavethewrongperson.”

TheelevatordoorsopenedandIreleasedherbutquicklygrabbedholdofherarmwithatightgrip.

“Letgoofme,youpsychoticasshole!”Shestruggledtogetawayfromme.

“Thisiswhatwe’regoingtodo.We’regoingtoyourapartmentandyou’regoingtotellmeexactly

whoyouare.”

Sheturnedherhead,spitinmyface,brokefreefrommygrip,kneedmeintheballs,andrandown

thehallway.

“Fuck!”Igrabbedmycrotchandthrewmyheadback.

Iranafterherjustasshemadeitinsideherapartment,andasshetriedtoclosethedoor,Ipushedit

harderandshefellback.Steppinginside,Iclosedthedoorandlockedit.

“What do you want, Gabriel? You want to fuck me again?” she asked in anger as she crawled

backwardsonthefloorawayfromme.

“No,sweetheart.Idon’t.Iwantmywatchback.AssoonasIgetit,I’llleave.”

Shetookinadeepbreathandgotupfromthefloor.Sheappearedtohavecalmeddown.Icouldn’t

stopstaringatherlongleanlegsandherkillerbodyasshetookoffhershoes.

ChapterSeven

Kate

“Listen,I’msorryaboutyourwatch,”IspokeasItookmyshoestomybedroomandthrewtheminthe

closet.

“Sorry?You’resorry?Isthatallyoucansay?Iwantmyfuckingwatchback!”heshouted.

“IwishIcouldgiveittoyou,butIcan’t.”

“Whatdoyoumeanyoucan’t?”hespokethroughgrittedteeth.

Iwenttoleavethebedroom,andasIwalkedpasthim,hegrabbedmyarm.

“Again.Whatdoyoumeanyoucan’t?”

“Isoldit.Okay?”

Heletgoofmyarmandplacedhishandsonhishead.

“Yousoldit?”hespokeinacalmtone.“Whothefuckareyou?”

“Someone you never should have trusted,” I replied as I walked out of the bedroom and into the

kitchenforaglassofwine.

Hedidn’tfollowmeoutofthebedroomandthatconcernedme.Ineededhimoutofmyapartment.AsI

waspouringaglassofwine,Iheardallkindsofnoisescomingfromthebedroom.WhenIrantoseewhat

wasgoingon,hewasinthemiddleofransackingmyroom.Allmydresserdrawerswereopenedandmy

lingerieandclotheswerealloverthefloor.

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?”IyelledwhenIfoundhiminmyclosetgrabbingtheblackleather

briefcaseIhadhiddenonashelfbehindmylongdresses.

“What’swithallthewigs,Hannah?”

“Givemethat!”ItriedtograbthebriefcasefromhishandashepushedmebackandIfellagainstthe

closetdoor.

Hethrewitonthebedandopenedit.

“Whatthefuck?”Heturnedhisheadandlookedatme.“HannahGreaves.AmyFrankel,BeccaWright,

TheaTurner,GizelleCarrington.”Herattledoffeachnameashethrewmypassportsonebyoneonthe

bed.“JennySmith,BrianaHolmes,DianaVermander,NicolePotts.Mygod.Ican’tbelievethis.”

“I’mcallingthepolice,”IspokeasIgotup.“AndI’mpressingchargesagainstyouforassault.”

“Go ahead. I won’t be the only one going to jail.” He glared at me as he sat down on the bed and

foldedhishands.

Istoodtherewithmybackupagainstthewall,plottingmynextmove.Therehadtobeawayoutof

this.Suddenly,hejumpedupfromthebedandhastilywalkedtothehallwaywhereIhadmypursesitting

onthetable.Ichasedhimandtriedtograbit,butitwastoolate.

“You’re just a common little thief. Did you take all of this tonight?” His eyes narrowed at me as he

dumpedthecontentsofmypurseonthefloor.

IlookedawayasIstoodtherewithmyarmscrossed.

“AndSamuel?”heasked.“Whatwereyouhopingtogetoutofhim?Didhegiveyouthatringyou’re

wearing?Isthatwhatyoudo?Youfindrichmen,getthemtofallinlovewithyou,andthenripthemoff?”

heshouted.“Answerme!”

Iremainedcalm.IcouldgetoutofthissituationbecauseIwasgood.HewantedmeoncebeforeandI

knewhewouldn’tbeabletoresistmenow.Walkingovertohim,Iranmyfingerdownhischest.

“Wecanworkthisout,”Ispokeinaseductivevoice.

Ileanedinandattemptedtobrushmylipsagainsthis,buthegrabbedholdofbothmyarmsandpushed

meaway.

“Youbetwe’regoingtoworkthisout.Packabag;you’recomingwithme.”

“Excuseme?Where?”

“Tomyhouse.”

“You’recrazy.I’mnotleavingwithyou.”

“Onenight.That’sallIask.”Hisdemeanorandtoneofvoicechanged.“Onenightforthirtythousand

dollars. If you agree to sleep with me, I will forget all of this and we’ll part ways and never see each

otheragain.”

“Why?”Iaskedsuspiciously.

“Becauseyoulookincredibleinthatdress,it’samiraclethatI’mseeingyouagain,andIneveronce

stoppedthinkingaboutourencounterattheairport.”

Heslowlywalkedtowardsmeandranthebackofhishanddownmycheek.

“Iwantyoutostaywithmeforthenight.It’stheleastyoucandotorepaymeforthewatchyoustole.”

“Thenyoucanstayhereatmyplacetonight,”Ispoke.

“I’m more comfortable at my place. Plus, I have a couple things there I would like to try with you.

Afterall,IneedtomakesureIgetmythirty-thousanddollars’worth.”Hesmirked.

Igulped.HewaskinkyandIfoundmyselfturnedon.Ihadn’tstoppedthinkingabouthimsincethatday

andIcouldn’tevensaywhy.

He leaned in and softly brushed his lips against mine, nipping at my bottom lip and parting my lips

withhistongue.MybodywasonfireandIwantedhiminsidemeagain.

“That’saprettyexpensivenight,”Ispokebreathlessly.

“Iknowit’llbeworthit.I’mamanandIhavemanyneeds.NeedsIknowyoucanfulfill.LikeIsaid,I

can’t seem to stop thinking about that day at the airport.” His hands ran up the back of my dress and

grabbedholdofmyass.“Youhavetoadmit,weweregoodtogether.”

“Fine.ButIleaveinthemorning,”IspokeasIranmyhandoverthebulgeinhispants.

“That’sfine.I’dwantyoutoleaveanyway.”

Histonguetraveledtomyneckandsliddowntomycleavage.MylowerhalfwasonfireandIneeded

himtofantheflames.

“Nowlet’sgopackyouabag,”hespokeasheledmebackintothebedroom.

This was my only way out. I would spend the night with him and then leave in the morning. Once I

returnedhome,IwouldpackupeverythingandmoveoutofNewYork.Itwastooriskytostayhereany

longer.

ChapterEight

Gabriel

Itookthebagfromherandheldoutmyarm.Shehookedhersaroundmineandwewalkedoutofthe

buildingandclimbedintothelimo.Carllookedatmethroughtherearviewmirror.

“Home,Carl.”

“Yes,sir.”

I reached over and grabbed hold of her hand, interlacing our fingers together and staring at the ring

Samuelgaveher.Shelookedoveratmewithasmallsmile.Shewasplayingme,butintheend,she’dbe

theonetolosethegame.

WhenCarlpulledthelimotothecurbinfrontofmytownhome,sheleanedovermeandstaredatit

throughthewindow.

“Isthisit?”sheasked.

“Yes.Isthereaproblemwithit?”

“No.Ijustfiguredamanlikeyouwouldbelivinginapenthouseinahigh-riseluxurybuilding.”

“Ilikemytownhome.It’scozy.”Ismirked.

Iopenedthedoorandhelpedheroutofthelimo.Grabbingherbag,Iheldoutmyarmonceagainand

walkedhertothefrontdoor.Oncewesteppedinside,Iletherlookaround.

“Wow.Thisisbeautiful,Gabriel.”

“Thankyou.LikeIsaid,it’scozy.Shallwegoupstairs?”Iheldoutmyhand.

“Ofcourse.”Shesmiled.“Howmanyfloorsareinthishouse?”

“Six.Mybedroomisonthefifth,”Ilied.

Mybedroomwastheentirefourthfloorandthefifthfloorconsistedofthreeguestbedrooms,eachwith

theirownadjoiningbathroom.Iledhertotheroomthatwasdecoratedingrayandplumcolors.

“Afteryou.”Iheldoutmyhand.

She walked into the bedroom and looked around. Setting her purse on the dresser, she spoke, “This

seemsawfulsmallforamasterbedroom.”

“Ineedtorundownstairsandgrabsomething.I’llberightback.”

“Okay.I’mgoingtofreshenupinthebathroom.”Shesmiled.

Isetherbagdownonthefloorandgrabbedherpursefromthedresser.Walkingoutofthebedroom,I

shutthedoorandlockeditfromtheoutside.RunningdowntoCarl,Ihandedhimherkeysfromherpurse.

“Gobacktoherapartmentandgrabthebriefcasethat’sonherbedandbringitbacktome.”

“Sir?”Hecockedhishead.

“Noquestions,Carl.Iwillbegivingyoualargecashbonusfordoingthis.”

Icouldhearthepoundingonthedoorcomingfromthefifthfloor.Rollingmyeyes,Iwentbackupand

politelyaskedhertostop.

“Letmeoutofhere,Gabriel!”shescreamed.

“Nocando,sweetheart.Yourfirstmistakewasstealingfromme,andyoursecondmistakewastrusting

me.”IsmiledasIwalkedaway.

****

Kate

Icouldn’tbelievethis.HetrickedmeandIfuckingfellforit.Damnit!Ineededtogetoutofhere.I

pulledontheknobandcontinuedtopoundonthedoor,yellingobscenities.Walkingovertothewindow,I

lifteditup,butitstoppedafewinchesabovethesill.Damnthosefuckingchildsafetywindows.Icould

screamoutthewindowwiththehopesthattheneighborswouldhearme,butiftheycalledthecops,I’dgo

to jail with him. He’d send them right to my apartment and they’d find all my fake passports. I was

trapped in this beautifully decorated room with nothing but a TV for my entertainment. I was tired. So

tiredandexhaustedbytheeventsofthenight.Hecouldn’tleavemeinhere.He’dbebackinthemorning

toletmeout.Iknewhewould.IdecidedtomakethebestofthesituationIwasinandtakeahotbathin

theoversizedJacuzzitubtoplanmynextmove.

****

Gabriel

Thepoundingandrelentlessyellingstopped.Shecalledmeeverynameinthebookandthensome.I

satonthecouchwithabourboninmyhand.WhatwasIgoingtodowithher?Iwantedmywatchorthe

moneyback.Thislittleconartistwasgoingtolearnthatitwasn’tnicetostealfrompeople.AsIsatthere

sipping my drink, I wondered what she was doing. Why did I care? Was she crying? Doubted it. From

what I could tell, she didn’t have a sensitive bone in her body. It was apparent she made a living by

conningpeopleandSamuelColdwaterwasherlatestvictim.Shewassmart;incrediblysmart,anditwas

ashameshewastedherintelligencebydoingwhatshedid.Actually,itmademesick.

****

Kate

Beforeclimbingintothetub,Ipulledoffmywigandletdownmylongblondehair.WhenItookoutmy

coloredcontacts,myeyesreturnedtothebluecolortheywere.Ileanedoverthesinkandpulledoffmy

latexprostheticnoseandsetitonthecounter.Lookinginthemirror,Istaredatmynaturalself.ThemenI

datedneversawtherealme.TheyonlysawwhatIwantedthemtosee.Butcometomorrowmorning,I

wouldrevealmytrueselftoGabriel.Wouldn’thebesurprisedwhenhefoundoutIwasn’thistypeatall.

Longbrownwavyhairandrichchocolateeyes.Itdidn’tmatter.HealreadyhatedmeforwhatI’ddone

andIhatedhimforlockingmeupinthisroomlikeaprisoner.

****

Gabriel

I tossed and turned all night waiting for the pounding and screaming to start again, but it didn’t. She

kept quiet. I was worried. Would she do something stupid? Nah. She was too strong of a woman to do

that.Shewasplottingherescape.Awomanlikethatwouldn’tjustsitbackandtakewhatI’ddonetoher

lightly.Igrabbedthekeytotheroomoffmynightstandandwenttocheckonher.Ineededtobecareful

becauseshecouldbehidingbehindthedoorwaitingtohitmeovertheheadwithsomethingandescape.

Weneededtotalk.

Afterunlockingthedoor,Islowlyopeneditandstoodinthedoorwayandstaredatthewomanwho

wassoundasleepinbed.Ismiledathowherlongblondehairlayoverhershouldersasshesleptsoundly

onherside.Thesadpartwasthatshewasbeautifulnomatterwhatcolorherhairwas.

Iturnedaroundandheadeddownstairs,leavingthedooropensoshecouldcomedownwhenshewoke

up.She’dtrytoleave,butIhadtheplacesecuredsoleavingwasn’tanoption.IcalledGracelastnight

andtoldhernottocometoday.IfirstneededtoassessthissituationwithHannahorwhateverhername

was.Walkingintothekitchen,Igrabbedsomeeggsandvegetablesfromthefridgeandbegantocutthem

upforanomelet.AsIwaschoppingaway,myphonerang.Itwasmysecretary,Lu,calling.

“What’sup,Lu?”

“Sorrytodisturbyou,Mr.Quinn,butyoumissedyourmeetingthismorning.”

“Shit. I forgot about it. Reschedule for another time and I won’t be in the office today. If anything

comesup,haveThaddeushandleit.”

“Yes,sir.Enjoyyourday.”

“Thanks,Lu,youtoo.”

Iwentbacktochoppingthevegetablesandheardavoiceenterthekitchen.

“Youdorealizeyouleftthedooropen,right?”shespoke.

“Yes.Iknow,”IrepliedasIlookedupandstaredatthebeautifulwomanwiththelongblondewavy

hair and blue eyes staring back at me. I gulped as my eyes raked over her from head to toe. She was

wearinganightshirt.Shortsleeved,navyblue,andnotlongenoughtocoverhertonedsexylegs.“Havea

seat.”

“Why?”sheaskedasshestoodthere.

“Doyouwantbreakfastornot?”Iarchedmybrow.

“Coffeewouldbenice.”

“TheKeurigisrightthereandthepodsarenexttoit.Helpyourself.”

“Andthecups?”

“Inthecabinetabove.”

Shewalkedovertothecabinet,madeacupofcoffee,andbegantowalkoutofthekitchen.

“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”Iasked.

“Upstairstothelovelyroomyouprovidedformelastnight.Youknow.Thesameonewhereyou’re

holdingmeprisoner.”

“Itoldyoutositdown.”Icrackedtheeggsinabowl.

“Idon’tcarewhatyoutoldme.Idon’twanttositanywherenearyou.”

Shewastestingme.Seeinghowfarshecouldpushme.Playingme.

“Isaidsitdown!”Ispokeinanauthoritativetone.“Wehavesomethingstodiscuss.”

“Likeyoulettingmegohome?”

“I’mafraidIcan’tdothatjustyet.Notuntilyourdebttomeispaidoff.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she snapped. “You can’t hold me here against my will. In case you

didn’tknow,Gabe,that’scalledkidnapping.”

My blood started to boil at the fact that she once again called me Gabe. I hated that name and I

wouldn’tstandforhercallingmethat.

“It’sGabrielforthelasttime!”Ishouted.

Shesnickered.“Someonehasadeep-rootedissue.”

Iinhaledasharpbreath.

“Theomeletsarealmostready.Pleasesitdown.”

ChapterNine

Kate

Iwashungryandhisomeletsdidsmellgood,makingthegrowlinginmybellyintensify.Itookaseatat

thetableinthekitchenasheplacedanomeletonmyplateandsetitdowninfrontofme.

“What?Notoasttogowiththisfineomelet?”Iasked.

“Doyouwanttoast?”Hecockedhisheadatme.

“Yes.”Ismiled.

Hehuffedandtookthebreadfromthecabinetandplaceditinthetoasterthatsatonthewhiteand

blackspeckedgranitecountertop.

“Whatdoyoulikeonyourtoast?”heasked.

“Nutella.”

Hesighed.“Idon’thaveanyNutella.Whatelse?”

“IonlylikeNutella.”

“Well,I’msorrytodisappointyou,sweetheart.Ihavepeanutbutter,jelly,orbutter.Takeyourpick,”

hespokeinanirritatedtone.

“Forgetit.Idon’twanttoast.”Isilentlysmiledtomyself.

Thetoasterpoppedandhetookthetwopiecesoutandthrewthemonmyplate.

“Toobad.Ialreadymadeit.Eatitdry,then.Ireallydon’tgiveadamn.”Hescowled.

Hetookhisplate,satdownacrossfromme,andbeganeatinghisomelet.Fuck,hewassosexy.It

couldbeworse,right?Onewayoranother,IwasgettingoutofheretodayandleavingNewYork.

“So,Gabriel,doyouhavealastname?”Ibravelyasked.

“Doyouhaveafirst?”Hisbrowraisedatme.

“Ihavemanyfirstnames.”Ismirked.

“Noshit.Judgingbyallthosepassports,youmusthavewhat?Twentyorso?”

“About.”

“Name?”heasked.

“Whatnamedoyouwantmetohave?”Islylysmiled.

HeslammedhisfistsdownonthetableandIflinched.

“Damnit!Whycan’tyouanswerasimplequestion?”Hegotupfromhisseatandthrewhisplateinthe

sink.

Hewalkedovertome,turnedmychairaround,andgrippedmyarmstightlywithhishands.Hisface

wasmereinchesfrommine.

“Youwanttoplaygames.Fine.I’min.Thisishowit’sgoingtowork.Youstolethirty-thousanddollars

frommeandIwantitback.Sinceyouseemtoconsomanyrichmen,youmusthaveahugebankaccount

orstashesofmoneyhiddensomewhere.UntilIgetpaid,youdon’tleavethishouse.Ihaveahigh-tech

securitysystem,whichwillremainonatalltimes.Ifyoueventhinkaboutopeningadoororawindow,it

willgooffandI’llbealerted.Ihavesecurityinfrontofthehouseandintheback.Youtrytosteponefoot

outofthishouse,theywillstopyou.”

“FirstchanceIget,I’mcallingthepolice,”Ispoke.

“Goahead.Ihaveyourbriefcasefullofyouraliasesandthekeystoyourapartment.I’msure

somewherearoundthisworldyou’rewantedandyourasswillbegoingtojailforaverylongtime,”he

spokedeadpan.

“Idon’thavethirtythousanddollars.”Ilookedaway.“IcangiveyoutheringSamuelgavemeas

partialpayment.”

“No.You’regivingtheringbacktohim.Youwillnotscrewthatpoormanover.I’msurehe’s

devastatedenoughoverthefactthathecan’tgetholdofyou.Sowhatyou’regoingtodoiswritehima

letterofapologyandtellhimyouhadtoleavetown,puttheringwiththeletter,andIwillhavesomeone

deliverittohisoffice.”

Icouldn’thelpit.Itwasagutreaction.Ispitinhisface.Ihatedpeopletellingmewhattodo.I

expectedhimtogointomoreofarage,buthedidn’t.Hejustgrabbedthenapkinoffthetableandwiped

hisfacewithit.

“Dothatagainandyou’llbesorry,”hespokeinacalmtone.

“WhyisSamuelsoimportanttoyou?”Iasked.

“Becausehe’safriendandIdon’tlikepeoplefuckingwithmyfriends.NowI’mgoingtogetyoua

pieceofpaperandapenandyou’regoingtowritethatletter.Understand?”

“Computer,”Ispoke.

“What?”Hiseyenarrowedatme.

“Nohandwrittenletter.Itmustbetyped.Hecouldhavethehandwritinganalyzedanditcouldcome

backtome.”

“How?”heaskedinconfusion.

“Idon’tknow.ButI’mnottakinganychances.”

“Fine.”Hegrabbedmyarmandledmeoutofthekitchen.

“Letgoofme.”

“Andtakethechanceofyourunning?Nothanks.”

“YoualreadysaidIhavenochanceinhellofgettingoutofhere,sowherewouldIrunto?”

Heledmetohisofficeandsetmedowninhishighbackburgundyleatherchair.Openinghislaptop,he

pulledupaWorddocument.

“Type.”

“Whatthehelldoyouwantmetosay?”Iasked.

“Idon’tknow.You’retheexpertatlying.Youcanstealfrompeoplewithoutthemknowing,butyou

can’ttypeasimpleletter?”Hisbrowarched.

Rollingmyeyes,myfingersbeganclickingacrossthekeyboard.

“There.Goodenoughforyou?”Ispokewithanattitude.

“Goodenough.”Hehittheprintbuttonandtheletterspewedfromhisprinter.

Whenhewenttograbthepaper,Istoppedhim.

“Iwouldn’ttouchthatifIwereyou.”

“What?Why?”

“Hecouldhaveitanalyzedforfingerprints.Andifhedoes,howwouldyouexplainyourprintsall

overthepaper?Commonsense,Gabriel.”Ismiled.

“SowhatthehelldoIuse?”

“Doyouhaveapairofgloves?”

“Inthecloset,Ido.”

“ThenIsuggestyougetthem,andwe’llneedtowipetheringcleanbeforeyoustickitinthe

envelope.”

“Waitaminute.Wouldn’tyourfingerprintsbealloverhisplace?”

“Liquidadhesivebandage.”Iheldupmyhandstohimandwiggledmyfingers.

Hetookinadeepbreath,closedhislaptop,andspoke,“Areyouserious?”

“Yes.I’mveryserious.”

Heslowlyshookhishead.“I’llberightback.Don’tmove.”

Withinamatterofseconds,hereturnedtohisofficewithapairofblackleatherglovesonhishands.

Hefoldeduptheletter,puttheringinasmallplasticbaggie,andretrievedalongenvelopefromhis

drawer.Pullingouthisphone,hemadeacall.

“Carl,Ineedyoutodeliversomethingforme.”

“Wait,”Ispoke.

“Holdon,Carl.What?”Helookedatme.

“Youneedtoputitinhishomemailboxbecausehe’sgoingtointerrogateeverypersoninthatbuilding

untilhefindsoutwhodeliveredit.Ifyouuseadeliveryservice,he’llcontactthemandthey’lldescribe

youorwhoeveryousend.It’stoorisky.Butwait;hehassecuritycamerasinsideandoutsidehishouse.

He’llseeyou.”

“Forgetit,Carl.”Hesighedasheendedthecall.“Nowwhat?”

“Letmetakeittoadeliveryservice.”

Helaughed.“Hellno.YouthinkI’mstupid?Youaren’tleavingthishouse,sweetheart.”

“Fine.Thenmailitforovernightdeliverybuttypehisaddressonalabel.Nohandwriting.”

Hiseyesnarrowedatme.HewaseitherdelightedthatIknewsomuchordisgusted.Icouldn’treally

tell.Ashepreparedthelabel,Ilookedaroundhisoffice.Picturesofhimandhisdad,Ipresumed,satona

bookcasethatwasfilledwithbooks.Onhisdesksatapictureofhimandayoungerguy,someonewho

wasasequallyashandsomeashewas.

“Who’sthis?”IaskedasIpickedupthepicture.

“Mybrother,Caleb.”

“He’scute.Ibethe’sareallady’smanlikehisbrother.”Ismirked.

“Putitdown.”

Whenhemovedmeoutofthewaytoopenthetopdrawerofhisdesk,Icaughtaglimpseofsomething.

Astackofpost-itnotesthatread:FromthedeskofGabrielQuinn.HowthehelldidIknowthatname?

“Ohmygod.You’reGabrielQuinnofQuinnHotels,”Ispoke.

“Iwonderedhowlongitwasgoingtotakeyoutofigurethatout.”

“Yeah.I’lladmitthatI’mabitdisappointedinmyselffornotfiguringitoutsooner.Well,well,”I

leanedbackinhischair,“Mr.GabrielQuinnisakidnapper.”

“I’mnokidnapper.YoustolesomethingofmineandIwantitback.I’msimplykeepingyouaround

untilthathappens.”Hepointedatme.“I’mnottakingthechanceofyouhoppingonaplanetogodknows

whereandmeneverseeingmywatchormythirtythousanddollarsagain.”

“Youhaveallthemoneyintheworld.Thirtythousanddollarsischangetoyou.”Irolledmyeyes.

“Believeitornot,thirtythousanddollarsisalottome,andwhensomeonedecidestostealsomething

ofmine,Idon’ttakeitverylightly.Let’sgo.”

“Where?”

“Outofmyoffice.Infact,youneedtogobackuptoyourroom.Ihavetogooutforawhile.”

“Seriously?You’regoingtokeepmelockedupinthatsmallroomwhileyou’regone?There’snothing

todoupthere.”

“WatchTV.Samethingyou’ddoifyouweredownhere.Nowlet’sgo.”

“Butthekitchenisdownhere.WhatifIgethungryorthirsty?”

Hetookholdofmyarm(Iwasreallygettingsickofhimdoingthat)andledmetothekitchen.Opening

thepantry,hegrabbedabagofchipsandsomealmonds.Thenhewalkedovertotherefrigerator,grabbed

twobottlesofwaterandanappleandhandedthemtome.

“There,youhaveyoursnacksanddrink.You’llbefineuntilIreturn.”Hegrabbedmyarmagainand

tookmeuptomyroom.

“Youknowwhat?You’rearealasshole,GabrielQuinn!”Ishoutedasheshutandlockedthedoor.

ChapterTen

Gabriel

IsighedasIwalkeddownstairsandheadedoutthedoor.Climbingintothelimo,Idroppedthe

envelopeaddressedtoSamueloffatthepostofficeandthenheadedtotheofficetopickupafileIneeded

soIcouldworkfromhome.

“Mr.Quinn,Ithoughtyouweren’tcomingintoday,”LuspokeasIwalkedpastherdesk.

“I’monlyheretograbafile.AnythingIshouldknowabout?”

Shegotupfromherchairandfollowedmeintomyoffice.

“YourmeetingfromthismorninghasbeenrescheduledforFridayatnineo’clock,andMr.Ingram

calledandneedstotalktoyouaboutthedetailsofthegrandopeningofthehotelinHawaii.”

“Thankyou,Lu.I’llgivehimacallwhenIgethome.”

“Verywell,Mr.Quinn.Enjoytherestofyourday,”shespoke.

“Youtoo.”IgaveherasmallsmileasIleftmyoffice.

Uponclimbingintothelimo,IpulledmyphonefrommypocketandcalledGrace.

“Hello,”sheanswered.

“Grace,it’sme.Whatareyoudoingrightnow?”

“Notmuch.Why?”

“DoyouthinkyoucanmeetmeatWholeFoods?”

“Umm.Sure.”

“Thanks.IneedyoutohelpmepickoutsomethingfordinnerandIneedtodiscusssomethingwith

you.”

“Okay.Areyoucookingtonight?Icancomebyandcookdinnerforyou.It’snotrouble.”

“Thanks.Iappreciatetheoffer,butI’mgoingtocook.Canyoumeetmeinaboutfifteenminutes?”

“Sure.I’llseeyousoon.”

IfiguredsinceIwasgoingtobeworkingfromhome,I’dcookdinnerformeand—thegirlwhostole

myCartierwatch.Onethingwasforsure,shewouldrevealhernametonight.EvenifIhadtofuckitout

ofher,Iwouldknowherrealname.

UponenteringWholeFoods,IsawGracestandingintheproducesectionlookingatthepeaches.

“Thanksforcoming,Grace.”IsmiledasIkissedhercheek.

“You’rewelcome,Gabriel.Sowhatisthisspecialdinneryou’recookingandforwhomareyou

cookingit?”

IsighedasIpickedupapeachandexaminedit.

“Ihaveahouseguestandshewillbestayingforquiteawhile.”

“She?What’shername?”

“Well,”Isetthepeachdown,“whenIfirstmether,shesaidhernamewasHannah,butthathasproven

tobeuntrue.SoIdon’tknowherrealnameyet,butIwillfindouttonight.”

Shenarrowedhereyeatmeasshebeganpushingtheshoppingcart.

“Soyou’retellingmethatyoumetawomannamedHannah,butitturnsoutthat’snotherrealname,yet

she’syourhouseguestandyoustilldon’tknowhername?”

Placingmyhandsinmypantspockets,Ispoke,“Yep.”

“What’sgoingon,Gabriel?”

“Shestolesomethingfrommeandshewillbestayingatthehouseuntilshegivesitback.”

“I’mnotsureIlikethewayyousaidthat.Isshestayingonherownfreewill?”Shecockedherhead.

“No.Thefirstchanceshegets,she’sgoingtorun.SoIneedyoutokeepaneyeonherwhileI’matthe

office.”

Shestoppedthecartandshotmeadisapprovinglook.

“Gabriel,whatdidyoudo?”

“Don’tlookatmelikethat.She’saconartist.I’mdoingtheupperclassafavorbykeepingheratmy

house.”

Sherolledhereyesandpushedthecartovertothemeatcounter.

“I’mgoingtogooutonalimbhereandassumeyouhadsexwithher?”

“Yes.Aboutamonthago.”

“BeforeorafteryoubrokeupwithGreta?”

“After.ImetherontheplanebackfromSeattle.Butenoughwiththedetails.Now,whatshouldImake

fordinner?”

“Whatdoessheliketoeat?”sheaskedasherbrowraised.

“Idon’tknow.Doesitmatter?She’lleatwhateverImakeandifshedoesn’tlikeit,thenthat’sher

problem.”

“Ifitdidn’tmatter,youwouldhavecomeherebyyourselfandboughtwhateveryouwanted.You

wouldn’thaveaskedformyhelp.Mysuggestionwouldbetogetsomesalmonandacoupleofsteaks.She

shouldlikeoneortheother.”

“Thanks,Grace.Ioweyou.”

“Yousuredo,Gabriel.EspeciallyifI’mnowababysitter.”Shesmirked.

****

Kate

Ilayonthebed,grabbedtheremote,andstartedflippingthroughchannels,prayingandhoping

somethinggoodwouldbeontokeepmeoccupied.Hecouldnot,andIrepeat,couldnotkeepmelocked

upinthisroom.I’dgostircrazy.Insane.Howdidheexpectmetorepayhimforthewatchwhenhe

wouldn’tletmeoutofthisdamnroom?Ithrewtheremotedownandbeganpacingbackandforthtryingto

figureouthowtogetmyselfoutofthismess.IstoppedandrantothedoorwhenIheardfootstepsinthe

hallway.

“Ifyou’reback,youcanletmeoutofthisroom!”IshoutedasIpoundedonthedoor.

“Hello?”Iheardamalevoicethatwasn’tGabriel’s.

Myheartstartedpounding.Someoneelsewashereandthiswasmychancetoescape.

“Helpme!”Ipoundedonthedoor.“Canyoupleaseletmeout?”

“Who’sinthere?”themalevoicespoke.

“Pleasejustopenthedoor!”Ishouted.

“Lady,calmdown.Whyareyoulockedinthere?”heaskedashejiggledthedoorknob.

“Becausethemanofthehouseisholdingmeashisprisoner.Pleasehelpme!”

Iheardhimchucklefromtheotherside.

“Gabrielwouldneverdothat.Whoareyou?”

“Whoareyou?”Iaskedinacalmtone.

“Caleb.Gabriel’sbrother.”

Ah,thecuteoneIsawinaframeonGabriel’sdesk.

“Caleb,youhavetohelpme.Yourbrotheriscrazy.He’sholdingmecaptivehereinthisroom.”

“I’msorry,butIdon’thaveakey.Where’sGabriel?”heasked.

“Idon’tknow!Hewentout!Pleasehelpme.Canyoufindanythingtoopenthedoor?”

“Umm.LikeIsaid,Idon’thavethekey.Justsittight.I’msureGabrielwillbehomesoon.”

Washeserious?Ibeganpoundingharderonthedoor.

“Please,don’tleave.”

****

Gabriel

AsCarlhelpedmeputthegrocerybagsinthebackofthelimo,myphonerangandCalebwascalling.

“What’sup,littlebrother?”Ianswered.

“IcalledyourofficeandLusaidyoutookthedayoff,soIcamebyyourplace.Wanttotellmewhat’s

with all the security men outside and the woman that’s locked inside your guest room? She said you’re

holdingherasyourprisoner.DoIevenwanttoknowwhat’sgoingon?”

“I’monmywayhomenow.I’llexplainwhenIgetthere.”

“Shewasscreamingatmetoletheroutandbangingonthedoor.Bro,seriously,whatthefuckisgoing

on?”

Ichuckled.“LikeIsaid,I’llexplainwhenIgethome.”

“Whenwillyoubehome?”heasked.

“Inabouttwentyminutesorso.”

“Andwhatdoyouwantmetodo?She’sstillscreamingandpoundingonthedoor.”

“Ignoreher.She’lleventuallystop.I’llseeyousoon.”

ItookinadeepbreathasIendedthecallwithCaleb.Shit.Ididn’texpecthimtocomeover,andnowI

neededtoexplaintohimwhatI’ddoneandwhyIwaskeepingherthere.Shehadtotalktomeandtellme

aboutherselfsoIcouldfigureoutmynextplanwithher.But,aslongassheremainedtight-lippedabout

whoshereallywas,she’dbespendinganawfullotoftimeinthatbedroom.

AssoonasCarlpulleduptothehouse,Igrabbedthebagsandenteredthroughtheservicedoortothe

kitchen.WhenIwalkedin,Calebwassittingattheislandeatingasandwich.

“Enjoyingyourlunch?”Ismirked.

“Yeah,actually,Iam.Gracecanmakeonehellofachickensalad.”

“Didshequietdown?”IaskedasIsetthebagsonthecounter.

“Yes.Thankgod.Nowexplaintomewhatthehellisgoingon.”

“She’sthewomanwhostolemywatch.”

“Shutup!Howdidyoufindher?”heaskedashecockedhishead.

“IsawheratSamuel’sGala,exceptshelookedtotallydifferent.Differenthairandcoloredeyes.”

“IthoughtyousaidshewasonlyinNewYorkforacoupleofdays.”

“That’swhatshetoldme,whichwasobviouslyalie.SheliveshereinanapartmentoveronEast84

Street.Shehasabriefcasefullofaliases.Differentnames,differentlooks.”

“Soyoukidnappedhertogetyourwatchback?”Hisbrowarched.

“Ididn’ttechnicallykidnapher.ItrickedherintocomingoverandnowIwon’tletherleaveuntilIget

mythirtythousanddollarsback.”

“Thepriceofthewatch?”Henarrowedhiseye.“Where’sthewatch?”

“Shesoldit.”

“Oh.Shit.”Hescratchedhishead.“Soshe’saconartist,Itakeit?”

“Yep. She was conning Samuel Coldwater. He had given her a twenty-thousand-dollar ring from

Tiffany.AringthatImadehergivebacktohim.”

“Ouch.”Hechuckled.“Ifsheconsrichmen,shemusthavethethirtygrandtopayyou.”

“That’sthething.Shesaidshedoesn’tandthat’sallshe’llsay.Istilldon’tknowherrealname.”

“So what are you going to do? You just can’t keep her locked up in this house. The first chance she

gets,she’llcallthepolice,andthenyou’llgotojail.Doyouknowwhatthatwilldotothecompany?”

“She won’t call the police. I have her briefcase with all her passports and different aliases and the

keystoherapartment.She’llbetheonegoingtojail.”

“Dude,Iseriouslycan’tbelievethis.”Helaughed.“HereIwascomingtospendalittletimewithmy

brother,andIfindouthe’sgotsomegirllockedupinoneoftheguestrooms.Ithoughtmaybeyouwere

doingsomethingkinky.”Hesmiled.

“Iwishitwassomethinglikethat.IguessIbettergocheckonher.”

AsIbeganwalkingoutofthekitchen,Calebstoppedme.

“Hey,Gabriel?”

“Yeah.”Iturnedaround.

“RememberwhenyoufirsttoldmeaboutthewatchandItoldyouthatIbelieveditjustwasn’tabout

that?”

“Yeah.Iremember.”

“Istillthinkthisisn’taboutthewatch.”

Ilookedawayandheadedupthestairs.

ChapterEleven

Kate

I was sitting on the floor with my back up against the door when I heard the key go into the lock.

Standingup,Istoodinfrontofitasheopenedthedoor.

“Areyoudonescreamingandpounding?”Gabrielasked.

“Iam;fornow,atleast.”

“ComedownstairsandmeetmybrotherCaleb.”

“WhyshouldI?WhywouldIwanttomeetamanwhoturnedhisbackonmeandrefusedtohelp?”

“There’s nothing he could have done. He didn’t have the key and you can’t unlock this type of lock

withacreditcard.”

“NowIhavetoquestionwhatkindofpersonyoureallyare.”Iarchedmybrow.“Whohaslockslike

thatontheirbedroomdoors?”

“Tobehonestwithyou,theselockswereonthedoorswhenIboughtthehouse.Ihadfoundthekeys

tuckedintoadrawerinthekitchen.”

“Andyoudidn’tthinkthatwasweirdorbotheredtohaveitchanged?”Ifoldedmyarmsandcocked

myhead.

“Itwasn’tapriorityofmine.Please,comedownstairs.I’llbecookingdinnerforussoon.”

Rollingmyeyes,IfollowedhimdownstairsandintothekitchenwhereCalebwassitting.

“Caleb,Iwouldlikeyoutomeetthewomanwhostolemywatch.Womanwhostolemywatch,Iwould

likeyoutomeetmylittlebrotherCaleb.”

“Nicetomeetyou.Ithink,”hespokeasheheldouthishand.

Placingmyhandinhis,Ilightlyshookit.

“Itakeityouaren’tinthefamilybusiness?”Iasked.

“Howcanyoutellthat?”Hecockedhishead.

“Bythewayyoulook.”Ismiled.“You’remoreruggedthanyourbrother.”Itookhishandandturnedit

over,slippingthewatchrightoffhiswrist.“Andyouhavecallusesonyourfingers.Areyouamusician?”

“Iam.”Hesmiled.“Howdidyouknow?”

“Icanreadpeopleverywell.”Ismiled.

“I’msurethatcomesinhandywhenyou’rerippingpeopleoff,”Gabrielspoke.

IshothimalookandthenturnedmyattentionbacktoCaleb.

“Areyouinaband?”Iasked.

“Iam.We’recalledFallenAngels.”

“Coolname.”Igrinned.“Iplaytheguitar.Acousticmostly.”

“Really?Howlonghaveyoubeenplaying?”

“SinceIwasabouteightyearsold.”

“She’splayingyou,Caleb,”Gabrielspoke.

“Foryourinformation,Mr.Quinn,Idoplaytheguitar.”

“Rightyoudo.”Gabrielwinked.

“Callherbluff,Gabriel,”Calebspoke.“YouhavethatGibsonJ-45aroundheresomewhere.Gogetit

andlet’sseeifshe’stellingthetruthorlying.”

Gabriellookedatme,hiseyesburningthroughmine.

“Goodidea,Caleb.I’llberightback.”

Rollingmyeyes,Iwalkedintothelivingroomandtookaseatonthecouch.

“Tellmehowyoudidit,”Calebspoke.

“Didwhat?”

“Stolemybrother’swatchwithouthimknowing.”

“Why?Areyouthinkingofgettingintothebusiness?”Ismirked.

“No.I’mjustcurious.”

“Iwouldshowyou,butIalreadytookit.”IsmirkedasIhelduphiswatch.

“Whatthefuck!How?”Hesmiledinamazement.

GabrielwalkedintotheroomandhandedmehisGibsonJ-45acousticguitar.

“Here.Ifyoucanplay,thenplay.”Hisbrowarchedatme.

“I don’t want to because I don’t like your attitude, Mr. Quinn.” I raised my brow as I set down the

guitar.

“That’s because you’re lying. You told Caleb you knew how to play to make him believe you had a

commoninterest.Togainhistrustsoyoucouldplayhim.”

“Whatever.”Ilookedaway.

“I’mgoingtostartdinner.Youcaneitherhelpme,stayinhere,orgobackuptoyourroom.It’syour

choice.”

“I’llstayhere.”

“Fine,”hespokewithanattitude.“Caleb,comewithme.”

Assoonasthetwoofthemwalkedoutoftheroom,Ipickeduptheguitar.Thefeelingthatovercame

me every time I held one in my hands never got old. I placed my fingers in position on the strings and

beganplayingAThousandYears,singingthelyricsasIstrummedeachchord.

****

Gabriel

I set the knife down on the counter and looked at Caleb. Walking into the living room, I stood and

staredatherwhilesheplayedtheguitarandsang.Hervoicewasbeautifulandtookmybreathaway.I

swallowedhardasIplacedmyhandsinmypocketsandwatchedher.Shewouldn’tlookatme.Shejust

sattherestaringoutthewindowasshestrummedeachchord.Whenshefinished,Calebslowlyclapped

hishands.

“Wow.Justwow.”Hesmiled.

Shegotupfromthecouchandhandedmetheguitarwithasadnessinhereyes.

“Thanks.I’mgoingtogoupstairsforawhile,”shespoke.

“Fine.I’llcallyouwhendinnerisready.”

Whenshelefttheroom,CalebandIwalkedbackintothekitchen.

“Bro,didyouhearthat?Iknowyouheardit.She’samazingandshewasn’tlying.”

“Iheardit,”IspokeasItookthesteaksoutoftheirpackage.

“Listen,Ihavetogo.Meandtheguyshavepractice.I’llcallyoulater.Begentlewithher,Gabriel.

There’smoretoherthanjustthewomanwhostoleyourwatch.IfeltitandIhearditinthewayshesang

andplayedtheguitar.AndIknowyoudidtoo.”Hewinked.

AfterIprepareddinner,Iwentupstairstogetherandfoundshewasn’tinherroom.Shit.Wheredid

shego?Iknewshedidn’tleavethehouse,soIwentuptotheterraceandfoundhersittingonthecouch

withherkneesup.

“Thereyouare.Dinner’sready.”

“It’sniceuphere,”shesoftlyspokeasshestaredoutintothecity.

“Thankyou.It’sprobablymyfavoritepartofthehouse.”

Sinceshelikedituphere,Ihadanidea.

“Whydon’twehavedinneruphere?I’llbringeverythingup.”

“I’dlikethat.”Shegavemeasmallsmile.

Placingmyhandsinmypockets,IbegantoheadtowardstheelevatorwhenIheardhercallmyname.

“Gabriel?”

“Yeah?”Istoppedwithmybackturnedtoher.

“MynameisKate.KateHarper.”

Asmilecrossedmylips.Turningmyhead,oureyesmet,andIgaveheraslightnodbeforeleavingthe

terrace.

ChapterTwelve

Kate

TellingGabrielmynamefeltright.I’dnevertoldanyonewhoIreallywas.IfIwantedmyfreedom,I’d

havetogainhistrust,andhistrustwaswhatIneededrightnow.ButI’dhavetobeverycarefulbecause

trustwasn’tsomethinghehadofmine.

Herolledtheservingcartontotheterraceandsetthetablefordinner.Walkingovertothecocoa

brownwickerpatiochair,Itookaseatandplacedanapkininmylap.

“Thislooksreallygood.Thankyou.”Igavehimasmallsmile.

“You’rewelcome,”herepliedashepouredsomewhitewineintoaglassandsetitdownnexttomy

plate.

Hetookaseatacrossfrommeandpickeduphisfork.

“Whotaughtyouhowtocook?”Iasked.

“Myhousekeeper,Grace.Infact,you’llbemeetinghertomorrow.”

“Can’twait,”IspokewithsarcasmasIsippedmywine.

“Doyouhaveanyfamily?”heasked.

“Yes,andI’msurethey’reveryworriedaboutme.”

“Istheresomeoneyou’dliketocall?”Hepulledhisphonefromhispocketandhelditinfrontofme.

“Iwouldn’twantthemtoworry.”

Shit.HeknewIwaslying.

“Goahead.Callthem.”

ItookthenapkinandwipedmymouthasIlookeddownatmyplate,breakingoureyecontact.

“I’mgoingtoassumethatyouliedandyoudon’thaveanyoneatall.Theliesaregoingtostop,Kate.

Doyouunderstandme?”hecommanded.“Areyouevencapableofnotlyingtosomeone?Orhaveyou

beendoingitsolongthatyoudon’tevenknowthedifferencebetweenliesandthetruthanymore?”

“Thatisnottrue!”Islammedmyfistdownonthetablebeforegettingupandwalkingovertothe

railing.

“Thentellmeonepieceoftruthaboutyourself!”heshouted.

“MynameisKateHarper,that’sthetruth.I’mtwenty-fouryearsoldandI’veseenmoreshitinmylife

thanapersonmyageshouldhave.Mymotherdiedadayaftergivingbirthtomeandmyfatherraisedme.

WemovedaroundfromstatetostateandIneverhadanyfriends.Icouldn’tgetcloseenoughtoanybody

becausetheminuteIdid,we’dmove.Childrengrowupwithbestfriends,Gabriel,butI’veneverhada

bestfriend.Iwastooafraidtogetclosetoanyone.”

“Why?”heasked.

“BecauseIknewifIdid,somehoworsomeway,somethingwouldhappenandI’dhavetoleavethem.

Thatwasmylife.Thatismylife.”

“Itdoesn’thavetobe,Kate.”Hewalkedovertomeandplacedhishandonmine.

Asmuchasthetouchofhishandfeltincredible,Icouldn’tallowit.Notyet.

“Youdon’tunderstand,Gabriel.”

“Thenmakemeunderstand.”

Itookinadeepbreath.“Ifyou’regoingtokeepmelockedawayhere,thenI’mgoingtoneedsomeof

myclothesfrommyapartment.Canyoutakeme?”

Thesuspiciouslookinhiseyestoldmethattheanswerwasno.

“I’mafraidIcan’tletyououtofthishouse.You’llrunandIcan’tallowyoutodothat.”

“JesusChrist.”Iwalkedaway,throwingmyhandsupintheair.“Whatareyou,anFBIagentor

something?Handcuffme,then.Idon’tcare.Youknowmyrealname.IfIrun,you’llcallthecopsand

they’lltrackmedown.I’mnotstupid,Gabriel.AllIwantaresomeclothessoIdon’thavetokeep

wearingthesamething.Unlessyouwantmetowalkaroundnaked?”Iarchedmybrow.

“Fine,”hespoke.“GogetyourshoesandI’llmeetyoudownstairs.”

“Thankyou.”Igavehimasmallsmile.

Iheadedtomyroomandputonmyshoes,wentdownstairs,andwaitedforhim.Icoulddothis.Icould

escape.Ihadonepassporthiddenundermymattresswithaboutthreethousanddollarsinemergencycash.

Iheardhisfootstepscomingdownthestairs,andwhenIturnedandlookedathim,hewalkedovertome

andslappedahandcuffonmywrist.

“Whatthefuck,Gabriel?”Ishoutedasheslippedtheotheroneonhiswrist.

“Youseriouslydidn’tthinkIcouldtrustyou?Didyou?”Hesmirked.

Well,therewentmyescapeplan.Itookinadeepbreathtotryandcalmtheangerthatroseinsideme.

HeledmeoutsidewheretwosecuritymendressedinblackstoodguardatthefrontdoorandCarlstood

holdingthedoortothelimoopen.

“Watchyourhead,”GabrielspokebeforeIclimbedinside.

“I’mnotstupid,”Isneered.

“Ineversaidyouwere.”

TheridetomyapartmentwassilentuntilIhadaquestionIneededanswered.

“Soyoujustkeephandcuffslyingaroundyourhouse?”

“Yes.”Hesmiled.“Ikeeptheminmybedroom.”

Inarrowedmyeyeathim.“You’resick.”

“SomehowIdon’tbelieveyoureallythinkthat.Areyouseriouslygoingtotellmethatwithalltheguys

you’vebeenwith,youhaveneverbeenhandcuffedduringsex?”

“No.Ihaven’t.”Istaredoutthewindow,forIwastellingthetruth.

“ThenIfeelsorryforyou.You’remissingout.MaybeIcanshowyousometimehowgoodtheycan

be.”

Itightenedmylegsatthethought.Icouldpicturethewholesceneinmyhead.Lyingonmybackwith

myhandscuffedtogetherbehindmyhead.Hismuscularbodyhoveringoverme,doingthingstomethat

onlyhecould.Histongueslidingovereveryinchofmybareskin,teasingmeuntilIorgasmed.Shivers

ranthroughmelikeabriskwindonawinterday.IinhaledasharpbreathasIcouldfeelthewetnessform

inmypanties.

“Notgoingtohappen,”Ispewed.

HechuckledasCarlpulleduptomyapartmentbuilding.Gabrielclimbedoutfirstandcarefullyhelped

mefromthecar.Throwinghiscoatoverourwrists,weenteredmybuildingandtooktheelevatorupto

myapartment.

“Canyouatleastun-cuffmesoIcanpack?”Iasked.

“Hmm—No.”

“Gabriel,comeon!”

“Isaidno,Kate.You’restayingcuffed.Idon’ttrustyou.”

“AndIdon’ttrustyou!”Ishouted.

“Okaythen.Sowe’rejusttwopeoplewhodon’ttrusteachother.Nowgetpackingsowecango

home,”hecommanded.

“Iamhome,youidiot.Yourplaceisfarfromhometome.”

“I’mnotdiscussingthisanyfurther.Youcaneitherpackyourshitandcomebackwithmeorgotojail.

Thechoiceisyours,sweetheart.”

“Whatthefuckisthedifference?Eitherplaceisjail!”IspokewithanattitudeasIthrewmysuitcase

onthebed.

Inevershouldhavefuckedhim.Okay,yes,Ishouldhavebecausehewassexyassin,butInever

shouldhavetakenhisdamnwatch.Howthehelldidheknowitwasme?I’ddonethetestbeforeandnone

oftheothershadaclueIwasthesameperson.Ithrewmythingsinthesuitcaseandshutit.

“Here.Youcancarrythis.IhavesomethingelseIneedtograb,”IspokeasIwalkedbackintomy

closetandgrabbedmyguitarcase,pullingGabrielalongwithme.

Weclimbedbackintothelimoanddrovebacktohishouse.AsIstaredoutthewindowinsilence,I

feltthehandcuffunlock.WhenIlookedoverathim,thecornersofhismouthslightlycurvedupwards.

Withmyotherhand,Irubbedmysorewrist.

“Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome,”hespokeasheuncuffedhimself.“Youcanendallofthisandgohome.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Yousayyoudon’thavethemoneytopaymeback,butIknowthat’snottrue.Youconpeople,Kate,

forfinancialgain.Doyoureallyexpectmetobelievethatyoudon’thaveanymoney?”

“Don’tbelieveme.Idon’tcare,Gabriel.Idon’thavethirtythousanddollarstogiveyou.”

“Thenwhatthehelldidyoudowithallthemoneyyoutook?”

Itookinadeepbreathandstaredoutthewindowasweapproachedhishouse.

“Ihadthingstopayoff.”

“Whattypesofthings?Orisitnoneofmybusiness?”

“Ican’ttalkaboutitrightnow.Soplease,justletitgo.I’llfigureoutawaytogetyourmoney.Icando

onelastjobandthenyou’llneverhavetoseemeagain.”

Weclimbedoutofthelimoandhelightlygrabbedmyarm.

“Iwillnottakestolenmoney,”hespokeinanirritatedtone.“Gotoyourroom.I’llbringyourbagup

later.”

Grabbingmysuitcasefromhim,Ihelditinonehandandmyguitarcaseintheother.

“Icancarryitupmyself.”Iturnedmyheadandheadedtowardstheelevator.

ChapterThirteen

Gabriel

Shakingmyhead,Iwalkedovertothebarandpouredmyselfabourbon.ItwaslateandIwastired.

Shemovedaroundalot.Butwhy?Shesaidherfatherwasn’tinthemilitary,butthatwasallthe

informationsheoffered.Ihadthefeelingshehadtobesecretiveherwholelifeandthatwaswhyshe

wouldn’ttellmemuchaboutherselforherchildhood.IneededtofigureoutwhatIwasgoingtodowith

herandhowIwasgoingtogetmymoneyback.Istilldidn’tbelieveshedidn’thaveanymoney,and

judgingbythatapartmentofhers,shewaspayingaprettypenny.

IthrewbacktherestofmybourbonandheadedupstairstocheckonherandlockthedoorbeforeI

wenttobed.WhenIreachedherroom,Ilightlyknockedandshetoldmetogoaway.Rollingmyeyes,I

openeditandfoundherlyingacrossherbedonherstomach,proppeduponherelbowsandreadinga

magazine.Shewasinapurplesatintwo-pieceshortsetandshelookedsexyashell.Herlongblondehair

waswrappedupwithaclipinthebacksecuringit.Itookinasharpbreathasmycockstartedtorise.

“Ididn’tinviteyouin,”shespokeassheturnedthepageofhermagazine.

“It’smyhouse.Idon’tneedyourpermissiontoenterthisroom.”

“Whatdoyouwant,Gabriel?”Herpiercingblueeyeslookedupatmeassheaskedinirritation.

“IwasjustcheckingtoseeifyouneededanythingbeforeIwenttobed.”

“I’mfine.”

“Okay,then.Goodnight.”

“Night.”

IshutthedoorandwhenIwenttoinsertthekeyintothelock,Istopped.Fuckit.Shedidn’tneedtobe

lockedinthere.Ifshetriedtoescapetonight,shewouldn’tgetpasttheporch.SoIputthekeyinmy

pocketandheadedtomyroom.

Iawokeoutofasoundsleepatonethirtya.m.Mythroatwasdry,andwhenIwenttoreachforthe

bottleofwateronthenightstand,Ifounditwasempty.Sighing,Iclimbedoutofbedandheadedtothe

kitchen.

“Can’tsleep?”IaskedKateasshestoodwiththerefrigeratordooropened.

Shejumped.

“Shit,Gabriel.Youscaredme,”shespokeassheplacedherhandoverherheart.

“Sorry.Ijustcamedownforabottleofwater.”

“AndIcamedownforsomefood.I’mhungry.”

Seeingherstandingthereinherpajamaswaswreakinghavoconmycock.AllIcouldthinkaboutwas

howgooditfeltwhenIfuckedherthatday.

****

Kate

WhenIlookedathim,Icaughthiseyesrakingovermefromheadtotoe.Icouldtellhewantedto

devourme.Hestoodthereinhisblackpajamabottoms.Hissix-packshredded,chestpuffedout,biceps

thatwereperfectlysculpted,andthehintofaV-linethatIfoundsoincrediblyattractive.Ialreadyknew

whathesportedunderneaththosepants,andasmuchasIhatedhimforwhathewasdoingtome,Istill

wantedhiminsidemeagain.

Hereachedovertogrababottleofwaterandhisarmlightlybrushedupagainstmyboob.Igulped.

Oureyesmetforabriefmomentandthenheturnedandbegantowalkaway.

“Gabriel?”

“Yeah.”

“Howdidyouknowitwasme?”

Hesetthebottleofwaterdownonthecounterandinvadedthesmallspacearoundme.Bringinghis

handuptomycheek,hespoke,“Yoursmile.”

ThelookinhiseyeswasseriousanditsentmespiralingdownaslopesofastIcouldbarelycatchmy

breath.Ireachedupandbrushedmylipsagainsthis.Hewrappedhisarmaroundmywaistandpulledme

intohimasourkissbecamedeeper.Myhandsrakedthroughhishairashistongueslidacrossmyneck

andIcouldfeelthehardnessofhiscockashepressedupagainstme.Hisfingersslippedaroundthethin

strapsofmypajamatop,slidingthemoffmyshouldersandlettingitfalltotheground.Hishandsgroped

mybreastsbeforemovingdownmytorsoandslippingdownthefrontofmypajamashorts.Agasp

escapedmethemomenthisfingerstouchedmymostsensitiveandarousedarea.Iheardthesharpinhale

ofhisbreathashefeltthewetnessthatescapedme.

“Wehavetogoupstairs,”hespokewithbatedbreath.“Idon’thaveanycondomsdownhere.”

Icouldn’twaituntilwegotupstairs.Iwassoturnedonandhornythatitdidn’tmattertomewhetherhe

usedacondomornot.

“I’monbirthcontrol,”Iwhispered.

Hismouthsmashedintomineashisfingerdippedinsideme.Mykneeswentweak,causingmetolose

balance.Myentirebodywasengulfedinpleasurebythemanwhoheldmeprisonerinhishome.I’d

alreadyhadhimonceandIwantedhimagain.

Hetightlygrippedmyasswithbothhandsandliftedmeup.Wrappingmylegsaroundhim,ourlips

tangledwithpleasureashecarriedmeintothelivingroomandlaidmedownonthefloorinfrontofthe

fireplace.Afterheflippedtheswitchonthewallandthefirebrightlystarted,hebentdown,removedmy

shorts,andslidhistonguealongmyslickopening,causingmetocryoutinecstasy.Theskillfulnessofhis

tonguepenetratedmeinwaysI’dneverfeltbefore,bringingmetothebrinkofanorgasm.Myheartwas

racingandmybreathhitchedasmylegstightenedaroundhisheadandIletoutahowlasIcame.

“Beautiful.Justbeautiful.”Hesmiledasslippedoffhispajamabottomsandhoveredoverme.

Asamazingasthatorgasmwas,Iknewthebestwasyettocome.Hislipsbrushedagainstminebefore

travelingdowntomybreastswherehismouthwrappedaroundmyhardenednippleandhistonguemoved

arounditincircularmotions.Hetookholdofmywristsandbroughtthemovermyhead,interlockingthem

withonehandwhileheusedtheothertoguidehiscockinsideme.Thefirstthrustwasslowandsensual

ashiseyesstaredintomine.Itookhimin,hisentirelength,andgaspedatthecontentmentthattookover

mybody.Hemovedinandoutofmewithlongdeepstrokesasheheldontomywristsandhisfreehand

gropedmybreast.Hisheaddippedandourlipsmetonceagain.Afterafewinvigoratingthrusts,herolled

overonhisbackandpulledmeontopofhim.Myhandsplantedthemselvesfirmlyonhismuscularchest

asmyhipsmovedbackandforth,grindingagainsthishardcock,sendingmybodyintooverdrive.His

armsclutchedaroundmybackashesatup,forcingmylegstowraparoundhiswaist.Islowlymovedup

anddownandthenbackandforthasmoansescapedbothourlipsandtheytangledtothesamerhythmof

ourmovements.

“God,youfeelamazing,”Gabrielwhispered.

“Sodoyou.I’mgoingtocomeagain,”Ipanted.

“Trytoholdoffandwaitforme.I’mclose.”

Moansescapedussimultaneouslywhilewemovedtogether,bringingustotheheightenedstatethatwe

bothdesperatelyneeded.Iwasthere,mybodywasready,andtherewasnoholdingback.

“OhGod.”Ithrewmyheadbackasmylegstightenedaroundhiswaist.

Heheldmedownandmoanedashestrainedtopusheverydropofcomehehadinsideme.Ourbodies

relaxedandmyheadlayonhisshoulderwhileourheartratesfellbackintonormalrange.TheangerIhad

keptinsidemeforhimstartedtodissipate.Hebrokeourembraceandpushedmyhairfrommyface,

givingmeasmilethatsentshiversdownmyspine.

“Webettergetsomesleep,”hespoke.

“Yeah.Ithinkweshould.”

“I’mnotsosuresleepinginthesamebedisagoodidea.”

“Probablynot.”Myeyesstaredintohis.

Iclimbedoffhim,slippedintomypajamashorts,andthenwentintothekitchentoretrievemyshirt.

WhenIwalkedbackintothelivingroom,Gabrielwasstandingthereinhispajamabottomswithhisarm

heldout.Placingmineinhis,weheadedupthenumerousflightsofstairs.Hestoppedonthefourthfloor

andIcontinueduponemoreflighttomyroom.

IfeltlikeIwasinadaze,asiftheworldaroundmestoodstill;afeelingthatI’donlyfeltoncebefore

inmyentirelife.Thatdayattheairportwhenweweretogether.ButIquicklyletitgobecauseIknewI’d

neverseehimagain.NowIwouldseehimeverydayandIwasn’tsurehowIwouldbeabletohandleit.I

washappyhewantedtosleepinseparateroomsbecauseifIwasthere,inhisbed,wrappedaroundhis

sexyandwarmbodyallnight,Ididn’tthinkIwouldbeabletogothroughwithmyplan.Ineededtokeep

myemotionsoutofthisandatadistance.ItwassomethingIhadmasteredalongtimeago,butGabriel

wasdifferentfromanyothermanIdatedorhadsexwith,anditscaredtheshitoutofme.

ChapterFourteen

Gabriel

I climbed into bed, her smell still lingering all over my body and the taste of her still on my lips.

Rollingonmyside,Istaredattheemptyspotwheresheshouldhavebeenlying.ButIcouldn’tallowit,

becauseifIdid,Iwasn’tsureifIcouldlethergoonceallwassaidanddone.Ineededtorememberwhat

kindofpersonshewas.KateHarperconnedrichmenfortheirmoney.Sheusedthem,madethemfallin

love,andthenstolerightoutfromunderthem.

The next morning, after I showered and got dressed for the office, I went downstairs to the kitchen,

whereGracewaspreparingbreakfast.

“Goodmorning,Gabriel.”Shesmiled.

“Morning.Issheupyet?”IaskedasImadeacupofcoffee.

“NotthatIknowof.Bytheway,didyoufindouthername?”

“HernameisKateHarper.IguessIbettergocheckonher.”

Taking my coffee with me, I took the elevator to the fifth floor, and when I lightly pushed the door

open,Ifoundhersoundasleepinherbed.Thecornersofmymouthcurvedupwardsintoasmallsmileas

Ileanedupagainstthedoorwayandstaredather.Shelookedlikeanangel,butanangelwassomething

shewasfarfrom.

“She’sstillsleeping,”IspoketoGraceasIsetmycoffeecuponthecounter.“Ihavetoleaveforthe

officenow.Ifshegivesyouanytrouble,callmeimmediately.”

“Iwill.ButI’msureshewon’tbeaproblem.”

Ichuckled.“Youhaven’tmetheryet.”

****

Kate

I let out a long yawn as I stretched my body across the bed. I turned my head towards the window,

takingnoteofthestreaksofsunlightthatcascadedthroughthesheerblinds.Climbingoutofbed,Ihopped

into the shower first before heading downstairs for some coffee. As I made my way into the kitchen, I

noticeashorterwoman,aboutfivefootfourwithsandybrownhairthatsatinabunontopofherhead,

standingatthestove.

“YoumustbeGrace,”Ispoke.

Sheturnedaround,staredatmeforabriefmoment,andthengaveafriendlysmile.

“YoumustbeKate.”Sheheldouthersmallslenderhand.

Placingmyhandinhers,Ispoke,“Yes,andI’msureGabrielhastoldyouallaboutme.”

“Justabit.Wouldyoulikesomecoffee?”

“Thatwouldbegreat.Thankyou,”IspokeasItookaseatonthestoolattheisland.

“Hedidtellmethatyoustolesomethingfromhimandyou’dbestayinghereuntilhegotitback.MayI

askwhatyoutook?”

“HisCartierwatch.”

“Oh.”Shebitherlipassheplacedacupofcoffeeinfrontofme.

“IsGabrielhere?”Iasked.

“No.He’sleftfortheofficealready.CanImakeyousomebreakfast?”

“Icanmakeitmyself.I’msureyouhaveotherthingstodoaroundthismonstroushouse.”

“It’snotrouble.DoyoulikeFrenchtoast?”Shesmiled.“Ihavestrawberriesandwhippedcreamto

putontopofit.”

“Thatsoundsreallygood.”Agrincrossedmyface.

Graceseemedcoolandsofar,Ihadgottentheimpressionthatshedidn’tjudgemeforwhatI’ddone.

Sheappearedtobeinhermid-fifties,worenomakeup,andhadbeautifulbrowneyes.

“HowlonghaveyouworkedforGabriel?”IaskedasItookasipofmycoffee.

“Acoupleofyears.Iusedtoworkforhisfather,andafterhepassedaway,Gabrielhiredmetowork

forhim.”

“Oh.Soyou’veknownhimforalongtime?”

“Sincehewastenyearsold.”Shesmiled.

“Thenyoumustknowhimwell.Doeshenormallykidnapwomenandkeepthemhostageinhishouse?”

Sheletoutalightlaugh.“No,sweetie,you’rethefirst.”

“Aren’tItheluckyone.”Isippedmycoffee.

“Gabrieltellsmeyou’reaconartist.”

“Iprefertheterm‘entrepreneur.’”Ismirked.“Youdon’tbyanychancehaveaboutthirtygrandyoucan

lendmesoIcangetoutofhere,doyou?”

“Iwish.”SheplacedtheFrenchtoastonaplate,toppeditwithstrawberriesandwhippedcream,and

setitdowninfrontofme.“Gabrielisagoodman,Kate,andhedidn’tdeservetoberippedoff.”

Andherecamethejudging.

“Ifhe’ssogreat,whyishestillsingle?”Iarchedmybrowather.

“He’saverybusymanandrelationshipsaren’thistoppriorityrightnow.Hejustendedasix-month

relationship.”

“Why?”IaskedasItookabiteofmyFrenchtoast.

“Gretawasn’ttherightgirlforhim.”

“Andwhoistherightgirlforhim?”Iasked.

“Someone who is kind, truthful, selfless, and understanding of his work.” Her brow raised in an

accusatorywayatme.

“Listen,Grace.Youdon’tknowanythingaboutmeorwhatI’vebeenthrough,sostopwiththejudgey

eyes.”

“Everybodyhasbeenthroughsomething,Kate.Sostopplayingthevictimbecausetheworlddealtyou

abadhand.Whatdoesyourmotherthink?Ordoesn’tsheknowexactlywhatyoudo?”

Wow.Wasthiswomanserious?Whothehelldidshethinkshewastalkingtomelikethat?

“Idon’tandhaveneverhadamother.Shepassedawaythedayaftergivingbirthtome.”

Thejudgmentinhereyesdissipatedasshestaredatme.

“I’msorry.Whataboutyourfather?”

“He’snotaround.”IlookeddownasIplacedmyforkontheplate.

“Soyou’reallalone?”sheaskedasshetookmyemptyplate.

“Basically.”Igotupfrommystool.“ThanksfortheFrenchtoast,”IspokeasIwalkedawaybefore

shehadachancetoaskanymorequestionsorfelttheneedtoberatemesomemore.

IdistinctlyrememberedGabrieltellingmeattheairportthathewassingle.Didhelie?Didhejustsay

thatsoI’dlethimfuckme?Ifthatwasthecase,thenhedeservedtohavehiswatchstolen.Ineededto

findoutwhenhebrokeitoffwiththatwomannamedGretaandwhy.

ChapterFifteen

Gabriel

IwassittingbehindmydeskonaphonecallwhenmybrotherCalebpoppedhisheadthroughthedoor.

Wavingmyhand,Imotionedforhimtocomein.

“Thanks,Brian.Mydesignteamwillbeintouch.”

Iendedthecallandleanedbackinmychair.

“What’sup,Caleb?Youneverdropbytheoffice.”

“Iknow,butIwasjustdownthestreethavinglunch,soIthoughtI’ddropinandseehowthingswere

going.Didyoufindouthernameyet?”Hesmirked.

“HernameisKateHarperandshe’satwenty-four-year-oldwomanwhowasraisedbyherfather.”

“SodoesthatmeanDaddyalsoconnedpeople?”

“Idon’tknow.Shewon’ttalkabouthim.Butshedidsaytheymovedaroundalot,soI’massuminghe

did.”

“Whatareyougoingtodowithher?Youcan’tkeepherlockedupinyourhouse.”

Isighed.“Iknow.Iwasthinkingaboutgivingherajobhere.”

A light chuckle escaped him. “Seriously? Doing what? Listen, big brother, I know there’s something

insideyouthatfeelslikeyouneedtosaveher.Ijustthinkitwouldbeinyourbestinteresttocutherloose.

Forget about the watch and just move on. You don’t need that kind of bullshit in your life. She’s a con

artist,bro.Onceaconalwaysacon,andtherewillbenothingyoucandoorsaythatwilleverchange

that.”

Bringingmyindexfingerstogether,Ibroughtthemuptomylips.“I’mfullyawareofthat.But—”

“Ohcomeon.”Helaughed.“Don’ttellmeyou’reinlovewithher?”

“I’mnotinlovewithher.There’sjustsomethingabouther.”

“Iknowthat,Gabriel.I’mnotstupidandItoldyouthatitwasaboutmorethanjustthewatchbefore.

She’stoxicandyoudon’tneedthatinyourlife.Isn’tthatwhyyougotridofGreta?”

“Gretawasachild.”

Hepointedhisfingeratme.“Iknowwhatthisis.”Heshookit.“Thisisaboutyoubeingarebeland

doing something no one would ever expect from Gabriel Quinn. You spent your whole life doing what

Dadwantedyoutodo.Younevergotintroubleandyoustayedonthepathofhislife.Nowthiswoman

thatiseverykindofwrongentersyourworld,anditexcitesyou.”

“Maybe.”Ishrugged.

“Oritcouldbebecauseshe’snotfallingatyourfeetlikeninety-ninepercentofthewomendo.Yousee

herasachallenge.”

“Maybe.”Ismirked.

Hesatacrossfrommewithasmileonhisface,shakinghishead.

“Ihavetogo.”Hegotupfromhischair.“We’replayingattheCrowfoottonightifyouwanttocome.

Andifyoudo,bringKatealong.”

“Maybe.”Igavehimasmallsmile.

IspenttheentiredaythinkingaboutKate.Itwascrazyhowmuchthiswomanwasonmymind.Caleb

wasright;Ididhavesomesortoffeelingsforher.Iknewdeepdownandunderneaththefaçadeofher

cons,therewasalittlegirllost.

When five o’clock approached and I’d finished signing the last of the contracts, I packed up my

briefcaseandheadedhome.WhenIwalkedthroughthedoor,Gracewasputtingonhercoat.

“Howdiditgotoday?”Iasked.

“Well,ImadeherFrenchtoastforbreakfast,wespoke,andthenshewentbackuptoherroom.That

wasthelastIsawofher.”

“Shehasn’tbeendownallday?”Iasked.

“No,andtobehonest,Ipreferredit.Shehasalittlesassymouth.”

Ichuckled.“Iknowshedoes.Haveagoodnight.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”Ikissedhercheek.

Settingmybriefcasedown,Itooktheelevatoruptothefifthfloorandlightlyknockedonthedoorto

herroom.

“Comein.”

“Howwasyourday?”IaskedasIstoodinthedoorway.

“Howdoyouthinkmydaywas,Gabriel?”

“If you chose to stay in your room all day, that was your problem. You had free roam of the entire

house.”

“WhatamI?Adog?”Herbrowarchedatme.

Icouldn’thelpbutsmileathersarcastictone.

“Getchanged.We’regoingouttodinner.”

“Youwanttobeseeninpublicwithme?”sheasked.“Aren’tyoutakingahugerisk?”

“Justgetchangedandputonsomethingnice.We’regoingtoDaniel.”

“What’swrongwiththis?”Shepointedtohergrayyogapantsandpinktanktop.

“Kate,pleasejustdoasIask.”Isighed.

“I’mnotgoingifyouhandcuffme.”

“IpromiseIwon’thandcuffyou.Butifyoudecidelateryouwouldliketobehandcuffed,perhapsto

mybed,Iwouldtakegreatpleasureinfulfillingyourwishes.”Ismirked.

“You’resick.GetoutofheresoIcanchange.I’llmeetyoudownstairs.”Shethrewapillowatme.

IletoutalightlaughasIshutthedoor,headedtomybedroom,andchangedmyclothesfordinner.AsI

waitedforhertocomedown,Ipouredmyselfabourbonandtookaseatonthecouch.Afewmoments

later,Ilookeduptoseeherwalkingdownthestairsinashortblackstraplessdressandstilettoheels.Her

hairwaspinnedupwithstrandsofcurlsframingherface.ShewassimplystunningandIcouldn’ttakemy

eyesoffher.

“Whatdoyouthink?”Shesmiledasshedidatwirl.

“Youlookbeautiful.”Igrinned.

“MorebeautifulthanHannah?”Hercheeksblushed.

Iwalkedovertoherandplacedmyfingerunderneathherchin.

“Yes.You’remorebeautifulasKate.”

****

Kate

Icouldfeeltheheatriseinmycheekswhenhesaidthatandawetnessflowdownbelow.Therewas

somethingabouthimthatmademetrembleeverytimehelookedatme.Maybeitwasbecausehesawme

asKate,therealme.Heheldouthisarm.

“Areyougoingtoattempttorun?”heasked.

“No.ThatwouldbefoolishofmesinceI’mstarving.”IsmirkedasIhookedmyarmaroundhis.

“Thenlet’sgoeat.”

GabrielorderedusabottleoftheirfinestchampagneandwestartedoffwithaMainelobstersalad.

“Tellmeaboutyourself,Gabriel,”IspokeasIpickedupmyglass.

“Whatexactlydoyouwanttoknow?”

“Anything.Tellmeaboutyourfamily.”

“Well,”hepickeduphisglassofchampagne,“IwasbornandraisedhereinNewYorkCity.Myfather

andmotherneverdivorcedbutstayedunhappilymarried.YoualreadyknowIhaveabrother,whoismy

onlysibling,andItookoverthefamilybusinesswhenmyfatherdiedtwoyearsago.”

“I’msorryforyourloss.Ifyoudon’tmindmeasking,howdidhepassaway?”

“Pancreatic cancer.” He set down his drink. “It was very sudden and a complete shock to all of us.

Whenhewasdiagnosed,hewasalreadyinstage4andpassedawayacoupleofmonthslater.”

“That’sawful.Werethetwoofyouclose?”Iasked.

“We were. But not so much him and Caleb. My father wanted both his sons to run the company, but

Calebdidn’tlikethesilverspoonhewasbornwith.”

“Howso?”Icockedmyhead.

“He hates anything wealth, if that makes sense. He got kicked out of more prep schools than I could

count,andhungaroundwithhisowncrowd.Acrowdthatmyparentsdidn’tapproveof.”

“Why?Becausetheyweren’trichenough?”Ismirked.

“Prettymuch.TheonlythingCalebwantedtodowasplaymusic.Assoonashegraduatedhighschool,

hespentthesummerinLosAngelesandwhenhecameback,hetoldmyfatherhewasn’tgoingtocollege

andhewantednothingtodowithQuinnHotels.”

“I’msureyourfatherlovedthat.”

Hesighed.“Hekickedhimout,tookawayhistrustfund,anddidn’tspeaktohimforfiveyears.”

“Andyourmother?”

“Shewouldtrytogetincontactwithhim,butheheldherjustasmuchresponsiblebecauseshedidn’t

trytomakemyfatherunderstand.Sincethefuneral,they’vestartedtoreconnect,buttheyhavealongway

togo.”

“Icantellthatthetwoofyouareveryclose.”

“Weare.Wealwayshavebeen.Musicisinhissoulandit’shispassion.IneverhavenorwouldIever

let anything come between us. My brother is my best friend and, honestly, I don’t know what I’d do

withouthim.”

Asmallsmilecrossedmylips.

ChapterSixteen

Kate

ListeningtoGabrieltalkabouthisbrothermademeenvious.Ihadalwayswantedasiblingoradog

becausethenmaybemylifewouldn’thavebeensolonely.

“Tellmemoreaboutyou,”hespoke.

“There’snothingmoretotell.”

“Idon’tbelieveyou.”Hisbrowraised.“Whataboutyourbusiness?Handbags,jewelry,shoes.Allthe

thingsthatmakeagirlfeelpretty.”

IbitdownonmybottomlipasIstaredathim.

“Idon’twanttodiscussthat,”Ispoke.

“Why?Becausethereisnobusinesswithhandbags,jewelry,shoes,andallthethingsthatmakeagirl

feelpretty?”

“Youknowwhatmybusinessis,Gabriel.”

“Ah.”Hetiltedhisheadback.“Themenyouconbuyyouhandbags,jewelry,shoes,andallthethings

thatmakeagirlfeelpretty.”

“Yes.”Inodded.

Heleanedacrossthetable.“Tellmehowyoudoit.Howdoyoufindthesemen?”

BeforeIcouldanswerhim,ashockedexpressionovertookhisfaceashestaredovermyshoulder.

“What’swrong?”Iasked.

“Shit.SamuelColdwateriswalkingthisway.Whatifherecognizesyou?”

“Hewon’t.”

“Fuck.Wecan’ttakethatchance.Wehaveto—”

“Gabriel,it’sgoodtoseeyou.”Samuelsmiledasheheldouthishand.

“Samuel.Goodtoseeyouaswell.”

Samuel’seyesdivertedtome.“AndmayIaskwhomthisbeautifulwomanhavingdinnerwithyouis?”

“ThisisKateHarper.Kate,IwouldlikeyoutomeetSamuelColdwater.”

“It’sapleasuretomakeyouracquaintance.”IsmiledasIspokewithalightsouthernaccent.

“Thepleasureisallmine,dear.”

“Areyouherealone?”Gabrielaskedhim.

“I’mmeetingacolleaguefordinner.Infact,Iseehimrightoverthere.ItwasgoodtoseeyouGabriel

andapleasuremeetingyou,Kate.”

Igavehimasmile.HeplacedhishandonGabriel’sshoulderbeforewalkingaway,andGabrielletout

asighofrelief.

“Itoldyouhewouldn’trecognizeme.”

“Let’s get out of here,” he spoke as he threw some cash for the bill on the table and we left the

restaurant.

Assoonasweclimbedintothelimo,Iturnedtohimandspoke,“Hedidn’tlooktoobrokenupover

Amyleavinghim.”

“Hewasthereonbusiness,soI’msurehe’scamouflagingthepainhe’sfeelinginside.”

Irolledmyeyesandlookedoutthewindow.

“Youneveransweredmyquestion,”Gabrielspoke.

“Whatquestionwasthat?”

“Howdoyoufindthemenyoudotoripoff?”

“Research.Theinternetisapowerfultool.”Ismirked.

“You’reanincrediblyintelligentwoman,Kate.Whywasteyourintelligencebydoingwhatyoudo?”

Iturnedaway.Ididn’tlikewhatIdid.Infact,Ihatedit,butIhadnochoice.

“I’mnotwastingmyintelligenceregardlessofwhatyoubelieve,Gabriel.”

The limo pulled up to the curb of his townhome. When we entered the house, I froze when Gabriel

askedmeaboutmyfather.

“Whereisyourfather?”

Istartedwalkingupthestairs,ignoringhisquestionbecauseIdidn’twanttotalkabouthim.Theless

heknew,thebetterforbothofus.

“Answerme!”hespokeinaharshtoneashelightlygrabbedholdofmyarm.

“Letgoofme!”Iyelled.

“Not until you tell me about your father. Was he a con artist also? Is that why you moved around so

muchasachild?Didheteachyouhowtoconpeople?”

Istaredintohisangryeyes.Whythefuckdidhecaresomuch?Anuncontrollablemovementhappened

asIsmashedmymouthagainsthis.Hishandletgoofmyarmandwrappedhisaroundmywaist,holding

mesteadyandinplacewhileoursteamykisscontinued.Inoneswoop,hepickedmeupandcarriedmein

hisarmsupfiveflightsofstairs,ourlipsneverleavingeachother’s.

Helaymedownonmybed,hoveringovermeasheplacedhishandupmydress,pushedmypantiesto

theside,andplungedhisfingerinsideme.IgaspedasItiltedmyheadbackandhistonguesweptovermy

neck. His lips, his hands, and his hard cock made me feel so good every time. Sex with him made me

forgetallthebadthingsthatI’ddoneandallthepeopleI’dused.Withhim,Iwasinthemoment.Withthe

others,Iwenttoafarawayplace.Iwasjustme,KateHarper,agirlwhowasborninBoise,Idaho.The

girlIwasbeforealltheothers.

Hisfingerexploredmewhilelightmoansescapedhimashefelttherushofwetnessemergefromme.

“I’mgoingtokeepdoingthisuntilyoucome,”hewhisperedashisteethnippedatmyear.“Nomatter

howlongittakes.”

Myheartrateacceleratedfasteranditwasn’tlongbeforemybodygaveinandIorgasmed.Lettingout

ahowl,mybodyshookasmylegstightened.

“That’sit.Givemeeverythingyouhave.”Hislipsbrushedagainstmine.

He climbed off the bed, bent down, pushed my dress up, slowly took off my panties, and began

exploring me with his mouth, his tongue moving in circles around me. I gasped as I struggled to take a

breath.Ireacheddownandtangledmyfingersthroughhishairwhilethrustingmyhipsupanddown.After

afewmoments,hestoodupandstrippedoutofhisclotheswhilestaringdownatme.Thelookinhiseyes

wasnothingshortofhungerandIcouldtellhewasn’tgoingtobegentlewithme.

He flipped me over, unzipped my dress, and pulled it off, tossing it over the bed and onto the floor.

Hoveringoverme,histongueslidupmybackashislipsformedtinykissesuptomyshoulders.Inone

thrust,hewasdeepinsideme.Myhandsgraspedthesheetsandclenchedthemtightashemovedinand

outofmeatarapidpace.Groansrumbledinhischestassoundsofpleasureescapedmylips.Histhrusts

becamefasterashesatupanddughisfingersintomyasswhilehepoundedinandoutofme.Another

orgasm came and his moans increased as he halted, pushing deep inside me and straining to release

everythinghehadinsidehim.

Hecollapsed,hismuscularchestrestinguponmybackandhisarmswrappedaroundme.Icouldfeel

the rapid beat of his heart against me as I closed my eyes and took it all in. The safeness I felt was

overwhelmingandIwantedtostaylikethatforever.Rollingoffme,hestoodupandIturnedonmyback

andstaredathim.Hegrabbedhisclothesfromthefloor,walkedtowardsthedoor,andlookedatmeone

lasttimebeforeleavingthebedroom.

ChapterSeventeen

Gabriel

Iputonapairofsweatpantsandat-shirt,andwentuptotheterrace.Afterpouringaglassofbourbon,

IleanedagainstthecementrailandstaredoutintotheNewYorkCitynight,tryingtofigureoutwhatIwas

goingtodowithher.Sheconnedrichmen.Sheusedthem,andwhenshewasdone,shewalkedawaywith

beautifulthingsandalotofmoney.Moneythatsheclaimedshedidn’thave.Icalledbullshitonthatone.

ShewasapersonIcouldnevertrust.Ithoughtlongandhardandfinallycameupwithaplan.Oneshe’d

probablyresistbutdidn’thaveachoice.Nowshewasgoingtobetheonetofindouthowitfelttobe

used,andintheend,she’dwalkawaywithnothing.

Thenextmorning,afterIshoweredandgotreadyfortheoffice,Iheadeddowntothekitchen.

“Goodmorning,Grace,”Ispoke.

“Goodmorning,Gabriel.”Shesmiled.“Breakfast?”

“Sure.Ihavesometime.”

IwalkedovertotheKeurigmachine,poppedinaK-cup,andheardsomeonestumbleintothekitchen.

“Morning,”Katespokeasshesatdownattheisland.

“Goodmorning.Coffee?”Iasked.

“Please.”

Assoonasmycoffeewasfinishedbrewing,Ipickedupthecupandsatdownatthetable.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Kateasked.

“Drinkingmycoffee.Why?”

“YouaskedmeifIwantedsomeandIsaid‘please.’”

“And?JustbecauseIaskedyoudidn’tmeanthatIwasgoingtomakeit.”

Hereyesnarrowedatmeasshegotupandwalkedovertothecoffeemaker.

“WhatamIsupposedtodohereallday?”sheasked.

“Idon’tknow.Figureitout.”

“WhatI’dliketodoispaint,butIdon’thaveanysupplies.”

Iglancedupfrommyphoneandlookedather.

“Youliketopaint?”

“Yes.”

“Fine.MakealistofwhatyouneedandI’llsendsomeonetogetitandhavethesuppliesbackhere

later today. And when I get home tonight, we’re going to sit down and have a little chat. It’s time you

startedpayingoffyourdebt.”

“AndhowamIgoingtodothat?”sheaskedasshetookaseatatthetableacrossfromme.

“You’llfindoutlater.”

“Sincewe’rebothsittinghere,youcantellmenow,”shespoke.

“Isaidwe’lltalklater,”Ifirmlyspoke.“Now,ifyouwantthoseartsupplies,youbetterstartthatlist.I

havetoleaveinafewminutes.”

Gracewalkedoverandhandedherapieceofpaperandapen.Ididn’tknowshelikedtopaint.But

whatdidIreallyknowaboutheranyway?Shefinishedherlistandhandedittome.Afterlookingitover,

Iglancedupather.

“Really?Thisisalotofstuff.”

Sheshrugged.“Youcanaffordit.Or,Ihavemostofitbackatmyapartment.Sendoneofyourminions

togofetchit.”Herbrowraised.

“Wherearetheyinyourapartment?”Iasked.

“Inachestinthecornerofthelivingroom.I’llneedmyeaselalso.”

“Idon’trecallseeinganeaselinyourapartment.”

“That’sbecauseyouweretoobusyransackingmyroomtonoticeanythingelseaboutmyplace.”

“True.”Thecornersofmymouthcurvedupintoaslysmile.

Ifinishedoffmybreakfastandgotupfromthetable.

“I’mleavingnow.I’llseeyoutonight.”

“I’llbecountingdownthehours,”shesarcasticallyspoke.

GraceletoutalightlaughandInarrowedmyeyeatherasIwalkedoutthedoor.Onthewaytothe

office,IpulledmyphonefrommypocketanddialedCaleb.

“Hello.”

“Whatareyoudoingforlunch?”

“Gee.Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tevenhadbreakfastyet,bro.”

“CanyoumeetmeattheShakeShackatoneo’clock?”

“Sure.GoodthingyoupickedthatplacebecauseIwasn’tabouttogotoanyfancyrestaurantwithall

thatweirdfood.”

Ichuckled.“WhydoyouthinkIpickedyourfavoriteburgerplace?I’llseeyoulater.”

****

Mymeetingendedattwelveforty-fiveandIhadfifteenminutestogetovertotheShakeShacktomeet

Caleb.

“I’mheadingtolunch,Lu.I’llbebackinacoupleofhours.”

“Enjoy,Mr.Quinn.”Shesmiled.

Carl dropped me off around the corner, and when I made my way to the restaurant, I saw Caleb

standingoutside.

“Hey.”Ismiledaswelightlyhugged.

“What’swiththelunchdate?”heaskedaswesteppedinside.

“IfiguredouthowKateisgoingtopaymeback.”

Ourorderwasup,sowetookittoatableandsatdown.

“Dotell,bigbrother,”Calebspoke.

AsItoldhimmyplan,hesatthereandstaredatmewithanarrowingeye.

“I’mallforthefirstpart,but,bro,I’mnotsosureabouttheoutcome.”

“Why?”Iasked.

“It’salittleharsh,nottomentionthefactthatIdon’tthinkyoucandoit.”

“Itwon’tbeaproblem.”

“If you say so. Listen, Gabriel, Dad was always about teaching us lessons. You know that. This

concernsme.You’replayingwithsomeone’slife.”

“Justlikeshe’splayedwithallthoselivesofallthemensherippedoff.Youthinkthat’sokay?”

“No.Idon’t.Butdotwowrongsmakearight?”Hisbrowraised.

“Sherippedmeoffandshe’sgoingtopaymeback.Hopefully,she’lllearnherlessonandnotdoitto

anyoneagain.”

“Youknowwhattheysay:Onceanalcoholic,alwaysanalcoholic.I’mprettysurethatappliestocon

artistsaswell.”

“We’llsee,won’twe?Anyway,what’sgoingonwithyou?”

“IgotacallyesterdayfromAtlanticRecords.TheylovedthedemoIsentthemandwanttohearmore,

sowe’regoingtoflyouttoL.A.nextweek.”

“Good.”Inoddedmyhead.“It’stoobadthingsdidn’tworkoutwithSony.”

Heshrugged.“Everythinghappensforareason,right?”Hesmiledaswebothfinishedourburgersand

gotupfromthetable.

“You’ve always been the philosophical one in the family.” I smirked as I placed my hand on his

shoulderandwewalkedoutthedoor.

ChapterEighteen

Kate

“It’sabouttime,Carl,”Ispokeashebroughtmyartsuppliesintothehouse.

“Sorry,MissKate,butIhadotherstopstomakeaswell.”

“Canyoudomeafavorandjusttaketheeaseluptotheterrace?”

“Verywell.”Henodded.

“Thanks,Carl.You’readoll.”

ItbotheredmealldayastowhatGabrielwantedtotalkaboutwhenhegothome.HesaiditwastimeI

started repaying him back. But how? Was he going to give me a job at his office? That wouldn’t be so

bad.Atleastitwouldgetmeoutofthisdamnhouse.

Itooktheelevatoruptotheterraceandmovedmyeaseloverbytherailingwheremostofthesunhit

andoverlookedthecityandriver.Thiswouldbetheperfectplacetopaint.Iwalkedovertothebararea

andtookaglassandfilleditwithwater.Movingoneofthesmalltablesoverbymyeasel,Isetupmy

paintsupplies,putacanvasup,andbeganpainting.Witheachstrokeofthebrush,Iwastransportedinto

anotherplace.AplacewhereIhadnotroublesorworriesandaplacewhereIcouldbeme.

AfewhourshadpassedwhenIheardtheelevatordoorsopenandGabriel’svoice.

“Howwasyourday?”heasked.

“Fine,”IspokeasIcontinuedpainting.

HewalkedovertowhereIwasandstoodbehindme.

“You’repaintingthesea?”heasked.

“Theseaisonlypartofit.”

“It’sbeautiful.Youhavegreatartistictalent.”

“Thankyou.Mymotherwasanartist.Mydadtoldmethatshelovedtopaintandhadaverycreative

mind.Shewouldtellstorieswithherportraits.”

“Andwhat’sthisstory?”heasked.

“You’llseeonceit’sfinished.”Asmallsmilecrossedmylips.

“Ibroughthomedinner.Comeandeatandwecandiscusssomethings.”

“I’llbedowninaminute.Ijustwanttofinishthislastpart.”

“Verywell.”Heturnedandwalkedaway.

Once I finished, I placed my brush in the water and took the elevator down to the kitchen. When I

steppedout,InoticedGabrielwasn’tthere,soIwenttothediningroomwherehehadthetablesetand

bowlsofpasta,salad,andbreadwerelaidout.

“Igotmeatsauce,plainsauce,andalfredo.Ididn’tknowwhatyouliked.”

“Allarefine.Thanks.”Itookaseatandplacedthenapkinonmylap.

My nerves were getting the best of me in anticipation of what he wanted to discuss, and I could no

longerwait.

“Sotalk,Gabriel,”IspokeasIpickedupmyfork.

Heclearedhisthroatashesethisnapkinonhislap.

“Thewayyou’regoingtopaymebackisbybeingmycompanionforthirtydays.Athousanddollarsa

night.”

Iarchedmybrowathim.“Excuseme?”

“Youwillworkoffyourdebtbyhavingsexwithmeeverynight.YouwilldoasIsayanddowhatI

want.Youwillattendeventswithmeandtravelifnecessary.”

“I’mnotafuckingprostitute!”Ideadpanned.

“Really, Kate? You seduce men, have sex with them, get them to fall in love with you, and then you

takepayment.Ifthatisn’tprostitution,Idon’tknowwhatis.”

“Yousonofabitch.”Ishookmyhead.

“There’snoneedfornamecalling.Ifyouagree,whichyoureallyhavenochoice,youwillbeableto

leave the house, with a bodyguard, of course, whenever you please. We will have dinner every night

togetherandthenwewillgotomyroomandhavesex.Whenwearefinished,youwillgobacktoyour

roomandwe’llseeeachotherinthemorning.Oncethethirtydaysisup,youwillleaveandgobackto

yourapartmentandtoyourlife.”

“Areyouthatlonelyofamanthatyouhavetoresorttothis?”Inarrowedmyeyeathim.

“I’mnotlonelyatall.Thisactuallyworksoutperfectforme.Noemotions,nostrings,nothing.Andif

youlookatit,it’sperfectforyoutoo.”

“How?”Iasked.

“You’re incapable of feelings. It’s just another job for you. Clearly, you had no problems or trouble

walkingawayfromalltheothermenyourippedoffandIwon’tbeanydifferent.”

“AndifIdon’tagree?”

“ThenIturnoverallofyouraliasestothepoliceandyougotojail.”

“Ah,GabrielQuinn,CEOofQuinnHotels,kidnapperandblackmailerextraordinaire.”Iheldupmy

glassofwine.

Hepickeduphisandhelditupinfrontofhim.

“AndKateHarper,conartistandheartbreakerextraordinaire.”

“Youknownothingaboutme,Gabriel.”

“Iknowenoughand,tobehonest,Idon’twanttoknowanythingelse.DowehaveadealordoIcall

thepolice?”

Icouldn’tbelievehisproposal.Allthismanwantedwassex.Athousanddollarsanightsex.Ifthat

was what it took to get me out of here, then fine. Besides, I liked having sex with him. This was my

chancetoplayhim,findoutmoreofhisweaknesses,andtakeadvantage.Hethoughthewasplayingme,

butinreality,hehadjusttakenthegametoawholenewlevel.

“Igettoleavethehouse?”Iasked.

“Yes.Youcangowhereveryouwant,butyouwillbeguarded.”

Irolledmyeyes.

“AndyousaidIwouldhavetodoanythingyouwantinthebedroom?”

“Yes.AnythingIwant.Youcannotsayno.”

Igulped.

“Idon’tdoanalsex.Thatrightthereisoutofthequestion.So,ifyouhavethethoughtinthatfuckedup

littleheadofyours,takeitawaynow.”

“IfI’mpayingathousanddollarsanight,youwilldoasIplease,includinganalsex.”

Iswallowedhard.Hewouldn’tdoanal.Hedidn’tseemlikethattypeofguy.Butthenagain,hedid

keepapairofhandcuffsinhisbedroom.I’dcallhisbluff.

“Fine.Wehaveadeal.”Iheldoutmyhand.“ButyoudoknowIgetmyperiod.Sothenwhat?”

“Wedoitintheshowerwhenthat’sgoingon.”

“Okay.ThirtydaysitisandthenIleave.Canwecountlastnightasdayone?”

“No.Itstartsnow,tonight.Idowanttomakeonethingverycleartoyou.Iamnotliketheothermen

youwerewith.Iwillnotshoweryouwithexpensivegifts,flowers,oranythingelse.”

“Whatifyou’retemptedto?”Ismirked.

“Trustme,Kate.Iwon’tbe.”

“Areyoualwaysthiscold-heartedwiththewomenyou’rewith?”

“Onlytheoneswhothinkit’sokaytostealfromme.”Hecockedhishead.

“WhataboutGreta?”

“Howdoyouknowabouther?”

“Gracetoldmetheotherdayyoujustendedarelationshipwithher.Why?”

“That’snoneofyourbusiness.”

“WereyoutogetherwhenwefuckedatJFK?”

“No.Iwasn’t.Idon’tcheatonthewomenI’mwith.”

Iletoutalightlaugh.“Sureyoudon’t.You’reatypicalrichalphamale.Temptationisyourweakest

point.”

“Notmine.WhenI’mwithsomeone,I’mcommitted.IneveroncecheatedonGreta.”

MyheartkindofmeltedwhenhesaidthatandIcouldtellhewasn’tlying.Hewasfaithfulanditwasa

rarequalityamongmen.Especiallymenofhisstature,butsomethingwasdifferentwithhim.Heseemed

coldandemotionless.Moresonowthanbefore.

“Doyouhaveanysexylingerie?”heasked.

“Backatmyapartment.Why?”

“BecauseIwantyouwearingiteverynightwhenyouwalkintomyroom.”

“ThenIguesswe’llhavetogotomyplace.”

“No.I’llhavenewthingsdeliveredtomorrow.”

“Ithoughtyouweren’tgoingtolavishmewithgifts?”Iraisedmybrow.

“They’renotforyou,sweetheart.They’reformetoenjoy.”

“Seriously,Gabriel.Whatkindoffreakareyou?”

“Howdoesmewantingtoviewyouinsexylingeriemakemeafreak?Anddon’tevengothere,Kate.

I’msureyou’vedonesomefreakyshitwiththemenyou’vebeenwith.”

Inreality,itwasalwaysjustplainsex,veryvanilla,whichwasfinewithme.Whenthemenwouldask

totrysomethingdifferent,IalwaystoldthemIwasn’tcomfortable,sotheywoulddropitandresumewith

thenormalplainandboringsex.PerhapsitwasbecauseIwasneverattractedtoanyofthemandIalways

hadtheupperhand.ButwithGabriel,thingsweredifferent.Therewasanenormousattractiontohim,and

thistime,Iwasn’tincontrol.Overall,hisneedforkinkinessturnedmeon.

“DoIatleastgettopickoutthelingerie?”Iasked.

“No.LikeIsaid,I’llhavesomethingsdeliveredtomorrow.”

“Andwhatabouttonight?”

“Fortonight,yournakedbodywilldojustfine.Infact,”helookedatthetimeonhisphone,“Iwantyou

nakedandwalkingintomybedroomatninep.m.Understand?”hespokewithseriousness.

“Yes,master.Anythingyousay.”

Hehelduphisfinger.“Don’tcallmethat.”

Thecornersofmymouthcurvedupintoaslightsmile.

“Whatdoyouwantmetocallyou?Daddy?”

“Absolutelynot.Whatiswrongwithyou?”

Me?Hewantedtoknowwhatwaswrongwithme?Hewastheoneputtingthisplanofdemandinto

motion.

“Fine.Iunderstand,Gabriel.”

“That’sbetter.Youhavethirtyminutestoprepyourself.”

Igotupfrommyseatandheadedtomyroom.Hisplanwasn’tsobad.Sexwithhimandthefreedomto

leavethehousewheneverIwantedtowasaprettygooddeal,nottomentionthetravelingpart.Theone

thingIdidbelievehewastruetohiswordaboutwasturningmeovertothepolice.Hehadenoughonme

toputmeawayforalongtimeandthatwasn’tsomethingIwasabouttorisk.

ChapterNineteen

Kate

Ilookedattheclockonmynightstand.Itwaseightfifty-nine.Itwastimetomakemygrandentrance.I

slippedoffmyrobeandwalkedmynakedbodydowntohisbedroom.Ihadneverbeenintherebefore

andI’dneverseenitbecausehekeptthedoorlockedwhenhewasgone.

WhenIlightlyknockedonthedoor,hetoldmetocomein.Placingmyhandonthehandle,Iopenedit

andstoodinthedoorwaywithmyarmrestingonthedoorframeandmyhippushedouttotheside.

“Comein,”hespokeashesatontheedgeofthebedinnothingbutapairofpajamabottomswithhis

barefeetfirmlyplantedonthefloor.

Iseductivelywalkedtowardshimandstaredintohishungryeyes.WhenIreachedthebed,heplanted

his hands firmly on my hips and his tongue stroked my belly. Instantly, the fire down below erupted,

sendingatinglingsensationthroughmybodythatmademetremble.Heslidhistonguedowntomyclit,

givingitafewstrokesbeforecirclingmyslickopening.MyfingersrakedthroughhishairasIclosedmy

eyes and pleasurable moans escaped my lips. His mouth devoured me while he dipped a finger inside,

heightening my ecstasy. My breathing became rapid as well as my heart rate and a rush of intoxicating

warmthrushedthroughme.

Hestoodupandslowlycircledaroundme,hislipsbarelytouchingmyneck,untilhewasfullybehind

me.Hetookmyhandandplaceditonhishardcock,movingmyhandupanddownthefabricofhispants.

Itiltedmyheadbackandhistongueexploredmyneck.

“It’s time you got down on your knees and wrapped that beautiful mouth of yours around my hard

cock,”hewhisperedseductivelyinmyear.

Turningaround,Ibrushedmylipsagainsthisbeforekneelinginfrontofhim.Grabbingthesidesofhis

waistband,Isliddownhispajamabottomsandreleasedhiscock,whichstoodtallandproud.Iwanted

thistobeamomenthe’drememberforever,soIstartedbyplantingtinykissesalonghisabdomenandup

anddownhissexyV-linebeforemakingmywaydowntohismanhood.Icircledhisshaftlightlywithmy

tonguewhilehegrippedmyhairandthrewhisheadback,lettingsubtlemoansescapehim.Lickingupand

down,IstaredupathimasoureyesmetandIcouldfeelhimtremble.MylipswrappedaroundhimasI

heldthebaseofhiscockwithmyhand,slowlymovingitupanddownwhileIdevouredhim.Hismoans

heightenedashisgriponmyheadtightenedandhethrusthishipsbackandforth.Bringingmyotherhand

uptohisballs,Ilightlybrushedmyfingersacrossthem.

“Stop.I’mabouttocomeandIdon’twanttoyet,”hespokewithbatedbreath.

Heliftedmeupandthrewmeonthebed,bringinghislipsdowntomybreastsandtakingmyhardened

peaksinhismouth.Hegrabbedmylegandhelditupashethrustinsideme,forcingmetogaspforair.It

washard,deep,andfullofpromisestogivemetheultimateorgasm.Hepoundedinandoutofmeata

rapidpaceassmallbeadsofsweatformedonhisskin.WhileIplacedmyhandsfirmlyonhischest,he

groped my breast with his other hand, giving each one equal attention. Sounds of gratification emerged

frombothofusaswefuckedlikeacoupleofrabbitsandIcame.

Hepulledoutandflippedmeonmysidesohecouldentermefrombehind.Anotherdeepandhurried

thrustjoltedme,bringingmetothebrinkofanotherorgasm.

“Yes,”heloudlyvoiced.“God,youfeelsogood.Fuck,Kate.”Hehalteddeepinsideme.

When he finished, he pulled out and walked to the bathroom. After he returned, he handed me some

tissues.

“Youcancleanyourselfupandthengobacktoyourroom.I’llseeyouinthemorning.”

“Yeah,okay,”Ispokewithahintofdisappointment.

Igotupfromthebedandheadedbacktomyroom,mybodystillreelingfromtheeffectsofhim.My

mindwasinshamblesandIcouldn’tfigureoutwhy.Ifeltused.LikeIwasnothingmorethanapieceof

meattohim.Ineededtopaint,soIslippedonmyrobeandheadeduptotheterrace.Thenightwascool,

butIdidn’tmind.Beforegettingstarted,Iwalkedovertothebar,pouredaglassofwhitewine,andtook

itovertomyeaselwhileIstoodandstaredatwhatIhadpaintedearlierintheday.Pickingupmybrush,I

continuedmyjourney.

****

Gabriel

“Damnit,”IspokeasIpacedaroundthebedroom.

Tryingtofeelnothingforheratallwasnoteasy.Sexwasmindblowing,andthewayshehadthose

beautifullipswrappedaroundmycock,amazing.Shit.Ithadtobethisway.Nofeelingsandnoemotions.

Ineededtoremembershestolemythirty-thousand-dollarwatchrightoffmywristwithoutanyguiltand

sheconnedmanymen.Watchingherorgasmwassatisfying.Thelookonherfaceandthewayshelightly

bitdownonherbottomlipmadeithardnottowanttogiveherahundredmore.

Ipulledonmypajamapantsandwentdownstairstomyofficetodosomework.Iwasn’ttiredandI

neededadrink.Afterpouringmyselfabourbon,Isatdownatmycomputerandlookedoversomeemails.

A couple of hours had passed and I was finally tired, so I headed upstairs. I wondered if she was

sleeping, so I went up to the fifth floor to check on her. The door was open, her light was on, but she

wasn’tinthere,soIwentuptotheterrace.

“Can’tsleep?”IaskedasIfoundherstandingathereasel.

“I’mnotreallytiredandIwantedtopaint,”shespokeasshestaredatthecanvasandbrushedafew

strokes.

Iwalkedovertoherandwasamazedathowmuchshe’daddedsincebeforedinner.

“Amermaid?”IaskedasIstaredatthepainting.

“Yes.Don’tyoulikemermaids?”

“Idon’tknow.Ineverreallythoughtaboutthem.Isyourpaintingtellingastory?”

“Yeah.Itsureis.”

Herpaintingintriguedme.Abeautifulmermaidwithlongblondehair,sittingonarockandlookingout

into the sea that was made up of blues and greens. I narrowed my eye as I stared at it, wondering if

somehowthatwasadepictionofKate.Asmuchasitintriguedme,italsoconfusedme.

Shesetherbrushinthewaterandgavemeasmallsmile.

“I’mgoingtobed.I’llseeyouinthemorning,”shesoftlyspoke.

“Goodnight,Kate.”

I headed back to my room and climbed into bed. Grabbing my laptop, I opened it and googled

“Mermaids.”ThedescriptionandsymbolismIfoundvalidatedmythoughts.

Alongwithunrivaledbeauty,mythdepictsmermaidswithheart-stoppinglylusciousvoices....They

are matrons of enchantment, entreating sailors with beguiling beauty, grace, and mesmerizing

melodies.Seductiveandcharming,allthoseincontactwithmermaidsaresubjecttotheirpersuasion.

The traits she possessed were the same. As beautiful as her painting was, it was also haunting. It

almostfeltasifshepainteditoutofpain.Bytheendofthirtydays,Iwouldknoweverythingabouther.I

closedmyeyesandtriedtogetsomesleep,butIhadafeelingsleepwasn’tgoingtobemyfriendtonight.

ChapterTwenty

Kate

I gave my body a long stretch as I opened my eyes and looked around the room. Since I was now

officiallyallowedtogooutofthehouse,Iwouldtakeadvantageofittoday.I’dbegonethewholeday.

Doing what? Who the hell knew. I wondered which one of Gabriel’s minions would get the luxury of

guardingme.Woulditbethecutebuffguywiththeshortblondhairandthegreeneyes?Orwoulditbethe

baldguythatstoodsixfootfourwholookedlikehehatedlife?Henevercrackedasmileandwasalways

soserious.

Puttingonmyrobe,Iheadeddownstairsandwentintothekitchenforsomecoffee.ThecloserIgot,the

morethearomaofsomethingsweetcapturedmyattention.

“Goodmorning,Grace.”Ismiled.“Whatisthatwonderfulsmell?”

“Good morning, Kate. I’m making strawberry-stuffed cream cheese crepes. Would you like some?

They’reGabriel’sfavorite.”

“Iwouldlovesome.Thankyou.”

IwashappytodaybecauseIfeltasifIhadsomesortofnormalcybackinmylife.Icouldcomeandgo

asIpleasedandhadtohavesexwithahotandsexymillionaire.Thatwasasnormalaslifecouldgetfor

me.Iwouldusemyfreedomtoexplorenewoptionsandmakeaplanforwhenthethirtydayswereup.I

would be kind, sweet, and over pleasing, just like I was with the others. I’d keep my feelings and

emotions out of it. I had to. I wasn’t a good person and didn’t deserve to have someone as good as

Gabriel.Notthathewouldwanttosettledownwithsomeonelikeme.Ihadtoomuchbaggage,toomuch

dishonesty,andtoomuchofascreweduplifeforthelikesofhim.

“ArethosestrawberrycrepesIsmell?”Gabrielspokeashewalkedintothekitchen.

“Yes,andthey’reready.Sogositdown,”Gracereplied.

“Goodmorning.”IsmiledasIwalkedupandgavehimakissonthecheek.

“Goodmorning.”Henarrowedhiseyeatmewithsuspicion.

Itookmycoffeetothetableandsatdown.Hefollowed,takingtheseatacrossfromme.

“Youseemtobeinararemoodthismorning,”hespoke.

“Maybeithadsomethingtodowiththeeventsthatoccurredlastnight.”Ismirked.

GracelookedatmeandthenoveratGabrielasshesetdownourcrepesinfrontofus.Hedidn’treply

tomycommentandbeganeatinghisbreakfast.

“So,who’smybabysittertoday?Blondbuffguyortallbaldguywhohateslife?”

“Huh?”Gabrielasked.

“Ineedtogoouttoday,sowhichoneofyourminionsistaggingalong?”

“Andwheredoyouneedtogo?”

“Out.Ineedtogetoutofthishouse.WalkthestreetsofTimeSquare,gotoCentralPark;hell,I’deven

gositinacaféalldayjusttogetoutofhereforawhile.”

“Edmondwillbeescortingyou.”

“And,”Ileanedoverclosertohim,“whichoneishe?”

“Accordingtoyou,‘tallbaldguywhohateslife.’”

Irolledmyeyes.Ihadhopedhewouldsay‘blondbuffguy.’HeseemedfriendlierthanEdmond.

“Ihavesomethingforyou,”Gabrielspokeashegotupfromthetableandwalkedoutofthekitchen.

Afewmomentslater,hereturnedandsetaniPhonedowninfrontofme.

“IthoughtyoushouldhavethisincaseIneedtogetholdofyouoryoume.”

“Thankyou.ButwhataboutthephoneIalreadyhave?”

“Thisoneisspecial.Theonlynumberyoucandialismine.”Hesmirked.

“Well,aren’tyoujustagem,wantingtokeepmealltoyourself.”Ismirkedback.

“Idon’ttrustyou,Kate.Youknowthat.You’reonlygoingtohaveituntilourtimeisup.Afterthat,you

canhaveyourotherphoneback.”

“Idon’tneeditanyway.ItwasonlyforSamuel.Ialwaysgetridofmyphonesaftermyjobisdone.”

Hiseyebrowraisedindismay.

“Isee.”

“Infact,it’sfinethatIcanonlycallyoubecausewhoelsedoIhavetocall?”Ilookedawayfromhim

asIpickedupmyphone.

“Yourfather?”

IgavehimasmallsmileasIgotupfrommychair.

“Iwouldlovetocallhim,butIcan’t.”

“Why?”

“Becausehe’sdoingtimeatRikersIsland.”Iwalkedawayanduptomyroom.

AsIwasintheclosetpickingoutanoutfittowear,Iheardalightknockonthedoor.

“Comein.”

“Yourfatherisinprison?”Gabrielasked.

“Yes,”IrepliedasIthumbedthroughmyclothes.

“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”

Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow.MaybeIwastooembarrassed.”

“Sowhatmadeyoutellmenow?”Hetookacoupleofstepscloser.

“Whynot?Imean,we’reinthisso-calledthirty-dayrelationship.Youmightaswellknowaboutmy

family.Anyway,don’tyouhavetogettotheoffice?”

Hestoodandstaredatmeforamomentwithaperplexedlookinhiseyes.

“Yeah,Ido.Enjoyyourdayout.I’llseeyoutonight.Maybewe’llgoout.”

“Really?”Ismiled.“Where?”

“CalebandhisbandareplayingattheBowery.Ithoughtmaybewecouldgowatchhim.”

“I’dlikethat.”

“Okay, I’ll let him know we’ll be there.” He smiled. “And by the way, we’ll talk more about your

fatherlater.”

“Gabriel?”

“Yes?”Heturnedandlookedatmebeforewalkingoutthedoor.

“IneedmypurseandmywalletbackifI’mgoingout.”

“I’llgogetitandleaveitbythefrontdoor.”

“Thanks.”

Afterslippingonapairofskinnyjeansandanoversizedgreysweater,Iputonmyshoesandwalked

out the front door. Instantly, Edmond stepped in front of me with a stern look in his eyes and his arms

crossed.

“Relax,bigboy.I’msureGabrieltoldyouthatyou’llbetaggingalongwithmetoday.”Ismiled.

“Hedid.”

“Great.Thenwhyareyoustandingtherelikeyou’rereadytowrestlemetotheground?Let’sgo.”

****

Gabriel

AsIsatbehindmydesk,Icouldn’thelpbutthinkaboutKate’sfather.Iknewsomethingwasupbythe

wayshewasvagueabouthim.Rikers,eh?Theapplesuredidn’tfallfarfromthetree,didit?Iwondered

what she was doing today. I told Edmond to keep a very close eye on her at all times and on his

belongings.Pickingupmyphone,IdialedCaleb.

“What’sup,Gabriel?”heanswered.

“Whattimeareyouplayingtonight?”

“Wehitthestageatnineo’clock,”hereplied.“Why?Areyouthinkingaboutcoming?”

“Yes.ItoldKatethatwe’dcomewatchyouplay.”

“Awesome.Comearoundeightandwe’llhaveacoupleofdrinksfirst.Bytheway,Itakeitsheagreed

toyourplan?”

“She did because she knew she didn’t have a choice. Which reminds me, I need to go. I have some

shoppingtodo.I’llseeyoulater,bro.”

Iendedthecall,gotupfrommydesk,andtoldLuthatI’dbebackinanhour.Climbingintothelimo,I

hadCarldrivemetoVictoria’sSecretwhereIpurchasedsomelingerieandmatchingpanties.

“Carl,afteryoudropmeattheoffice,takethisbagbacktomyhouseandhandittoGrace.Tellherto

putitonKate’sbed.”

“Verywell,sir.”Henodded.

“Youknowwhat?Justdropmeoffatthedelidownthestreetfrommybuilding.I’mgoingtograba

sandwichandI’llwalktotheoffice.”

Aftergrabbingasandwichtogo,IwaswalkingdownthestreetwhenIranintoSamuelColdwater.

“Gabriel.”Hesmiledaswebothstoppedonthesidewalk.

“Hello,Samuel.Onyourwaytolunch?”

“Iam.Caretojoinme?Iwasjustheadingdowntothedeliforaquicksandwich.Ihaveback-to-back

meetingsthisafternoon.”

Iheldupmybag.“Justcamefromthere,butI’lljoinyou.”

I figured this was the perfect chance to find out about how he felt about Kate, or in his case, Amy

disappearing.Iwantedtoknowifhewaslookingforher.Igrabbedusasmalltablewhilehewentand

orderedasandwich.

“How’severythinggoing?”Iaskedhimashetookaseatacrossfromme.

“Business-wise,thingsaregood.”

Inarrowedmyeyeathim.“Notsomuchpersonal-wise?Yourgalawasahugesuccessandyouhavea

beautifulgirlfriend.Lifeshouldbegrand,Samuel.”Ismirked.

“I’mnotseeingAmyanymore,Gabriel.”

“What?Why?Thetwoofyouseemedsohappy.”

“ShelefttownthedayafterthegalaandreturnedtheringIhadgivenher.”

“I’msorry.Ihadnoidea.”

“Howwouldyou?”Hegaveasmallsmile.

“Didshegiveyouareasonastowhysheleft?”

“Shesaidsheneededtogoawaytoworkonsomeissuesshehadwithherselfandsheneededtobe

alone.Ifonlyshewouldhavetalkedtome,Icouldhavehelped.Iwasinlovewithher,”hespokewitha

sadnessinhisvoice.

Ifeltbadfortheman.

“Andyouhavenoclueastowhereshewent?”

“No. I had a private investigator try to track her down after I kept calling her cellphone and it went

straighttovoicemail,butnoluck.He’sconvincedshewasn’twhoshesaidshewas.”

“Doyoubelievethat?”Iasked.

“Ido.ThemoreIthoughtaboutit,themorethingsdidn’taddup.Ibelievethiswomanwasouttocon

mesomehow.”

“Ifshewas,shewouldn’thavegivenyoubackthering,”Ispoke.

“Isupposethat’strue.”

“Unfortunately,shewasjustamessed-upwomanwithalotofissues.Shedidyouafavorbyleaving.”

“Maybeyou’reright,Gabriel.Thankyou,myfriend.Andyou’reright,shewouldn’thavereturnedthe

ring.”

“You’rewelcome.”Ismiled.“Ineedtogetbacktotheoffice.Itwasgoodseeingyou.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Kate

IspenthalfthedayinCentralPark,walkingaroundandtakinginthebeautyofthespringscenery.Itfelt

goodtogetoutofthathouseanditgavemetimetothinkaboutwhatIwasgoingtodooncemythirtydays

wereup.Myleasefortheentireyearwasalreadypaidforandmydadwashere,somovingwasn’tan

optionjustyet.Plus,IneededaplaceforhimtocometowhenIgothimoutofprison.SamuelColdwater

wasgoingtohelpwiththatuntilGabrielsteppedinandruineditforme.Hewasgoingtobemylastcon.

Theconthatwouldhelpgetmyfatheroutofprisonandhomewithmewherehebelonged.

“Is there anywhere else you want to go before I take you home?” Edmond asked in a serious and

monotonevoice.

“Starbuckswouldbenice.”

“Fine.”

Rollingmyeyes,Ilaidmyheadbackagainsttheseatandtookinadeepbreath.Thethoughtofgoingto

seeCalebandhisbandplaytonightthrilledme.ThelesstimeIspentcoopedupinthathouse,thebetter.

EdmondparkedaroundthecornerfromStarbucksandwebothclimbedoutandheadeddownthestreet,

himwalkingbehindme.Somethinghe’ddoneallday.

“Youcanwalknexttome.IpromiseIwon’tbite,”IspokeasIturnedmyheadandlookedathim.

Hiseyenarrowedashestaredstraightahead.WesteppedintoStarbucksandwaitedinline.

“Coffee’sonmetoday.”Ismiledathim.“Whatwouldyoulike?”

“Nothing.”Hestoodtallwithhishandsfoldedinfrontofhim.

“Ohcomeon,Ed.Lightenupandhaveacoffeewithme.”Ishoulderbumpedhim.

“I’mfine,MissHarper.”Heshotmeadirtylook.

Itwasmyturntoorderandthebaristagavemeacheerfulgreeting.

“Twograndecaramelmacchiatoswithnon-fatmilk,please.”

“Nameforthedrinks,please,”thebaristaspoke.

“KateandEdmond.”Ismiled.

Hearing a heavy sigh escape Edmond’s lips, I turned to him and spoke, “You’ll love it. Trust me.” I

lightlyhithisarmwiththebackofmyhand.Assoonasourcoffeeswereready,Igrabbedbothcupsfrom

thecounterandhandedEdmondhis.

“Thankyou,”hespokeasheclearedhisthroat.

Asmallsmilecrossedmylips.“You’rewelcome.Nowlet’sgohome.”

Edmondpulleduptothecurbofthetownhouse,climbedout,andstoodonthesidewalk,waitingfor

metogetoutofthecar.Isatthere,staringstraightaheadasIwaitedforhimtoopenthedoor.Hisface

twisted as his eyes narrowed at me through the window. Finally, he placed his hand on the handle and

openedthedoor.

“Isthereaproblem?”heaskedwithirritation.

“No.Iwasjustwaitingforyoutobeagentlemanandopenthedoorforme.”Iarchedmybrow.

HetookinasharpbreathashefollowedbehindmeupthestepsandIwalkedintothehouse.WhenI

reachedmybedroom,InoticedaVictoria’sSecretbagsittingonthebed.Walkingovertoit,Iremoved

the tissue paper and, one by one, I pulled out multiple pieces of pretty lingerie and matching panties.

Gabrielhadsexytaste,butIwasn’tsurprisedbywhatagodhewasinthebedroom.

GrabbingmymacchiatofromthenightstandwhereIhadsetitdown,Iwalkeddownstairstothekitchen

tograbasmallsnack.AsIpassedthelivingroom,Iheardsobscomingfromit.Stopping,IsawGrace

sittingonthecouchnexttoawomanwhowascryinghereyesout.

“Umm,hello?”Iwalkedtowardsthem.

Grace lightly shook her head at me as her eyes widened. It was as if she was telling me not to say

anything.

“Whoareyou?”thewomannexttoGraceaskedinasnottytone.

“Kate.KateHarper.Andyoumaybe?”Iarchedmybrowather.

“GretaStevens.”Shesniffled.

Holyshit.Itwastheex-girlfriend.Whatthehellwasshedoinghere?

“GretajuststoppedbytospeaktoGabriel,”Gracespoke.

Thiscouldn’thaveworkedoutbetterifIhadplanneditmyself.Sittingdownonthecouch,Ihooked

myarmaroundher.

“Whatareallthetearsfor?”Isoftlyasked.

“Abrokenheart.”Shedabbedhereyeswithatissue.

“I’vegotthis,Grace.”Iwinked.

Hereyenarrowedatmeforafewmomentsbeforeshegotupandlefttheroom.

“Areyouhisnewgirlfriend?”shescowled.

“Whosegirlfriend?”Iplayeddumb.

“Gabriel’s.”

“Ohno.”Ilaughed.“I’mGabriel’scousin.Hewaskindenoughtoletmestayhereuntilmyapartment

renovationsarecomplete.IjustmovedherefromTexas.”

“HenevermentionedhehadacousinnamedKate.”Sheblewhernose.

“Well,maybethat’sbecausehe’sanasshole.”Ismiled.

“Butyoujustsaidhewaskind.”

“Yes. To let me stay here, but overall, he’s an asshole. But you already know that since you’re here

cryingonhiscouch.Whatdidhedotoyou?”Igaveheralighthugtoplayonhersympathy.

“Out of the clear blue, he broke up with me. And the worst part,” she looked at me with mascara-

stainedeyes,“hediditoverthephonewhilehewasinSeattle.Ijustcan’tseemtogetoverhim.”

“I’mnotsurprised.”Ishookmyhead.“Howlongwereyoudating?”

“Sixmonths.Hewasthemanofmydreamsandhedidnothingbutcrushthem.”Shelaidherheadon

myshoulder.

“Ugh.I’msosorry.Didhesaywhyhebrokethingsoff?”

“He said he wasn’t happy and that I couldn’t understand that his career came first. He was always

working.AllIwantedwastospendtimewithhim.Wasthatsomuchtoask?”Shelookedupatme.

“No,sweetie.Notatall.”

“ThenhetoldmethatIwasawhinylittlechildandIonlycaredaboutwhatIwanted.”

“Whatajerk.”

“Youknowwhatthesadpartis?”Sheliftedherheadandblewhernose.“Iwouldtakehimbackina

second.Eventhoughheshatteredmyheartintotinypieces,Istilllovehim.”

Thisgirlhadsomeseriousself-esteemissues.

“Doyoureallylovehim?”Iasked.

“OfcourseIdo.WhydoyouthinkI’mhere?Iwashopingtoseehimandmaybewecouldtalk.”

“Soyouweregoingtobeghimtogiveyouasecondchance?”

Sheswallowedhard.“Yes.”

IshookmyheadasIgotupfromthecouchandpacedaroundtheroom.

“Greta,letmeaskyousomething.HaveyoueverbeenwithawealthymanbeforeGabriel?”

“No.”

“Sowhenthetwoofyougottogether,youthoughtitwasamazingthatamanlikehimwouldfallfora

girllikeyou?”

Shelookedatmewithhersadpuppybrowneyes.“Howdareyou.”

“Thatwasn’taninsult,darling.WhatI’mtryingtosayisthatyouneverthoughtinamillionyearsthata

wealthyandsexymanwouldfallforyou.AmIcorrect?”

“Iguess.”

“WhattypeofmendidyoudatebeforeGabriel?”

Sheshrugged.“Justtypicalguys.Therewasaconstructionworker,aparamedic,andastoremanager.”

“Sojustordinaryguys.Probablycute,butnotoverlyhot.Madeanaveragesalary.Perhapsenoughto

buyyouasmallhouseinthesuburbswithacutelittlewhitepicketfence.Guyswhoworkedninetofive

andcouldspendallthetimeintheworldwithyou?Thetypeofmenyouonlyfeltyoudeserved?Feelfree

tostopmeifI’mwrong.”

“Sofar,you’reright.”Shenodded.

“ThenalongcameCousinGabriel.Gorgeous,sexy,andrich.Hemadeyoufeellikeamilliondollars

whenyouonlyfeltlikeyouwereworthahundred.Thethoughtthatamanlikehimcouldfallforyouwas

intoxicating. Finally, a man you could rub into your family and friend’s faces, to show them that Greta

StevenswassomeonespecialandthatamanlikeGabrielwantedher.”

“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?”Gabrielsnappedashewalkedintotheroom.“Greta,whatareyou

doinghere?”

Iputmyhanduptostophimfromtalking.

“It’s clear that you’ve broken this poor girl’s heart with your ball-less way of breaking up with her.

Overthephone,Gabriel?Really?”Inarrowedmyeyeathim.

“Thisisnoneofyourbusiness,Kate.Goupstairs!”

“Don’tyoudaretalktoyourcousinthatway!”Gretasnappedasshestoodupfromthecouch.

“Mywhat?”HeshotmealookandIgavehimasmirk.

WalkingovertoGreta,Itookholdofbothherhands.

“Listentome.Youdeservesomuchbetterthanhim.Youwereinlovewiththefantasy,Greta.Itwas

neverreallyaboutGabriel.”

“Itwasn’t?”

“No, sweetie. No matter how poorly he treated you, you just wanted to hold on to that fantasy. You

deserve someone who makes you a priority in their life. Someone who is capable of giving you all the

love you deserve. Who puts you first before anything else. Gabriel is incapable of any of that and you

know it. He’s greedy and money is all he cares about. Why do you think he’s still single? Money will

alwaysbehisnumberoneloveandanyoneelsewouldalwayscomesecond.Orhell,maybeeventhird.

Hehasaheartofstone.ButIknowdeepdownyoualreadyknewthat.Doyouthinkthat’ssomethingyou

deserve?”

“No.”Shelightlyshookherhead.

“Ofcourseyoudon’t.FromwhatIcansee,you’reawonderfulwomanwithsomuchgoingforyou.

You don’t need a man like him. He can’t be trusted, especially where women are concerned. He has a

wanderingeye,youknow.”

“Okay.That’senough!”heshouted.

“Iknowhedoes.I’veseenit.Thewayhelookedatotherwomenwhenweweretogether.”

“So,eventhoughyouwereflyinghighwiththefantasy,hewasslowlymakingyoufeelinadequate?”

“Yes.Asamatteroffact,hewas.”

“You’restrong,Greta.Nowgooutintothatworldandshowithowstrongyoureallyareandhowno

manwillevermakeyoufeellikethatagain.”

“You’reright.”Hereyesdivertedtohim.“Ineverlovedyou,Gabriel.Youwerenothingbutafantasy

tome.You,Mr.GabrielQuinn,aremeanandyou’reamanwhoisn’tcapableoftrulylovinganyonebut

yourself.Ideservebetterthanthat.Goodluckwiththerestofyourlife.”Shegrabbedherpursefromthe

couchandwalkedpasthim.“Ipitythenextwomanwhofallsforyourdumbass.”

Isnickeredassheleft.

“Whatthefuckwasallthatabout?”hespokeangrilythroughgrittedteeth.

“Relax.Youshouldbethankingme.Shecameheretobegyoutotakeherback.Didyoureallywantto

dealwithallthatnonsense?”

“Whythefuckwouldshedothat?”

“Because,youidiot,she’sobviouslystillinlovewithyou.It’sbeyondmewhy.”

“Shejustsaidshewasn’t.”

“BecauseIconvincedhershewasn’t.”Thecornersofmymouthcurvedupintoacunningsmile.

“Andallthatshityousaidaboutmeisnottrue!”

“Thathasyettobedetermined,Mr.Quinn.”Iwinked.“Itdoesn’tmatteranyway.She’soutofyourlife

forgood.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,Iwasonmywaytothekitchentograbasnack,”IspokeasIwalked

away.

Iwentintothekitchen,andwhenIopenedtherefrigerator,IheardGabriel’svoicebehindme.

“Mycousin?Really?”

“Didyouwantmetotellherthatyoukidnappedmeandareholdingmehostagehereasyoursexslave

forthenextthirtydays?”

“Ididnotkidnapyou.Youcamehereonyourownfreewill.”

“Youtrickedme.”Ipointedathim.“Isn’titfunnyhowweallhavealittlebitofconinus?”Iarched

mybrow.

Hetookinasharpbreathandplacedhishandsinhispockets.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Gabriel

IhadnowordsforwhatIhadjustwitnessedbetweenGretaandKate.

“Youcanthankmelaterinbed.”Shelickedherlipsasshewalkedpastme.

Mycocktwitchedsomethingfierceanditshouldn’thave.Gracewalkedintothekitchenandlookedat

me.

“I’malldonefortheday,Gabriel.”

“Thankyou,Grace.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

“Ihatetoadmitit,butKatesureissomethingelse.Don’tbetoohardonherwhereGretaisconcerned.

Shecameheretellingmethatshecouldn’tlivewithoutyouandifyoudidn’ttakeherback,shewasafraid

thatshewouldhurtherself.Itriedtalkingtoherandtogetheroutofherebeforeyougothome,butnothing

wasworking.Thenshestartedwithherdamncrying,andthat’swhenKatewalkedin.Shehasawaywith

words,Gabriel.Youcan’tdenythat.”Shesmiled.

“Shemanipulatespeople,Grace.”

Sheshrugged.“Well,inthiscase,itwasagoodthing.”

IsighedasIwentuptomyroomtochangefordinner.Pullingmyphonefrommypocket,Isentatext

messagetoKate.

“Weareleavingfordinnerinapproximatelytwentyminutes.Beready.Iwanttoeatbeforewehead

totheBoweryRoom.”

“Givemethirty.Ifyoucan’tdothat,thenIwillhavetomeetyouattherestaurant.”

“Isaidtwentyorforgetit.Wearen’tgoingout.”

“AndIsaidthirty.DoyoureallywanttohavetoexplaintoCalebthatwecouldn’tcomeseehis

bandplayovertenminutes?”

Iclenchedmyfistandtookinadeepbreath.Throwingmyphoneonthebed,Itookaquickshowerand

changedmyclothes.IwentdownstairsandpouredaglassofbourbonwhileIwaitedforMissSmarty

Pantstocomedown.Lookingatmywatch,Isawthatshehadfiveminutesleft.

“Don’tworry.I’mfiveminutesearly.”Shesmiledasshewalkeddownthestairs.

Myeyesrakedoverherfromheadtotoeasshetookmybreathaway.Sheworeahigh-waistedpleated

shortblackskirtwitharoyalbluetopthatsatoffbothshoulders.Tallblackbootsthatcameoverherknee

gracedherlongleanlegs,andthewayshehadherhairpinnedupwithafewstrandsofcurlshanging

downstartedtogivemeanerection.

“Well?”Shedidaspinassheheldoutherhands.“AmIdressedappropriatelyfortheevening?”

Asmilecrossedmylips.“Youmostdefinitelyare.Youlookbeautiful.”

“Thankyou,Gabriel.Youlookquitehandsomeyourself.”Shegrinned.

Asweweresittinginthelimo,onourwaytotherestaurant,IplacedmyhandonKate’s.

“I’msorryaboutearlierwithGreta.Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.”Shesmiled.“I’mstilltryingtofigureoutwhatyousawinher.”

“Tobehonest,Idon’treallyknow.Ithoughtshewasniceandsweetatfirst.Butthenasthe

relationshipgrew,shedemandedmoreofmytime.Weekendsweren’tgoodenough.Shewantedustosee

eachothereverydayandshewouldcrynon-stop.IfIsentherflowersforaspecialoccasion,shewould

whinethattheyweren’ttherightcolor.ShewouldblowupmyphonealldaylongandaskmewhatIwas

doingandthenfacetimemetomakesurewhatIsaidwastrue.Shenaggedallthetime.Itookherona

businesstripwithmetoFloridaandtheonlythingshewantedtodowaslieonthebeach.Andseriously,

that’sallshedidthewholeweekwewerethere.Shedidn’twanttosightseeorevenshop.Iwasgoingto

rentaboatforadayandsheclaimedshegotseasick,sothatwasoutofthequestion.”

“Shesoundscomplicated.”

“Shewas.SheevenhadhermothercalltotellmewhatashittyboyfriendIwasandthatamaninmy

positionshouldtreatherlikeaqueen.”

“Wow.Really?”Herbrowraised.

“Itjustwasn’tagoodthing.”

“Thenwhydidyoustaywithherforsixmonths?”

“Iwasinthemiddleofopeninganewhotelandthereweretonsofproblems.Itwaseasierjusttostay

withherandkeepblowingheroffuntilthehotelwasopened.Then,whenIwasinSeattle,sheaccused

meofcheatingonherandshecalledme,cryinghereyesouteverysingleday.Icouldn’ttakeitanymore,

soIendeditoverthephone.Ididn’twanttodealwithherwhenIgotback.”

“Shesoundslikeapsycho.”

Isighed.“Sheprettymuchwas.Thethingwomendon’tunderstandisthatmycareerwillalwayscome

first.”

“Itotallygetthatbecauseminedoestoo.”Shesmirked.

“Veryfunny,Kate.”

CarlpulleduptoTavernontheGreenandIclimbedoutfirst.Holdingoutmyhand,sheplacedhersin

mineasIhelpedherfromthecar.

“Tellmemoreaboutyourfather,”Ispokeaswewereseatedandsippingonwine.

“Canwetalkabouthimlater?Ijustwanttoenjoythisevening.”

“Fine.Butwewilldiscussit.”

Afterwefinishedeating,weheadedtotheBoweryRoom.

“Youmadeit.”Calebsmiledaswelightlyhugged.

“Ofcourse.Itoldyouwewould.”

“Hey,Kate.Howareyou?”Calebasked.

“I’mgood.Thanks.I’mreallyexcitedtohearyouguysplay.”

“Thanks.Let’sgrabadrinkbeforeIgoonstage.”

ThethreeofustookaseatatatableinfrontofwhereCalebwasgoingtoperform.Theplacewas

gettingcrowded.Butthatwasnosurprise.FallenAngelscouldalwayspackaroom.

“Wouldyoulikeanothertequila?”IaskedKate.

“Yes,anddon’tforgetthesplashoflime.”Shesmiled.

IheadedtothebarjustasCalebandhisbandstartedtoperform.WhenIgotbacktothetable,Kate

wasinherseat,movingtothemusic.

“Wow.They’rereallygood!”sheexclaimed.

IsmiledatherasIsetherdrinkdown.ShesatandwatchedthemplaywhileIsatandwatchedher.She

washavingagoodtimeandIcouldn’twaittogethomeandfuckher.Thethoughtmademycocktwitch.

ShedefinitelywasoneofthemostbeautifulwomenIeverlaideyeson.Toobadshewaseverykindof

wrong.

“Thankyouallforcomingouttonighttoseeusplay.Itmeansalot,”Calebspoketotheaudience.“I’d

liketointroduceyoutosomeone.HernameisKateandshehasthevoiceofanangel.Kate,comeuphere

andsingalittlesomethingforus.”

KatewashorrifiedandCalebwouldn’tletitgo.Hejumpeddownfromthestageandgrabbedher

hand,pullingherupwithhim.Shetriedtotellhimno,buthewasn’ttakingnoforananswer.Hehanded

herhisguitarandshewhisperedsomethinginhisear.Turningtothemicrophone,shespoketothe

audience.

“Thisisasongmyfatherusedtosingtome.”

Isatandwatchedher,listeningcarefullytothewordsasshesangthem.Thewayshesangitwas

haunting.Icouldfeeltheemotionpourfromher,whichtoldmethatsonghadaspecialmeaning.Whenthe

songwasover,theaudienceclappedandcheered.Calebgaveherakissonthecheek,shesteppedoffthe

stage,andwhenshesatdown,shefinishedoffherdrinkandaskedforanother.

“Youwerereallygoodupthere,”Ispoke.

“Thanks.I’mgoingtokillyourbrotherfordoingthat.”

ThewaitressbroughtoveranotherroundofdrinksandKatechuggeditasifitwaswater.

“Slowdownthere.”Ismiled.“Thatsongyousang.Yousaidyourfatherusedtosingittoyou?”

“Yeah.”Sheheldupherfingertograbthewaitress’attention.“Heusedtosingittomeallthetime.”

“What’sthenameofthesong?”Iasked.

“‘Run’bySnowPatrol.Funnythingisthatsongfitourlifesoperfectly.Itwasasifitwaswrittenfor

us.”

ItookasipofmybourbonwhileIcontinuedtostareatherasshesippedherdrinkandwatched

Caleb’sbandonstage.Shedidn’tsaymuchtherestoftheevening,oronthewayhome,andIcouldtell

somethingwasbotheringher.

“I’mgoingtogoupstairsandchange.Anyspecificlingerieyouwantmetoweartonight?”sheasked.

“It’syourchoice.I’llmeetyouinmyroomwhenyou’reready.”

Shegavemeasmallsmileaswesteppedontotheelevator.

ChapterTwenty-Three

Kate

Idecidedtoslipintoablackhalterbabydollpiecewiththematchingv-stringpanty.Walkingintothe

bathroom,Itookmyhairdownandranmyfingersthroughit,lettingitfallovermyshoulders.Asadness

thatI’dbeenholdingbackallnightpushedthroughallmystrengthandfinallybrokeme.Isatontheedge

ofthebedwithmyfaceinmyhands.

“Kate?Areyouokay?”IheardGabrielaskinasoftvoiceashesteppedintomybedroom.

Iopenedmyeyesandlookedupathim.

“My dad would always say, ‘It’s okay, Katie. Remember, we’re on an adventure. Just me and you.

Fatheranddaughter.Wecanconquertheworldtogetheranddoanythingwewant.’Excepthisconquering

theworldleftmealoneamajorityofthetime.Heusedtosay‘Lightup,babygirl.Oneday,we’regoing

tohavethelifewealwaysdreamedof.’Whathedidn’tunderstandwasthatIwantedanormallife,witha

house, and to stay in one place where I could set down roots and make some friends. Where he had a

normaljobandmadeanhonestliving.”

Hewalkedovertothebedwhenhesawthetearsfallfrommyeyesandsatdownnexttome.

“Heconnedpeople,didn’the?”Iasked.

Inoddedmyheadandgrabbedatissuefromthenightstand.

“Isthatwhyhe’sinprison?”

“Hegotinvolvedwithsomehigh-poweredpeople.Whentheyfoundoutheconnedthem,theysethim

upandmadesurehewenttoprison.TheFBIseizedallhisfundsandhelosteverything.Acoupleofdays

afterhewassentencedtoRikers,amanknockedonthedoorofthehotelroomIwasstayinginandtold

methatifIwantedtogetmyfatheroutofprison,allIwouldhavetodoispaythemdoubleofwhathe

stole.”

“Howmuch?”heasked.

“Tenmilliondollars.”

“Forfucksakes,Kate.”Heshookhishead.

“Theysaidoncehisdebtispaidoff,theywouldmakesurehewasreleasedfromprison.”

“Andtheycanjustdothat?”

“Thesepeoplehavefriendsinhighplaces,Gabriel.YouwantedtoknowwhyIdowhatIdo.That’s

thereason.Idon’tlikeit.Infact,Ihateit,butIneedmyfatheroutofprison.He’stheonlypersonIhavein

thisworld.”Atearfellfrommyeye.“Everypieceofjewelry,designerclothes,handbags,andanything

elsethosemengavemeofgreatvalue,Isold.AndwhateverItakefromthem,Ipayittowardsmyfather’s

debt.That’sthereasonIdon’thavethirtythousanddollarstogiveyou.”

“Howmuchofthatdebtdidyoualreadypayoff?”

“Fivemilliondollars.SamuelColdwaterwasgoingtobemylastjob.”

“Howcertainareyouthatthesepeoplewouldgetyourfatheroutofprisonafteryoupaidthem?People

likethatneverkeeptheirword.”

“Wesignedacontract.Iagreedtopaytenmilliondollarsandtheyagreedtogethimoutofprison.”

“Isee.”

Hegotupfromthebedandpacedaroundtheroom.

“Heruinedyourlife,Kate.Youhavetoknowthat.”

“Hedidwhathehadtodotosupportus.HetoldmethatIwastheonlythinginhislifethathe’ddone

right.Hequitconningafterhemetmymotherandtheygotmarried.Hesoldusedcarsandtheystillhad

troublemakingendsmeet.ThenIwasborn,shedied,andIwasallhehadleft.Inhismind,hewasdoing

whatwasbestforusanddoingtheonlythingheknewhow.”

Gabrielsatdownonthebedandcuppedhishandsinhisface.Therewereafewmomentsofsilence

andthenhestoodup.

“Getsomerest.Tonightisoff.”

Iquicklygrabbedholdofhishandbeforehehadthechancetowalkaway.

“No.Please.Ineedyou.”

Heturnedandlookedatmeforamomentwithhesitationinhiseyes.Thenhegotdownonhiskneesin

frontofmeandbrushedhislipsagainstmine.

****

Gabriel

After I fucked her, I walked out of the bedroom and headed downstairs to the bar, where I poured

myselfabourbon.ShewasupsetandIprobablyshouldn’thavesleptwithher,butshewantedit.MaybeI

shouldhavestayedwithher,butIcouldn’t.Herstory.Wasittrue?Orwasitallalie?Shewasgoodat

whatshedidandIcouldn’ttellifshewasplayingmeornot,whichwasinfuriating.Ithrewbacktherest

ofmybourbonandslammedtheglassdownonthebar.Whatwassheupto?Wasshetellingmethatstory

tomakemefeelsorryforher?Totryandunderstandwhyshedidwhatshedid?Wasshetryingtoconme

into giving her money? Perhaps using me to get what she needed to pay off her father’s debt? I wasn’t

buying the debt part. She did what she did because it was all she knew. It was how she grew up. She

neverhadanystructure,andshecertainlywasnevertaughtrightfromwrong.

Thenextmorning,Igrabbedacupofcoffeetogoandheadedstraighttotheoffice.Ididn’twanttobe

homewhenshewokeup.Icouldn’tevenlookatherafterwhatshehadtoldmelastnight.AsItookaseat

behindmydesk,Thaddeuswalkedin.

“IneedyoutolookoverthesecontractsandsignthemfortheChicagoproperty.Oncethat’sdone,we

canstartconstruction,”hespoke.

“Handthemover.”Iheldoutmyhand.

“Everythingokay?”heaskedashetookaseatacrossfromme.

“Everything’sfine.Why?”Ilookedathim.

“Youseemunusuallytensethismorning.”

“It’snothing.Ijusthadaroughnight.”

“Greta’snotbackinthepicture.Isshe?”heasked.

“No,”IrepliedasIsignedthecontractsandhandedthemover.“AreweallsetforHawaii?Isthere

anythingIneedtoknowaboutbeforeIgetthere?”

“No.Everythingissmoothedoutandthegrandopeningisset.”

“Good.Iexpecttheretobenoproblems.”Iarchedmybrow.

“Therewon’tbe.I’lltalktoyoulater.”

Ashewalkedoutofmyoffice,Iheardhimsayhellotosomeone.WhenIlookedup,Katewasstanding

inthedoorway.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“IwasoutandaboutandIwantedtoseewherethegreatGabrielQuinnspendsmostofhisday.”She

smiled.“MayIcomein?”

“I’mreallybusyrightnow,Kate.”Ilookedatmywatch.“It’sonlyteno’clock.Howareyououtand

aboutalready?”

“Thiswasmyfirststop.”

“Where’sEdmond?”

“He’sbehindme.I’msorrytohavebotheredyou.I’llseeyoulater.”

Assheturnedawayandbegantoclosethedoor,Ispoke,“Kate.”

Sheturnedandlookedatme.

“We’releavingforHawaiiinacoupleofdays.Makesureyoustartpacking.”

“Andyou’rejusttellingmethisnow?”

“Iwasgoingtotellyoutonight.”

“Andwhat’sinHawaii?”sheasked.

“Thegrandopeningofmynewhotel.”

“Okay.I’llstartpacking.”Sheturnedawayandshutthedoorbehindher.

IpickedupapenandthrewitacrossmydeskasIgotoutofmychairandpacedaroundtheroom.Ihad

thisragebuiltupinsidemethatIcouldn’tletgoof.Itwasn’taboutthewatchanymore.Itwasn’tbeing

abletobelieveawordshesaid.IwantedtotrustherandIwantedtobelieveherbecausethesefucking

feelingsthatstirredinsidemewouldn’tstop.

Afteralongday,Iwasfinallyabletoleavetheofficeandheadhome.WhenIwalkedthroughthedoor,

thearomaofsomethingcookinghitme.Followingthescenttothekitchen,IfoundKateatthestove.

“Whatareyoudoing?”IaskedasIsetmybriefcasedown.

“Makingdinnerforus.”

“Where’sGrace?”

“Shewasfinishedandsheleft.IthoughtitwouldbeniceifIcookedtonight.”Sheturnedherheadand

asmallsmilecrossedherlips.

“Ididn’tknowyoucouldcook.”

“Whodoyouthinkdidallthecookingformeandmydad?Ifhehadhisway,we’dhavepizzaandfast

foodeverynight.”

“Itsmellsgood.Whatareyoumaking?”IaskedasItookaseatattheisland.

“Bruschettachickenwithasaladandhomemaderolls.”

“Didyouteachyourselftocook?”

“Somewhat, and I had some teachers along the way. There was this woman my dad was with for a

shortperiodoftime.Shewasachefandownedherownrestaurant.Ispentalotoftimeatherhouseand

shetaughtmeafewthings.”

“Awomanthatyourfatherconned?”Iasked.

Sheswallowedhard.“Yes.”

She took the chicken out of the pan, arranged it nicely on a platter, and took it into the dining room.

Beforetakingaseat,Iwalkedovertothebarandpouredaglassofbourbonformeandaglassofwhite

wineforher.

“Thislooksdelicious.Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.”Shetookasipofherwine.

“Whatdidyoudotodaybesidefoodshop?”Iasked.

“ShoppedalittlebitforHawaii.”

“Withwhatmoney?”Myeyenarrowed.

“WhosaidIneededmoney?”Asmirkcrossedherface.

Mybloodstartedtoboilatthethoughtthatshehadstolenthemerchandise.

“Isweartogod,Kate.Ifyou—”

“Relax,Gabriel.Iwaskidding.Idohavesomemoneyinmybankaccount.Andbeforeyouaskhow

much,it’snotthirtythousanddollars.Besides,Idon’tshoplift.IneverhaveandIneverwill.”

Ireachedacrossthetableandgrabbedthesaladbowl.AsIwasplacingsomesaladonmyplate,she

threwarollatme,hittingmesquareintheface.

“Whatthefuck?!”Iglaredather.

“Iwanttoknowwhyyouhaveanattitudewithme.Inoticeditthismorningatyouroffice.”

“Idon’t.Nowdropitandfinisheating,”Isternlyspoke.

“You do and I want to know why. What did I do to make you so angry? I haven’t got a clue, unless

you’restillholdingagrudgeaboutyourwatch.ButIthoughtwesettledthat.Isn’tthatwhyI’mhere?I’ve

doneeverythingyouaskedofmesofar.Sothereisnoreasonforyoutotreatmethewayyoudidorthe

wayyouare.”

Her mouth. She kept rambling and it was pissing me off. I slammed my fists down on the table and

stoodupfrommyseat.

“YouwanttoknowwhyI’msoangry?It’sbecauseIcan’ttrustyou.Ican’ttrustawordyousay.That

littlefabricatedstoryofyourslastnightwasagoodone.Butnotgoodenoughformetobelieveyouor

yourlies.”Ipointedmyfingerather.

Shesatthereasshedroppedherforkontoherplateandstaredatmewhilehereyesfilledwithtears.

Sheslowlygotupfromherseat,wipedhermouthwithanapkin,andsetitdownonthetable.

“I’m sorry you don’t believe me. But it’s all true. Everything I told you last night was the truth. I’m

dealing with dangerous men, Gabriel. They want their money and I want my father out of prison.” She

walkedawayandheadedupstairs.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Kate

Iranuptomyroom,slammedthedoor,andthrewmyselfonthebed.DidIreallyblamehimfornot

trustingme?DidIhavetherighttobesoupsetoverit?WhydidIevencareifhetrustedmeornot?That

wasthebigquestion.IneededtoacceptthefactthathewouldnevertrustmeaftereverythingI’ddone.

ThesoonerIdidthat,theeasierthisarrangementwouldbe.TheonlyreasonIwasherewastopayoffa

debt,nothingelse.Heonlysawmeasabusinessdeal,sothelessItoldhimaboutmylife,thebetteroff

I’dbe.IwasstupidforwantingtoseewhereheworkedandforcaringthatheleftthehousebeforeIeven

wokeup.WhenIfoundouthewasalreadygone,therewasapartofmethatwassad,andallIhadwanted

todowasseehimbeforeIstartedmyday.ThesefeelingsandemotionswereoutofcontrolandIneeded

for them to stop. I’d never had problems like this with the other men I was with. Never got involved.

Neverfeltathing.Ididn’tevenhavetopretend,butwithGabriel,Idid.

I refused to wallow in self-pity, so I got up from the bed, took in a deep breath, and walked back

downstairstocleanupdinner.WhenIreachedthekitchen,IsawGabrielloadingthedishwasher.

“I’lltakecareofthat,”IspokeasIgrabbedthepanfromthestove.

“I’vegotit,”hesnapped.

“You’veworkedallday.Goupstairs.I’llfinishcleaningupandmeetyouinyourbedroom.”

“Fine.”Hewipedhishandsonatowelandbegantowalkoutofthekitchen.

BeforeIknewit,hegrabbedmyarm,turnedmearound,andsmashedhismouthintomine.Ourheated

kisstoldmethatweweren’tgoingtomakeittothebedroom.MyfingersfumbledwithhisbeltasIundid

itandunzippedhispants,whilehishandspulledmyshirtovermyhead.Wemovedarounduntilhehad

mepinnedupagainsttherefrigerator,thecoldnessofthestainlesssteelsendingajoltthroughme.Hetook

downmypants,grabbedmywrists,andheldthemtogetherwithonehandwhilehisfreehandexploredmy

arousedarea.WhenhemadesureIwaswetenoughforhim,hepulledhishardcockfromhisunderwear

andshoveditdeepinsideme,causingmetogaspatbothpleasureandpain.Hemovedrapidly,likeadog

in heat, and his tongue slid across my neck. As he thrust in and out of me with hard, deep strokes, he

staredintomyeyesandspoke,“Iwanttotrustyou.”

“Youcan,”Ibreathlesslyspokeasanorgasmerupted.

Hehaltedandburiedhimselfdeepinsidemewhilehecame.Hisheaddroppedtomyshoulder.

“No,Ican’t,”hewhispered.

Heremovedhimselffromme,tuckedhiscockbackinhisunderwear,pulleduphispants,andwalked

away.Icrossedmyarmsovermychestandslowlysliddowntothefloor,tryingtoholdbackthetearsthat

sobadlywantedtostreamdownmyface.

Thenextmorning,afterarestlessnightofsleep,IwaitedinbeduntilIwassurethatGabrielhadleft

for the office. I had a lot to do today to get ready for Hawaii, but there was one thing that took

precedence:visitingmyfather.Aftershoweringandgettingdressed,Iheadedtothekitchen,madeacup

ofcoffee,andgrabbedsomefreshfruitfromtherefrigerator.

“Goodmorning,Kate,”Gracespoke.“Icanmakeyousomebreakfast.”

“Morning,Grace.Fruitisfine.I’mnotreallyhungry.”

“You’reupkindoflatethismorning.Iseverythingokay?”sheasked.

“Yeah.Ijusthadarestlessnight,andIcouldn’treallysleep.I’mgoingouttoday.Doyouneedmeto

pickyouupanything?”Iaskedher.

“That’s sweet of you to ask, but I have to go out myself and do some grocery shopping. Is there

anythingIcangetyou?”

“Nothanks.”IgaveherasmallsmileasIsippedmycoffee.

GraceleftandonceIfinishedmyfruit,Igrabbedmypurseandheadedoutthefrontdoor.

“Goingoutagain?”Edmondraisedhisbrow.

Usually, I’d have a witty comeback for him, but today, I was serious. To be honest, I think he was

disappointed.IwasmakingheadwaywithhimandIstartedtobelieveheenjoyedmycompany.

“IneedtogotoRikersIslandtovisitmyfathertoday.”

“Oh.Okay.Whenarevisitinghours?”

“Soon,”Ireplied.

“Thenwebetterheadoutnow.There’sgoingtobealotoftraffic.”

We walked down the steps together and he opened the car door for me. He was definitely making

progress.

“Canyoudomeafavor,Edmond?”

“Itdepends.”Helookedatmethroughtherearviewmirror.

“Pleasedon’ttellGabrielthatIwenttheretoday.Ineedittostaybetweenthetwoofus,”Ispokewith

asadnessinmyvoice.

“Sure.Iwon’ttellhim.”

Whenwearrivedattheprison,Isignedin,gotsearched,andthentookaseatatanemptytablewhileI

waitedforthemtobringmyfatherin.

“There’smybabygirl.”HesmiledasIstoodupandwebrieflyhugged.

“Hi,Daddy.”

“Howareyou?Ihaven’tseenyouinamonth,Kate.Iwasstartingtogetworried.”

“I’msorry.Thingshavebeensocrazy.Ihavesomewonderfulnews.ImovedtoNewYork.”

“What?”Hecockedhishead.“WhataboutyourjobandschoolinChicago?”

“Igottransferredhere.TherestaurantIworkforopenedupalocationinManhattanandIaskedifI

couldtransfertobeclosertoyou.”

“That’swonderful.Butwhataboutschool?”

“I stopped going. It was taking me forever since I could only take a class here and there. But don’t

worry,Ihaveagreatjobanditpaysgood.Especiallythetips.”

“Areyouokay,sweetheart?”heaskedwithconcern.

“I’mfine.IhavethisgreatapartmentinaniceneighborhoodandI’vealreadymadesomefriends.The

bestpartis,Icancomevisityoueveryweek.”Ibrightlysmiledtomaskthepaininsideme.

“WhataboutthatguyyouwereseeinginChicago?Whatwashisname?Tom,Ibelieve?”

“Iendedthatawhileago.Thingsjustweren’tworkingout.”

“I’msorrytohearthat,sweetheart.”

“Don’t be, Daddy. It was for the best. Right now, I’m just focusing on me and my career in the

restaurant business. I’m learning everything I can because, one day, I would like to open up my own

restaurant.”Ismiled.

“I’msoproudofyou.”Hegrinned.“Iworryaboutyou,baby.Iworryabouthowgrowinguptheway

youdidwouldaffectyou.ThelastthingIwantedtodowasscrewyouup.”

“Youdidn’t.I’mgoodandI’mhappytobeclosertoyou.”

“NewYorkisadangerouscity.Youneedtobeonguardatalltimes.”

“Chicagowasn’tanysafer.”Iletoutalightlaugh.

Wetalkedforawhileandthenourtimewasup.Thegoodbyewasalwaysthehardestpart.

“I’llseeyounextweek.”Ismiledaswebrieflyhugged.

“Lookingforwardtoit,sweetheart.”

I walked out of the visiting room with an emptiness inside me. I hated seeing him locked up here. I

thoughtwitheachvisititwouldgeteasier,butitneverdid.

“I’mreadytoleave,Edmond,”Isoftlyspoke.

“Areyouokay,Kate?”

“Notreally.”

WewalkedtothecarandIclimbedinside,pullingmyseatbeltovermyshoulderandbucklingit.

“Howaboutamacchiatoandablueberrymuffin?”Edmondsmiled.

“Ablueberrymuffin?”

“Didn’tyouknowthatblueberrymuffinsalwayschasethebluesaway?”Hewinked.

AsmilecrossedmylipsandweheadedtoStarbucks.

ChapterTwenty-Five

Kate

AfterIarrivedbackatthetownhouse,Iwentuptomyroomtosoakinabubble-filledwarmtubbefore

starting to pack for our trip tomorrow morning. I wasn’t sure what kind of mood Gabriel would be in

whenhegothomesincehisangerandtrustissuesweregettingworseandIdidn’tfeellikedealingwith

him.Ilaidmyheadbackonthebathpillowandclosedmyeyes,takinginthesweetaromaoflavender.I

wasdriftingintoanotherworldwhenIheardaloudknockonthebathroomdoor.

“Kate,areyouinthere?”Gabrielasked.

Iopenedmyeyesandsighed.Whatwashedoinghomealready?

“Yes.”

Iheardtheturningoftheknobandthedooropened.GabrielstoodthereinhisdarkgrayArmanisuit,

lookingsexyasfuck.

“Doyoumind?”IaskedasIraisedmybrow.

“Idon’t.”Hesmirked.

“Whyareyouhomealready?Shouldn’tyoubestressingoutoversomethingattheoffice?”

“IneedtopackforHawaii.Ibroughthomedinnerforus.Ihopeyou’rehungry.”

“Dependsonwhatyoubrought,”Ispokewithaslightattitude.

“KoreanBBQ.”

“I’veneverhadit.”

“There’safirsttimeforeverything.Howmuchlongerareyougoingtobe?Idon’twantthefoodtoget

cold.”

“Ibasicallyjustgotinbeforeyouknockedonthedoor.”

“Youcantakeonelater.Getoutandgetdressed.Dinneriswaiting,”hespokeasheturnedandwalked

away.

Itookinasharpbreathtotryandstopthevulgarwordsfromescapingmylips.Whothehelldoeshe

thinkheis,tellingmewhattodo?Unfortunately,insteadoftellinghimtofuckoff,Ididasheasked.Not

forhim,butforme.

IwentdownstairsandfoundGabrielsittingattheislandalreadyeating.Walkingovertothefridge,I

openeditandgrabbedabottleofwater.Lookingatthewhitecontainersoffoodthatsatonthecounter,I

wasunsure,eventhoughitdidsmellamazing.

“So,whatdowehavehere?”Iasked.

“Thiscontainerisporkbelly.Thisoneisduck,andthisoneisspicybeefshortribs.”

Grabbingaplatefromthecounter,Ioptedforthespicybeefshortribs.Iwasn’tafanofduckandthere

wasnowayIwaseatingporkbelly.Thethoughtnauseatedme.

“Takingthesaferoute,eh?”Gabrielsmirked.

“OfcourseIam.”

Heseemedtobeinabettermoodthanyesterday,whichwasgood.Thetensiondidn’tseemasthick.

“Whatdidyoudotoday?”heasked.

Shit.Whydidhehavetoask?

“Notmuch,”Ilied.“HadamacchiatoandablueberrymuffinwithEdmond.”

“Youandheseemtobegettingalong.”

“Ithinkhelikesmenow.”Ismiled.

“Whatelsedidyoudo?Didyougetanypackingdone?”

“Notyet.Iwasgoingtostartaftermybath.”

Damn.Thesespicybeefshortribswereamazing.

“ThisiswhyIcan’ttrustyou,”heblurtedout.

“Excuseme?”

“Youlieeverychanceyouget,”hespokeinanirritatedtoneashestuffedhisfacewithporkbelly.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“YouwenttovisityourfatheratRikersIslandtoday.Didn’tyou?”

Deadsilencefilledtheair.IwasgoingtokillEdmond.

“Yes,Idid.”Igulped.

“Whydidn’tyousayso?”

“Howdidyouknow?DidEdmondtellyou?BecauseIspecificallyaskedhimnotto.”

Hegotupfromhisstoolandtookhisplateovertothesink.

“Firstofall,youarenevertotellmyemployeestolietome.EVER!Doyouunderstandme?Ihavea

trackeronthecar.Imonitoryouractivitiesalldaylong.Iknowexactlywhereyougo.”

Idroppedmyforkonmyplate.

“Wow.Stalkermuch?”

“Iwouldn’thavetodoitifyoujusttoldthetruthallthetime.Whydidn’tyouwantmetoknowyou

wenttoseehim?”

“Idon’tknow.”Iloweredmyhead.

“Damn it, Kate!” His fists slammed down on the counter. “Tell me why you wanted to hide it from

me?”

“Whoa,”Calebspokeashewalkedintothekitchen.“What’sgoingonhere?”

“Caleb,whatareyoudoinghere?”Gabrielaskedinacalmtone.

“IjustcametoseeyoubeforeyouleftforHawaiitomorrowandtotellyouthatSonyRecordsoffered

usasolidcontract!”Hespokewithexcitement.

“That’sgreat.Congratulations.”Hesmiledashewalkedoverandgavehisbrotherahug.

“Thanks.”

“Congrats,Caleb.Youguysdeserveit.”

Heplacedhishandonmyshoulder.“Thanks,Kate.Ifthisisabadtime—”

“No.Areyouhungry?”Gabrielaskedhim.

“Nah.Ijustate.”

“Then come into the living room and we’ll have a celebratory drink. Kate, you may join us when

you’refinishedeating.”

“I’mnotveryhungry.IthinkI’lljustgouptomyroomandstartpacking.”Igotupfrommystooland

headedupthestairswithoutsayinganotherword.

****

Gabriel

“Mindtellingmewhatallthatwasabout?”Calebspokeaswewentintothelivingroom.

Steppingbehindthebar,Igrabbedtwoglassesandthebottleofbourbon.

“Sheliedtome.Shewenttoseeherfathertodayandtriedtodenyit.”

“Why?”

“Idon’tknow,”IrepliedasIhandedhimhisdrink.

“Younormallyaren’tlikethis,bro.What’sreallygoingon?”

“Nothing. I just want to know where she is and what she’s doing at all times when she leaves this

house.”

“Ineverfiguredyoutohavestalkertendencies.”Hesmirked.

“Nowyousoundlikeher.”Irolledmyeyes.

“You’reinwaytoodeepwithher.Comeon,Gabriel,thisismeyou’retalkingto.”

“Shejustmakesmesoangry.Moresonowthanbefore.Idon’tknow.”Ishookmyhead.

“I’lltellyouwhy.”Hetookasipofdrink.“It’sbecauseyou’vefallenforherandyouwanthertobe

flawless.Butthat’snotpossible,bro.Everyoneisflawedinonewayoranother.Yeah,she’saconartist,

butthat’safront,afaçade.Youneedtolookpastthatanddeepintoherheartandsoultotrulyfindthe

personshe’shiding.”

Isatacrossfromhimwithapuzzledlookonmyface.

“What?”

“She’s still playing all her roles; every person she ever invented. I believe she’s scared shitless to

showhertrueself.”

“Whywouldshebeafraid?”Iasked.

“Stopandthinkaboutitforaminute.Fromthetimeshewasalittlegirl,nooneeverknewherbyher

realname.Atleastthat’swhatI’massumingifherfatherwasoutconningpeople.Whenshemetothers,

shehadtobecomesomeoneelse,notKateHarper.Sheneverhadthechancetobeherself,bro,andI’m

notsuresheknowshow.Orifshedoes,she’ssoafraidshewon’tbeaccepted.”

IsighedasIbroughtmyankletomykneeandtookasipofmydrink.

“Maybeyou’reright.Idon’tknow.”

“Therewassomethingaboutherthatcaptivatedyouwhenyoufirstsawher.Andeventhoughshewas

disguisedassomeoneelsethatnightofthegala,youknewitwasher.Andwhy?”heasked.

“Hersmile.”

“Exactly,bro.ThatsmilebelongstoKateHarperandalwayshas,nomatterhowmanydifferentpeople

shebecame.Youalreadysawarealpieceofherandthat’swhatdrewyoutoherinthefirstplace.Give

herabreakandlettherestoftherealKateHarperemerge.Shewill,trustme.”Hegrinned.

“Areyousureyourpassioniswithmusic?”Icockedmyhead.

“Yeah. I’m sure.” He smirked. “You know I’ve always had this little gift of seeing through people.

Anyway, thanks for the drink. I better get going. Me and the band are heading to L.A. in a few days to

record.I’msostoked.”

WebothstoodupandIgavemybrotheratighthug.

“I’mreallyhappyforyou,Caleb.Justdon’tforgetaboutmewhenyou’rethishugeoff-the-chartsrock

star.”

“Nah,bro.You’remyfamandthemostimportantpersoninmylife.Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyoutoo.Nowgetoutofhere.”Ipattedhisback.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Kate

AsIwaspacking,therewasalightknockonmydoor.

“Comein,”Isoftlyspoke.

“Iseeyou’repacking,”Gabrielsaidashewalkedintotheroom.

“Yep.”

IturnedtotheclosetandgrabbedacoupleofsundressesIpurchasedforthetrip.

“Bytheway,howlongarewegoingtobeinHawaii?”Iasked.

“Afewdays.Why?”

“JustwonderinghowmuchIshouldpack.”

“Listen,Kate.Iwanttoapologizeforearlier.”

“Apologyaccepted,”IspokeasIneatlyfoldedthesundressesandputtheminmysuitcase.“Nowif

you’llexcuseme,IwanttofinishpackingbeforeIcomedowntoyourroom.”

“Aboutthat.Ithinkitwouldbebesttotaketonightoff.I’vehadalongdayandsohaveyouandwe

bothneedourrestbeforeourfoura.m.flight.”

“Foura.m.?”Icockedmyhead.“Whattimeareweleavingthehouse?”

“Carlwillbewaitingoutsideforusatthree.”

“That doesn’t give us enough time to get to the airport, check our bags, and go through security,” I

spoke.

“We aren’t flying commercial. I’ve rented a private jet. Once we arrive in Hawaii around three

o’clock,wehaveacoupleofhoursuntilweneedtobedownattherestaurantforaspecialgrandopening

dinner,sopacksomethingformal.”

“Why are you just telling me this now?” I glared at him. “I don’t have anything formal here. All my

dressesarebackatmyapartment.”

He sighed. “I’ll make a few calls and have some dresses waiting in the hotel suite when we arrive.

Whatsizeareyou?”

“Four.”

“Andshoesize?”

“Eight.”

Hegotupfromthebed.

“Get some rest and I’ll see you in a few hours,” he spoke as he walked out the door, pulling it shut

behindhim.

Myalarmwokemefromasoundsleepattwothirtya.m.Thiswasnotnormal,gettingupthisearlyfor

aflight.Idraggedmytiredbodyoutofbed,threwmyhairupinamessybun,pulledonapairofblack

leggings,awhitecami,andalongblackcardigan.Afterslippingmyfeetintomyblackflats,Igrabbedmy

suitcaseandtookittotheelevator.WhenIreachedthefoyer,Gabrielwasalreadythere,waiting.

“Goodmorning,”hespoke.

“It’sthemiddleofthenightandthere’snothinggoodaboutwakingupatthistime,”Isnarled.

“You’llbefine.”Hehandedmeasilvertravelmug.“Imadeyousomecoffee.”

“Thanks.”

ThedooropenedandbothCarlandEdmondsteppedinside.

“Edmond?You’regoingwithus?”

“Yes.”Hesmiled.

IglancedoveratGabriel.

“DidyoureallythinkIwouldletyouonyourowninHawaii?”heaskedwitharaisedbrow.“Ican’t

bewithyouatalltimes.”

“That’sfine.”IwalkedovertoEdmondandhookedmyarminhis.“Ilikehiscompanybetteranyway.

Carl,grabmysuitcase,please.”

WeclimbedintothelimoandGabrielsatacrossfrommewithanirritatedlookonhisface.Ididn’t

care.EventhoughItoldhimIacceptedhisapology,Ididn’t.Iwasdonetryingtomakehimtrustme.It

wasn’t worth it anymore. If he wanted to have an attitude with me, yell, and be mean, fine. I prayed to

GodtogivemethestrengthtogetthroughthesenextweeksandkeepwhatlittlebitofsanityIhadleft.

****

Gabriel

Shesatinthewindowseat,staringoutintotheclouds.Hereyeslookedtiredandshestillwouldn’tsay

awordtome.Iclosedmylaptop,gotupfromthecouch,andtooktheseatnexttoher.Withaslightturnof

herhead,sheglaredatme.

“CanIhelpyou?”sheaskedwithacockybuttiredattitude.

“Ithoughtmaybewecouldtalk.”

“I’mtootiredtocarryonaconversation.”Shelaidherheadagainstthewindow.

Iheldoutmyhandtoher.

“Comewithme.”

“Where?”

“There’sabedroomonthisplanewithacomfortablebedforyoutosleepin.”

“Where?”Shesatupandlookedaround.

“Intheback.Comeon.”

Herbeautifulblueeyesstaredintominebeforesheacceptedmyextendedhand.Iledhertothesmall

butluxuriousbedroom.Sheimmediatelykickedoffhershoesandclimbedontopofthebed,layingher

headdownonthepillow.

“Thisisnice.”Shesmiledassheclosedhereyes.

I stretched out on the bed next to her and rested my back against the headboard, placing my hands

behindmyhead.

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheaskedwithoneeyeopen.

“Thisisquitecomfortable.IthinkI’llrestmyeyesforabit.Isthataproblem?”

“Doyousnore?”sheasked.

“No.Doyou?”

“No.”

“Good.Gotosleep.”Mylipsgavewaytoasmallsmile.

I kept my eyes closed for a few moments and then opened them as I stared at her beautiful slightly

partedlipsandtheriseandfallofherchestassheslept.MaybeCalebwasright.Shewashidingherself,

notonlyfromtheworld,butfromme.

I was jolted out of a sound sleep. My eyes flew open to find Kate lying on her side, facing me and

pinchingmynose.

“Whatthehell,Kate?”

“Youweresnoring.Youtoldmeyoudidn’tsnore.”Shesmirked.

“Idon’t,”IspokeasIsatup.

“Youdo.”Thesmirkneverleftherface.

IsighedasIrestedmyheadbackontheheadboard.

“Howlonghavewebeenasleep?”Iasked.

“Acoupleofhours.”

“Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI’mstarving.HowaboutIorderussomelunch?”

IpickedupthephoneonthesmallroundtablenexttothebedandtoldDarcy,theflightattendant,to

bringinlunch.

“Alsobringinabottleofwineandtwoglasses,”Ispoke.

“Comingrightup,Mr.Quinn.”

“We’reeatinginhere?”sheaskedasshearchedherbrow.

“Yes.It’scomfy.Plus,it’smoreprivate,sowecantalk.”

“Talkaboutwhat?”Shesatupandcrossedherlegs.

“Iknowyoudidn’tacceptmyapologylastnight.You’restillmad.”

“You’reright.”Shelookeddownassheplayedwithherhands.“Whyisitsoimportanttoyoutoknow

aboutmyvisittomyfather?”

“MaybebecauseI’mjusttryingtogettoknowyoubetter.AllIwantistoknowyou,Kate.Thereal

you.NotHannahwhostolemywatch,andnotalltheotherpeopleyouwerewithothermen.”

Ourmomentwasinterruptedbyaknockonthedoor.

“Comein.”Isighed.

“Yourlunch,sir,”Darcyspokeasshewheeledinasilvercartwithtwoplates,abottleofwine,and

twoglasses.

“Thankyou.”

Afterpouringthewine,IhandedKateherglassalongwithherplate.Thetwoofusstretchedoutonthe

bedwithourbacksagainsttheheadboardandIcontinuedourconversation.

“Ijustwanttoknowyou.”

Awhisperofalaughescapedher.“I’velivedaliemyentirelife,andoncewemovedtoChicago,I

thoughttheliehadendedandIcouldbeKateHarperforthefirsttime.Then,myfatherwenttoprisonand

theviciouscyclestartedalloveragain.Ihadtheopportunityoncetotellsomeonemyrealname.Carla

wasourneighbornextdoortothehousewerented.Shewasasweetoldwomaninhereighties.You’d

neverknowshewasthatold.Shehadthespunkofagirlinhertwenties.Whensheintroducedherself,my

namewasonthetipofmytongue.IwasgoingtotellherandthenI’dbesetfree.Freefromthepretending

thatIhaddoneforsolong,andthatsomeoneinthisbigworldwouldfinallyknowwhoIwas.But,there

wasthislittlevoiceinsidemyheadthattoldmenottodoitbecauseanythingcouldhaveandprobably

wouldhavehappened.Ididn’tcompletelytrustmyselformysituationtotellheratthatmomentthatmy

namewasKateHarper.So,IintroducedmyselfasKaterinaVoight.Katieforshort.Itwascloseenoughto

myfirstnamesoitdidn’tfeelsobad.”

“I’msorryyouhadtolivelikethat,Kate.”

Shereachedovertothetablethatsatonhersideandpickedupherwineglass.

“Itwasn’tallbad.”

“Whydidyoufinallydecidetotellme?”Iasked.

“BecauseitfeltrightandIwanttogainyourtrust.Plus,youhadkidnappedmeandalreadyknewall

myaliases,sowhatwasthepointofnottellingyou?”

Iletoutalongsigh.“Ididn’tkidnapyou.HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyouthat?Youvoluntarily

camehomewithme.”

Asmallsmilecrossedherlips.

“ThenyoulockedmeinabedroomandsecuredthehousesoIcouldn’tleave.Iwouldclassifythatas

kidnapping.Nottomentionthefactthatyouhandcuffedmewhenweleftthehouseandyougavemeacell

phonewhereyournumberwastheonlyoneIcoulddial.”

“Okay.”Iheldupmyhand.Whenyousayitlikethat—”

“I’mgladyoufinallyrealizewhatyou’vedone.”Shesmirked.

“Ithasn’tbeenthatbad,hasit?”Iasked.

“Notsomuch.Tobehonest,it’sthemostnormalI’vefeltinmyentirelife.”

“Really?”Icockedmyheadandoureyesmet.“Why?”

“BecauseInolongerhadtopretendtobesomeoneIwasn’t.”Shelookeddownatherplate.

Ireachedoverandsoftlystrokedhercheekwiththebackofmyhand.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Kate

Iopenedmysoultohimatthatverymomentandhedidn’tjudgeme.Forthefirsttimeinmylife,Ifelt

normal.IbroughtmyhanduptomycheekandplaceditonhisasIclosedmyeyes.Thewarmthofhis

touchradiatedthroughoutmybodyandmademetremble.Hetookourplatesandsetthembackonthecart.

Turning to me, he cupped my chin in his hand and softly brushed his lips against mine. Our kiss soon

turned passionate as I lay down and he hovered over me. We made love; slow, sensual, and in various

positionsbeforeheexplodedinsideme.Thegentletouchofhishandsonmybodysentchillsdownmy

spine.Histouchfeltpossessiveandmademefeelsafeandsecure.AfeelingIwantedtofeelfortherest

ofmylife.

Welayinbedforthefirsttimetogether,hisarmswrappedaroundmeasmyheadlaidonhischest.

“Weshouldgetbackoutthere,”hespoke.“Ineedtocheckmyemails.”

“Yeah.Weshould.Howmuchlongeristheflight?”IaskedasIliftedmyhead.

“Aboutthreemorehours.”Hesoftlykissedmylips.

I climbed off the bed and slipped back into my clothes. Gabriel did the same and we both left the

bedroom. He took his laptop to the table and I sat back in my seat, staring at the clouds as the plane

floatedthroughthem.Icouldn’thelpbutglanceoveratGabrielnowandagain.AndeverytimeIdid,the

cornersofmymouthcurvedupintoasmallsmile.TheangerIharboredtowardshimquicklydissipated

whenheexplainedwhyhewassoangrywithme.Igotit.Ireallydid,andthebestpartwasItrustedhim.

Allthemanwantedwashonestyfromthestart,butIwastooafraidtolettherealmeemerge.

Whenwefinallylanded,wetookalimothatwaswaitingforustothehotel,whichconsistedoften

floors, four hundred breathtaking guest rooms, six restaurants, a coffee café, a candy shop, gift shop, a

largegym,casualandformalclothingstoresformenandwomen,andaluxuriousspa.

“Wow,”Ispokeinamazementaswesteppedintothemarbledlobby.

“WelcometoQuinnHotels,Kate.”Gabrielsmiled.

After being greeted by numerous staff and the hotel manager, Albert, we headed up to the penthouse

suiteonthetenthfloorthatoverlookedtheocean.Iwalkedouttotheterraceandtookinthebeautythat

Hawaii offered. The roaring of the ocean and the subtle sounds the waves made as they crashed to the

shoregavemeasenseofpeace.

“Well,whatdoyouthink?”heaskedashewalkedupbehindme.

“It’sbeautiful.Thehotel,theroom,everything.”

“Idesignedthisentirehotelmyself.ItwassomethingIhadbeenworkingonforacoupleofyears.”

“Yourfatherwouldbesoproud.”Ismiled.

“CanIletyouinonalittlesecret?”heasked.

“Ofcourse.”

“I’m going to build a digital hotel. The first one will be in Las Vegas, and we’re projected to start

buildinginaboutsixmonths.”

“Caretoexplainwhatadigitalhotelconsistsof?”Ismirked.

“Every guest room will have their own virtual butler who will control everything in the room from

temperaturecontrol,lights,shades,showers,baths,TVs.Younameit,andthevirtualbutlerwilldoitfor

you.Hewillevenorderroomserviceforyou.Allyouhavetodoisask.”

Iletoutalaugh.“Areyouserious?So,ifIwanttotakeashower,whatdoIsay?”

“Forexample,let’ssayyourbutlerforyourroomisnamedGregory.Youwouldsimplysay,outloud,

‘Gregory,Iwanttotakeashower.’Theshowerwillturnonautomaticallybeforeyouevenwalkintothe

bathroom.”

“Shutup.”Ilightlysmackedhim.

“I’mserious.Eachroomwillhaveahugecomputerscreenattachedtothewall.Youdon’tevenhaveto

sitdownandtypeanythingoutifyouwanttosurftheweborcheckyouremails.Thebutlerwilldoitfor

you.Forexample,you’dsay,‘Gregory,Ineedtocheckmyemail,’andvoila,youremailswillappearon

the screen. You can also check out. ‘Gregory, I’m checking out at nine a.m.’ and at that time, you will

automaticallybecheckedout.”

“DoesGregorytalkback?”Iasked.

“Of course. When you enter the room, he’ll greet you. When you leave the room, he’ll tell you

goodbye.Youcancarryonaconversationwithhimtoanextent.He’llaskyouhowyourdaywas,askif

yousleptwell,andtellyougoodmorning.”

“That’s kind of creepy.” I scrunched up my nose. “I’m surprised you aren’t having a sexy woman’s

voice.”

“Ah.”Hesmiled.“Ifamanistravelingalone,hisbutler/maidwillbefemale.Butifit’sacouple,it

willbemale.”

Irolledmyeyesathim.“Ofcourse.Itsoundsamazing.”

“Itwillbe.Itwassomethingmyfatheralwaysdreamedof,andbeforehedied,hetoldmetomakesure

Ibuiltit.Itwasaprojecthehadbeenworkingonfortenyears.Vegaswillbethefirstplacetolaunchit.”

“I’mgoingtoassumeitwillalsobeacasino?”

“Of course it will be. One of the best Vegas has to offer.” He smiled. “Listen,” he took hold of my

hands, “there are only five people who know about this, including you. We are the only company that

possessesthatkindoftechnologyforthisrightnowandwordcan’tgetout.Understand?”

“Sure.Iwouldnevertellasoul.YouofallpeopleknowhowgoodIamatkeepingsecrets.”

“I know.” He kissed my forehead. “We should get ready for dinner. Your dresses should be in the

bedroom.GopickoneoutwhileIgetintheshower.”

When I walked into the beautifully decorated bedroom, there was a silver rack in the corner with

approximatelytendifferentdresseshanginguponit.Infrontoftherack,shoeswerelaidout,coordinating

with each dress. I thumbed through the rack and pulled out a champagne-colored gown with ornate

beading and a layered A-line bottom. It was perfect. I took my makeup in the bathroom of the other

bedroom in the suite, took a shower, and got ready. After curling my hair, I pinned it up but left a few

wispycurlshanging.Afterslippingintomydressandputtingonthematchingshoeswithaheel,Iwalked

outintothelivingareaofthesuiteandsawGabrielstandingontheterracewithadrinkinhishand.His

eyesrakedovermefromheadtotoe.

“Youlookstunning.”Hesmiledashewalkedtowardsme.

“Andsodoyouinyourblacktux.”IsmirkedasIstraightenedhisbowtie.

“Shallwe?”Heheldouthisarm.

“Weshall,Mr.Quinn.”

We took the elevator down to Incognito, one of the formal restaurants in the hotel. The place was

filledwithinfluentialbusinessmenandwomen.Wemixedandmingledforawhileasheintroducedme

asKate.Iwasgratefulhedidn’ttellmylastname.Iwasn’treadyfortheworldtoknowmeyet.Iwasstill

gettingusedtoGabrielknowingwhoIwas.

Whilehetalkedbusinesswithacoupleoffriendsofhis,Itookaseatatthebar.

“WhatcanIgetyou?”thepolitebartenderasked.

“Tequilawithasplashoflime,please.”

“Comingrightup.”Hesmiled.

AsIwassippingonmydrink,Inoticedamantaketheseatnexttome.

“I’llhavewhattheprettyladyishaving,”hespokewithaFrenchaccenttothebartender.“MayIbuy

youanother?”Agrincrossedhislips.

Istudiedhim.Mid-forties,stylishblondehair,whichheobviouslydyed,andshortonthesideswitha

shagontop.Greeneyesthathadashadylookaboutthem.Wealthyandslick.French.Aplayer.Adefinite

player.

“Sure.Whynot.”Ismiled.

“MynameisMarcelMathieu.”Heextendedhishand.

“Kate.”Iplacedmineinhisandgaveitalightshake.

“Why is a beautiful woman such as yourself sitting at the bar alone? If you were my wife, I would

neverletyououtofmysight.”

Ah,he’stryingtofindoutifI’msingleandmakinghimselfsoundlikeastalker.

“I’mnotmarried.”Ismiled.

“Wellthen,ifIwasyourboyfriend,Iwouldneverletyououtofmysight.”Hegavehisheadalight

nod.

“Noboyfriendeither.”Itookasipofmydrink.

“Ifindthathardtobelieve.”Hesmirked.

“Well,believeit.”Iarchedmybrow.

“Whomareyouherewith?Don’ttellmeyou’reatthisbeautifulhotelalone.”

“I’mherewithGabrielQuinn.”

“Isee.Well,itwasnicetomeetyou,Kate.”Hegotupfromhisstool.

“Nicetomeetyoutoo,Marcel.Thanksforthedrink.”Iheldupmyglass.

WasitsomethingIsaid?Gabrielwalkedoverandplacedhishandonmyback.

“Whatwasthatallabout?”heasked.

“Marcel?”Iturnedmyheadandlookedathim.

“Yes.”

“Hewashittingonme,boughtmeadrink,andthenwhenhefoundoutIwasherewithyou,hebolted.

What’sgoingonthere?”

GabrieltooktheseatMarcelhadsatinandaskedthebartenderforabourbon.

“Hisfatherandminewererivals.Hadbeenforyears.Itstartedwithourgrandfathers.”

“Whathappened?”Iasked.

“When my grandfather first had the idea to open a hotel, he was short the funds to do it. He and

Marcel’s grandfather had been friends for years at that time. He offered to loan my grandfather the

additionalmoneyheneededtoopenthehotelinexchangeforbeinghisbusinesspartner.Mygrandfather

agreedand,soonafter,QMQuarterswasopened.Atfirst,itdidn’tdosowellandwasalmostforcedinto

bankruptcyafterthefirstyear.”

“Why?”Ifrowned.

“BecauseMarcel’sgrandfather’svisionchangedandhewantedmoretoofast.Hewantedtobeontop

andnumberone.Hebecamegreedy.So,togethimoutofthecompany,mygrandfatherblackmailedhim.”

“Withwhat?”

“Idon’tknow.Myfatherneverwouldtellme,butithadtobesomethingseriousinorderforMarcel’s

grandfather to accept the buyout. That was the end of their partnership and friendship. His grandfather

packedhisfamilyup,movedbacktoFrance,andopenedhisownhotel,whichdoesverywell.Afterhe

passedaway,Marcel’sfatherdecideditwastimetomoveoutofFranceandheretoNewYorkwherehe

openeduphisfirsthotelintheU.S.”

“Whichhotelchaindoesheown?”

“RegalHotels.”

“Bigcompetitionforyou?”IsmiledasIsippedmydrink.

“Notreally.Theydoagoodbusiness,butnothinglikemyhotelsdo.EnoughtalkaboutMarcel.Let’s

gositdownfordinner.”Heheldouthisarm.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Gabriel

Iwatchedherfromacrosstheroomasshestoodandspokewithsomeoftheguests.Everyoneseemed

tolikeher.Sheradiatedbeautyandconfidenceandsheturnedmeon.ThefeelingsIhadforhercamefull

force today after she opened up to me. I considered it a breakthrough and it made me happy that she

trustedmeenoughtotellmeaboutherlife.Itwasgettinglateandthelastoftheguestslefttherestaurant.

“Areyoureadytoheaduptotheroom?”Iaskedherasshesatatthebar.

Shestumbledassheattemptedtogetup.

“Whoa.”IsmiledasIgrabbedherarm.“Ithinkyouhadonetoomanytequilas.”

“Nah.”Shewavedherhandinfrontofherface.“I’mfine.”

Sheheldontomyarm,andaswebegantotakeafewsteps,shestopped.

“TheroomisspinningandI’mnotfeelingsowell,”shesoftlyspoke.

Iswoopedherupandcarriedhertotheelevator.

“Layyourheadonmyshoulderandcloseyoureyes,”Ispoke.“Andplease,whateveryoudo,donot

getsickonme.”

“I’lltrynotto.”Sheclosedhereyes.

Oncewereachedthesuite,Iopenedthedoorandbegantocarryhertotheguestbedroom,butstopped

midwayandturnedaroundandcarriedhertothemastersuite.Layingheronthebed,Itookoffhershoes

andthenrolledheroverandunzippedherdress.Grabbingtherobefromthecloset,Ilaiditdownonthe

bedwhileItookoffherdress.

“Gabriel?”shespokeasshelookedatme.

“Yes?”

“IthinkI’mgoingtobesick.”

“Shit.”

Igrabbedholdofherarm,quicklyledhertothebathroom,andrubbedhershouldersasshevomited

allthealcoholshedrank.Onceshewasdone,Iranawashclothundercoolwaterandplaceditonher

forehead.

“Doyounormallygetsicklikethiswhenyoudrink?”

“No.ItmusthavebeenthosefireballshotsIwasdoing.”

“Fireballshots?Withwho?”Iasked.

“IthinkhernamewasLydia.OrwasitLucy?OrmaybeitwasLulu.Hell,Idon’tremember.”

IsmiledasIhelpedherfromthefloorandintobed.Climbinginnexttoher,Itoldhergoodnightand

turnedoffthelight.JustasIwasdriftingofftosleep,IheardKate’svoice.

“I’vebeenlyingtomyfatherforyears,”shewhispered.

Iopenedmyeyesandturnedmyheadtolookather.

“What?”

“Hedoesn’thaveacluewhatI’vebeendoingsincehewenttoprison.”

Isatup,reachedover,andturnedonthelamp.

“Kate,Idon’tunderstand.”

Sherolledovertofacemeandtuckedherhandsunderherpillow.

“HethinksthatIwasworkingatahigh-endrestaurantasawaitressandgoingtoschoolinChicago.

WhenIwenttovisithimtheotherday,ItoldhimthatIhadjustmovedherebecausetheownerIworked

foropenedarestaurantinNewYorkandIaskedhimifIcouldtransfersoIcouldbeclosertohim.Ifhe

knewthethingsIhadreallydone,he’dbesodisappointed.Thelastthinghesaidtomebeforetheysent

him to prison was, ‘Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Go out into the world and make something of

yourself.Makeyouroldmanproud.’”

Ilaydownonmypillow,facingher,andstrokedhercheek.

“Youweredoingwhatyouthoughtyouhadtodotogethimoutofprison.Maybeit’stimeyoutoldhim

thetruth.”

“Idon’tthinkIcan.Icouldn’tbeartoseethedisappointmentinhiseyes.”

“Helovesyou,Kate.You’rehisentireworld.Sure,he’llbeupsetanddisappointedforawhile,buthis

loveforyouwillovertakethat.”

“Yourfather’sloveforCalebdidn’tovertakeit.”

“My father was a different man and incapable of truly loving anyone. He let his success and greed

consumehim.Allhereallycaredaboutwashisreputation.”

She moved closer and snuggled under my arm, forcing me to lie on my back so her head could rest

againstmychest.IslowlyclosedmyeyesasIkissedthetopofherhead.

“TheonethingIalwayswantedgrowingupwasadog.AwhiteMaltesesoIcouldputcutelittlebows

onthetopofherhead.Butwiththewaywemovedaroundsomuch,mydadsaiditwasn’tagoodidea.I

alwaysthoughtthathavingadogofmyownwouldmakemefeellesslonely.Ineedtosleepnow,”she

whispered.

“Getsomerest.Wecantalkaboutthismoreinthemorning.”

HerwallwascrumblingdownrightbeforemeandI’dbethereforherwhenthelastpiecefell.She

wasgrowingmoreimportanttomewitheachtruththanIthoughtshewould.Holdingheragainstmefelt

right,morerightthananythinginmylife.I’dheldmanywomenbesidemeinbedbutholdinghergaveme

anewfeeling.OneIcouldn’tdescribe.Iclosedmyeyesanddriftedoffintoadeepsleep.

****

Todaywastheofficialgrandopeningofthehotelandeveryroomintheplacewasbooked.Nowthat

thiswasfinished,myattentionandfocuswouldgoheavilyintothebuildingofthenewhotelinVegas,a

hotelthatwasprobablythemostimportanttome.Ihadpeopletospeakwithandacoupleofmeetingsto

hold,soItoldKatetogodowhatevershewantedandI’dcatchupwithherlater.Shechosetogodownto

thebeachfortheday.Shesaidthatifshecouldn’tseepartsofHawaiiwithme,thenshe’dbehappyjust

tositinthesandunderthewarmsunandwaitforme.IbelievedherandIcouldhonestlysaythatIwas

fullystartingtotrusther.

“Weneedtogetdressedandgodownforbreakfast.Areyoufeelingokay?”

“Iam.I’mgoingtotakeaquickshowerfirstifwehavetime,”shespoke.

“Goodidea.Ithinkmaybeweshouldtakeonetogethertosavetime.”Ismiled.

“I’dlikethat.”Shebitintoherbottomlip.

Sheclimbedoutofbedand,withherbacktome,sheslidherrobeoffherbody,lettingitfalltothe

floor.Hercurvesandperfectlyroundassmademycockstandinaninstant.Shewalkedintothebathroom,

climbedintotheshower,andIfollowed.

Aswestoodunderthestreamofwarmwater,ourlipstenderlymet.Myhandsgropedherbreastsas

herswrappedaroundmyhardcock,strokingitupanddown,causingmetobecomemoreexcitedthanI

already was. Getting down on my knees, my tongue slid down her torso while my hands stayed firmly

planted on her breasts, down her clit, and to her aroused wet opening. I circled around her as moans

escapedherlips.Moansofpleasureandfulfillment.Dippingafingerinside,IexploredheruntilIknew

shewasreadytotakemycockinsideher.Icouldn’twaitanymoreandtheanimalinsidemewasaboutto

emerge.Standingup,Iplacedheragainsttheshowerwall,grabbingherasstightlyandliftingheruponto

mycock.Herarmsandlegswrappedaroundmeandourlipsmetwithpassion.Thewaterbeatdownon

us as I thrust inside her. She took me all in, every inch with ease. The warmth was overwhelming and

intoxicating.Ourmoanswereinsyncasweenjoyedthepleasurewegaveeachother.Ithrustinandoutof

herrapidly,holdinghertightandagainstmywetbody.ShecameandIsmiledasourlipswereconnected.

One last thrust and I buried myself inside, straining to pour every drop of come I had in her. I was

changing,shewaschanging,andthefeelingthatresidedinsidemecouldn’thavebeenmoreright.

“Thankyou,”shewhisperedasoureyeslockedoneachother’s.

“You’rewelcome.”Ismiled.

“Idon’tmeanaboutwhatjusthappened.Imeanforbeingthereformeandlistening.”

“Again,you’rewelcome.I’mhereforyouanytimeyouneedme,Kate.Neverforgetthat.”

“Iwon’t.”Herlipspressedagainstmine.

“Webetterwashupandgetoutofhere,”Ispoke.

Isetherdownandshegrabbedthebottleofshampoo,pouredsomeintoherhands,andplacedthemon

myhead.Welaughedandjokedaroundaswewashedeachother.Ididn’twanttheshowertoend,butby

timeallwassaidanddone,weneededtoheaddownstairs.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Kate

Afterbreakfast,Gabrielhadbusinessstufftodo,soEdmondandIheadeddowntothebeach.

“CanIletyouinonalittlesecret?”Iaskedhim.

“Sure.”Hesmiled.

“Ilovehim,Edmond.Forthefirsttimeinmylife,I’minlove.”

Hereachedoverandtookholdofmyhand,whichshockedtheshitoutofme.

“IknowyoudoandI’mprettysureMr.Quinnhasthesamefeelingsforyou.”

“Youthink?”Ilookedoverathim.

“Yes,Ido.”

“Idon’tknow.Amanlikehimcouldneverlovesomeonelikeme.I’vedonehorriblethings.”

“Listen,Kate.Don’tbeatyourselfupaboutthethingsyou’vedone.Putitallinthepastandliveinthe

present.Lovedoesn’tcomearoundveryoften,andwhenitdoes,youneedtoholdontoitastightasyou

can.Becauseifyoudon’t,you’llenduplivingalifefullofregrets.”

“Isthatwhatyou’redoing?”Iasked.“Wereyouinloveonce?”

Heletgoofmyhandandsighed.

“Iwasstupidandletlovewalkrightoutofmylife.OnceIrealizedwhatIhaddone,Iwenttotellher

thatIwaswrongandthatIcouldn’tlivewithouther.Istoppedattheflowershopandboughtheradozen

red roses. I made a dinner reservation at her favorite restaurant and I was going to ask for her hand in

marriage.Shewasoutthatdayrunningsomeerrandsandagreedtomeetwithmewhenshewasfinished.

Shesaidshe’dcallwhenshegothome.IwaitedforhoursandIstillhadn’theardfromher.Itriedcalling

herphone,butitkeptgoingstraighttovoicemail.Thenmyphoneranganditwashersistertellingmethat

Vivianwasinacaraccidentandwastakentothehospital.BytimeIgotthere,shehadalreadypassed

away.”

“Ohmygod,Edmond.I’msosorry.”Iplacedmyhandonhis.

“Ifyoulovehim,holdontohim.Don’tletself-doubtandfearkeepyoufromhappiness.Believeme,

Kate,it’stheworstfeelingintheworldwhenyoulettheoneyoulovegoandnevergotthechancetotell

themyouwerewrong.”

Hegotupfromthesand.“I’mgoingtogetadrink.Wantone?”

“Thatwouldbegreat.Justwaterforme,though.”

AsIwassittingtherewithmyeyesclosed,reflectingonwhatEdmondhadtoldme,Iheardaman’s

voicewithaFrenchaccentbesideme.

“Well,helloagain.”

Lookingathimthroughmysunglasses,Ispoke,“Hello.”

“Howisyourdaygoingsofar?”heasked.

“Fine.Andyours?”

“VerygoodnowthatIseethisbeautifulwomansittingallaloneonthebeach.”

“I’mnotalone.MyfriendEdmondiswithme.Hejustwenttogetmesomewater.”

“NoGabriel?”

“He’sbusydoingworkstuff.Bytheway,Ididn’tgetachancetoaskyoulastnightsinceyouhastily

ranaway,whatareyoudoinghere?”

“GabrielisafriendofmineandIwantedtocongratulatehimontheopeningofhisbeautifulhotel.”

Thisguywasfullofshit.Icouldsmellitamileaway.

“AreyouandGabrielanitem?Becauselastnight,yousaidyoudidn’thaveaboyfriend.”

“Idon’t,andno,wearen’tanitem.Justgoodfriends.”

“Thatpleasesmetohearthat.Howaboutjoiningmefordinnerthisevening?”hespoke.

“As much as I would enjoy that, Marcel, I’m afraid I can’t. I have dinner plans with Gabriel. What

kindoffriendwouldIbetocanceltohavedinnerwithyou?”

“Understood.Awomanwhovaluesherfriendships.Ilikethat.”Hesmirked.“I’mflyingbacktoNew

Yorktomorrow.PerhapswecandosomethingbeforeIleave.”

“I’mnotsurethat’sgoingtobepossible.Haveasafeflighthome.”Ismiled.

“Awomanwhoplayshardtogetisaturnon.Makenomistake,Kate,wewillhavedinnertogetherone

day.IalwaysgoafterwhatIwant.”Hestoodupandgavemeawink.Beforehewalkedaway,heturned

andlookedatme.“Bytheway,Inevergotyourlastname.”

“Young.KateYoung.”Ismiled.

“Iwillfindyou,KateYoung,”hespokeashewalkedaway.

Isatthere,shakingmyheadindisbelief.Whatatool.

“Again?”Gabrielaskedashestoodoverme,handingmeabottleofwater.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?Ithoughtyouhadbusinessstufftodo.”

“IdidandthenIsaidscrewit.Ithinkweshouldspendthedaytogether.”

“Where’sEdmond?”

“IranintohimashewasgettingyourwaterandItoldhimtogoexploreHawaii.Onme,ofcourse.”

Heheldouthishandandhelpedmeupfromthesand.

“WhatdidMarcelwantthistime?”

“Hewantedmetojoinhimfordinnertonight.ItoldhimnoandthatIhadplanswithyou.Thatguyisa

realasshole.”

“IknowheisandIdon’twantyoutalkingtohim.He’strouble.”

“Noworries.He’sleavingtomorrowtogobacktoNewYork.”

“Good.Theonlyreasonhe’shereistospysohecanstealideas.Themanandhisfatherareascrooked

astheycome.Guesswhat?”

“What?”Iasked.

“I’mtakingyouonayachtfortheday.”

“Igetseasick.”Ismirked.

“Idon’treallycare.”Hepulledmeintohimandkissedmylips.

****

GabrielandIspentthenextfewdaysexploringHawaiiandenjoyingeachother’scompany.Eachday,

wegrewcloserand,aswedid,myfeelingsforhimstrengthened.Ihadneverfeltthiswaybeforeinmy

lifeand,tobehonest,itscaredmealittlebecauseitwasalltooperfect.IwantedtotellhimthatIloved

himbutIwantedtowaitforhimtosayitfirst.EventhoughIwasprettysurehedid,therewasapartof

methatwasscaredtodeathofrejection.ThiswasthekindoflifeIhadalwaysdreamedof.Beingme,

KateHarper,andnooneelse.IdecidedthatwhenwewenthometoNewYork,Iwasgoingtotellmy

fatherthetruth.HeneededtoknowandIneededtotellhimformyownsake.Mydaysoflivingasacon

wereover.Iwasgoingtofocusongettingarealjobandlivemylifeforme.

ItwasourlastnightinHawaiiandGabrielandIwalkedhandinhandonthebeachalongtheshore.We

stoppedforamomentandtookinthebeautyofthesunthathadbeguntosetovertheocean.

“I’vedecidedthatwhenwegetback,I’mgoingtotellmyfatherthetruth,”Ispoke.

“Really?”

“Really.”Ismiled.“It’stimeItakecontrolofmylife.I’vebeenlivinginmyfather’sshadowmyentire

life.Doingeverythinghetoldmetodo,andstilldoingitafterhewenttoprison.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Yourfatherdidn’twantyoutodowhatyoudid.Youmadethatchoice.”

“Ididitforhimsohewouldn’thavetospendtwentyyearsinprison.Beingaloneinaworldwherenot

onesinglepersonexcepthimknewwhoItrulywas,wasfrightening.Itwaseasiertobeallthosedifferent

peoplesoIdidn’thavetofacetherealityofbeingmyselfallaloneintheworld.”

Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmeandpulledmeintohim.

“Youaren’talone,Kate.Youhaveme.”Hekissedthetopofmyhead.“AndEdmond.Let’snotforget

abouthim.”

AsmilecrossedmylipsasIbrokeourembraceandlookedupathim.Huesofrichorange,yellow,and

redshadowedhim.Tome,hewasmysavior.

“Thankyou,Gabriel.Thatmeanssomuchtome.”

He swept his thumb across my lips before his mouth met mine amongst the shores of ocean and

underneaththesunset.

ChapterThirty

Gabriel

HawaiiwasperfectionandKateandIweregrowingclosereveryday.Shewasdesperatetochange

herlifeandItrustedher.ItoldherthatIwouldhelphereverywayIcould,andifshewantedajobatmy

offices,shehadone.Shewasn’tsurewhatshewantedtodowithherlife.Shewasstilllearninghowto

be herself and I couldn’t be prouder. I loved her. I was in love with her, and she took up every bit of

spaceIhadinmyheart.

Our thirty days were almost up, and even though the original plan was to let her go, I couldn’t. I

wantedhertostayinmylife,andIwantedtomakehermineandmineonly.Thewords“Iloveyou”were

onthetipofmytongueeveryday,butIhadtoholdbackbecauseIdidn’twanttoscareher.Ihadaplan.

Ondaythirty,Iwouldspendthedaywithher,buyherbeautifulflowers,takehersomewherespecial,and

professmyloveforher.Ithadtobeperfect.Iwouldn’thaveitanyotherway.Thislovewasrealforme

this time. I had it all. A thriving business and career I loved, a beautiful home, family, friends, and a

womanwhomIadoredandlovedwitheveryfiberofmysoul.Sexwithherwasoutofthisworld,andshe

evenletmeusethehandcuffsonher.Infact,shewastheonewhosuggestedit.Shepleasedmeinevery

waypossible.Iwantedtotakecareofher,butIknewinorderforhertoletme,sheneededtofigureout

whatshewantedfirst.Iknewshelovedme.Eventhoughshehadn’tsaidit,Icouldfeelit.

Iheldherinmyarms,herbodywrappedtightlyaroundmineaswelayinbed.Todaywasthedayshe

was going to tell her father the truth. I asked her if she wanted me to go with her and she said that she

wantedtogoalone.Ikissedthetopofherhead,thankfulthatshewaswithme.

“Morning.”Shesmiledassheopenedhereyes.

“Ididn’tmeantowakeyou,”Ispoke.

“Youdidn’t.”Herfingerranacrossmychest.

“Ihavetogetreadyforwork.Areyousureyoudon’twantmetogowithyoutoseeyourfather?”

“I’msure.ThisissomethingIneedtodoonmyown.But,thenexttimeIvisithim,Iwouldlovefor

youtogo.”Sheliftedherheadandbrushedherlipsagainstmine.

“Iwouldlikethat.”

Ikissedheronelasttimeandgotup,hoppedintotheshower,andgotreadyforwork.Beforeleaving

fortheoffice,weenjoyedanicebreakfasttogether,likewedideverymorning.

“Haveagoodday.”Shesmiledasshekissedmegoodbye.

“Youtoo,sweetheart.Goodluckwithyourdad.”

Ispentabetterpartofthedayinback-to-backmeetings,andwhenIreturnedtomyoffice,Thaddeus

walkedinand,instantly,Iknewsomethingwaswrong.

“Youbettersitdown,Gabriel,”hespoke.

“What’sgoingon?”IaskedasInarrowedmyeye.

Hethrewanarticleonmydesk.Ipickeditup,andasIreadit,myheartbegantopoundrapidly.

“Whatthefuckisthis?”Iaskedthroughgrittedteethasmygriponthepapertightened.

“I—Idon’tknow.”

Istoodupfrommychairandslammedmyfistsdownonthedesk.Rageconsumedme.

“Wheredidyougetthis?”

“Itwassentbymessengerwhenyouwereinyourmeetings,”hereplied.“Howisthispossible?Did

you—”

IranmyhandsthroughmyhairasIpacedaroundmyoffice.

“Ofcoursenot!”Ishouted.“FUCK!Geteveryoneinmyofficenow!”

I took off my suitcoat, threw it on the chair, and continued to pace around the office in disbelief.

Thaddeus walked back in with my team and we took a seat at the table. I grilled them, one by one. I

yelled, screamed, and showed them a side of me they’d never seen before. I trusted them and their

answers.Then,somethinghitme.Ithadtobeher.Mystaffwouldneverbetrayme,butIwouldn’tputit

past someone else. I didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t believe it. But it had started to make sense. I

grabbedmysuitcoatandflewoutoftheoffice.

“Lu,I’mgoinghome.I’llseeyoutomorrow,”IspokeasIrushedpasther.

Beforewalkingthroughthefrontdoor,Itookinthreedeepbreathstocalmdown.AsIsteppedinside,I

calledhername.

“Whatareyoudoinghome?”Kateaskedasshewalkeddownthestairs.

“IhaveaquestionforyouandIwantanhonestanswer,”Ispokeinaharshtone.

“Gabriel,what’swrong?”sheaskedassheapproachedme.

“DidyoutellMarcelaboutmyplansforthedigitalhotel?”

Inaninstant,herfacefellandalookoffearsweptoverher.

“Ofcoursenot.Whywouldyou—”

Ireachedintomysuitcoatpocketandpulledoutthearticle.

“Becauseofthis!”

Shetookitfrommeandbegantoreadit.

“AndyouthinkIwastheonewhotoldhim?”

“Icertainlyknowmyteamwouldneverdoit.”Iplacedmyhandsinmypocket.“Youtalkedtohim,

Kate.Don’tyoufinditoddthatIwouldreceivethisarticleaweekafterwereturnedfromHawaii?After

youtalkedtohim!”Ipointedather.

“Gabriel,”shespokeinapanickedvoiceasshewalkedtowardsme.

Ibackedawayandputmyhandsup.“Don’t,Kate.Justadmityoutoldhim.”

“Ididn’ttellhimanything.IpromisedyouIwouldn’tsayawordtoanyone.”

“Thenhowthefuckdidhefindout?!”Ishouted.

“Stopyellingatme!”sheshoutedback.“Idon’tknow.Butitwasn’tfromme!”

“Did he make you some sweet offer you couldn’t refuse? What a fucking fool I was for trusting

someonelikeyou!”

Tearsstreameddownherface.

“Thatwasmyfather’sdream!Wewereallsettoannounceitinacoupleofmonths,andnow,Marcel’s

companygottoitfirst.Andwhatacoincidence,theirshappenstobeinLasVegas.”

“Gabriel,please.Ididn’ttellhim,”shebegged.

Apartofmewantedtobelieveherbutbecauseofherpast,Iquicklyshutthatdown.Iturnedmyback,

forIcouldn’tfaceheranymore.

“Getout,”Ifirmlyspoke.

“What?”

“Packyourstuffandgetoutofmyhouse.I’mdonewithyou.”

“Gabriel,no,”shecriedasshegrabbedmyarm.

Ijerkedawaysohardshefelltotheground.

“Don’tcomenearme.Youplayedmeforafoolforthelasttime.I’mgoingout,andwhenIgetback,

you better be gone. Go back to your apartment and back to your con artist life. I better never see you

again.”

ChapterThirty-One

Kate

Hewalkedoutanditfeltlikethewindhadbeenknockedoutofme.TheairItriedtobreathewasso

constricted,IfeltlikeIwassuffocating.Isatonthefloor,myarmsaroundmylegs,rockingbackandforth

while the tears fell from my eyes. This wasn’t happening. The pain I felt inside was unbearable and I

begantohyperventilate.Ididn’tknowwhattodo.Itfeltlikemyhearthadbeentorninhalf.Afterawhile,

as I tried to calm down, I picked myself up from the floor and stumbled up the stairs, one by one, in a

daze,untilIreachedthebedroomandpackedallmythings.OnceIwasfinished,Itookthephonehegave

meoutofmypurseandsetitdownonhisbed.Ihadthoughtaboutwritinghimaletterofsomesort,telling

himonceagainthatIdidn’tsayawordtoMarceloranyoneabouthisplans.ButthenIthoughtitwouldn’t

havematteredanyway.Henevertrustedmelikehesaidhedid.Waybackinthedarkcornersofhismind

wasalwaysdoubt.Takingtheelevatordowntothefoyer,Idraggedmysuitcasebehindmeinonehand,

myguitarintheother,andoutthefrontdoor.

WhenIreachedmyapartment,Iunlockedthedoorandsteppedinside.Turningonthelights,Istoodin

the small foyer and looked around the place I didn’t want to be in. I wanted to be back at Gabriel’s

townhouse,sittingonthecouch,bythefire,snuggledupagainsthimwhilewewatchedTV.Thissadness

that overwhelmed me was too much and I didn’t know how to make it stop, so I drowned my sorrows

withabottleofwine.

****

Gabriel

IhadCarlparkthelimoaroundthecorner,butjustfarenoughawaysoIcouldwatchherassheleft.

The feeling of betrayal I felt killed me inside. She said she didn’t do it, and as much as I wanted to

believeher,Icouldn’t.Oncesheleft,Iwalkedupthestepsandthroughthefrontdoor.Iwentuptomy

bedroomandfoundherphonelyingonthebed.Ipickeditup,andinarage,Ithrewitagainstthewall.

Pullingmyphonefrommypocket,IcalledmybrotherCaleb,whowasinCaliforniarecordinghisalbum.

“Hey,bro.CanIcallyoubackinafew?We’rejustwrappingup.”

“Sure.Domeafavorandfacetimeme.Ineedtotalktoyou.”

“Areyouokay?”heasked.

“No,I’mnot.”Iranmyhanddownmyface.

“Didsomethinghappen?IsMomokay?”

“She’sfine.It’saboutKate.”

“Shit.Okay.Givemeabouttenminutes.”

Iheaded downstairs, pouredmyself a bourbon,downed it, and tookthe bottle withme to my office.

Openingmylaptop,IwaitedforCaleb’scall.Afewmomentslater,myphonerangandIexplainedwhat

happened.

“Gabriel,areyouonehundredpercentsureKatewastheonewholeakedit?”

“It’sagutfeeling,Caleb.Nooneonmydesignteamwouldbetraymelikethat.There’stoomuchat

stakeforthem.”

“ThenwhatwouldKate’sreasoningbe?”

“AllIknowistheytalkedquiteabitinHawaiianditwasafterItoldheraboutmyplans.”

“Sowhatiftheytalked?Marcelwilltalktoanythingwithlonglegsjusttogetagoodfuckoutofthem.

Itdoesn’tmeanshetoldhimanything.”

“Anditdoesn’tmeanshedidn’t.”

“Ithoughtyouwereoveryourtrustissueswithher,”hespoke.

“Iguessnot.Sheplayedme.Shegainedmytrust,onlytostabmeintheback.”

“Bro,becarefulwithyourwords.Youdon’tknowthatandyoudon’thaveproof.”

“HerpastisalltheproofIneed.I’msorryIevergotinvolvedwithher.God,I’msofuckingstupid.”

“Calmthefuckdown,Gabriel.You’renotstupid.Youjusttoldmetheotherdayhowinlovewithher

you were and how she makes your life so much better. Now the second something goes wrong, you

automaticallyjumptotheconclusionshedidit.Unlessyouhaveproof,it’snotvalid.”

“ThenI’llgetproof.”Ipointedatthecomputerscreen.

“How?”

“Idon’tknowyet,butIwill.Maybeshedidn’tdoitonpurposeormaybeitwasjustamention,butI

specificallytoldhernottosayawordtoanyone.”

Heletoutalongsigh.

“I’msorrythishappened.Ireallyam.ButIcan’tsidewithyouonthisunlessyouknowforsure.And

also,whyareyoulettingDad’sdreamdestroyyourlife?”

“I’mnot.”Ileanedbackinmychair.

“Youare.You’restillcateringtohim,evenafterhe’sdead.Themanwasanemotionalabuserandyou

knowit.Andeventhoughhe’sburieddeepintheground,he’sstillcontrollingyou.”

“You’rebeingridiculous,Caleb.”

“No,Gabriel.”Hepointedatme.“Youare.Asiftherearen’tenoughbillion-dollarQuinnHotelsand

Resorts in the world already. Why is this one so fucking important to you? I’ll tell you why. Because

you’restilltryingtomakehimproud.Justlikeyou’vedoneyourentirelife.Followinghimaroundlikea

lostpuppy.Iwastheonlyoneinthefamilywhohadenoughgutstostanduptohimandtellhimexactly

howIfelt.Lookatme,Gabriel.I’mhappyandyou’remiserable.”

“Nowyou’rejustbeingadick.”

“Listen,bro,I’msorrythatyou’regoingthroughthis.YouknowIalwayshaveyourback,butinthis

case,I’mnotsosure.Ihavetogo.Tomorrowisourlastdayofrecordingandthenwe’reheadingbackto

NewYork.I’llcallyouwhenIgetin.”

“Haveasafeflight,”IspokeasIhittheendbutton.

ChapterThirty-Two

Kate

AshardasItriedtoopenmyswolleneyes,Icouldn’t.TheyweresealedshutfromallthecryingIdid

lastnightplusthepoundingofmyheadfromthebottleofwineIdrank.Ilaythere,stilldistraughtandin

disbeliefthatinasplitsecond,myentireworldcrumbledbeforeme.Tearsstartedtocreepoutfromthe

cornerofmyclosedeyes.Ididn’tthinkIhadanytearsleft,buteverytimeIthoughtabouthim,theystarted

backupagain.IfeltparalyzedandIcouldn’tbringmyselftogetoutofbed.

Threedayslater,afterhibernatinginmybed,onlygettinguptousethebathroomandgetsomethingto

drink,Ifinallymanagedtotakeabath.AsIsunkdownintotherose-scentedbubbles,Irecalledmylast

visitwithmyfather.

“Daddy, there’s something I need to tell you,” I spoke as I looked down from the embarrassment of

lyingtohimthepastfewyears.

“Whatisit,babygirl?”heaskedwithconcern.

Itoldhimeverything,andhiseyesfilledwithtears.

“Mygod,Kate.Ihavenowordsforwhatyoujusttoldme.I’msosorry.”Heslowlyshookhisheadas

thetearssteadilyrandownhisface.

Wetalkedforaslongaswecoulduntilourtimewasup.BeforeIleft,hehuggedmetight.

“Goliveanormallife,baby.That’sallIwantforyou.I’mfineinhere,”hewhisperedinmyear.

I told him all about Gabriel and how happy I was. Now I’d have to go and tell my father what

happened.Ishouldhaveexpectedit.LifewastoogoodandaftereverythingIhaddone,Ididn’tdeserve

tobehappy.ThiswaskarmapayingmebackforallthosemenIconned.Iclimbedoutofthebathtuband

slippedintomyrobe.Iwasn’thungry,butIknewIhadtoeatsomethingsinceIhadn’teateninthreedays.

Iopenedmy freezer,sinceit wasaboutthe onlythingthat hadsome typeoffood initand pulledouta

frozen pizza. As I preheated the oven, the buzzer to my apartment rang. Who the hell would be visiting

me?ThethoughtthatitwasGabrielmademepanic.

“CanIhelpyou?”Iaskedovertheintercom.

“Kate,it’sme,Caleb.CanIcomeup?”

“Caleb?Sure.I’llbuzzyouin.”

Iopenedthedoorinconfusionandwatchedforhimtogetofftheelevator.

“Hey.”Hegavemeasympatheticsmile.“Howareyou?”

“Notgood.Comeonin.I’mmakingafrozenpizza.Wouldyoucaretojoinme?”

“Umm.Nothanks.Whenwasthelasttimeyouate?”

“Idon’tknow.Threedaysago,”Ireplied.

Hepulledhisphonefromhispocket.

“Putthataway.I’mgoingtoorderusarealpizza.”Hesmiled.

“Caleb,I—”

“Noarguments.I’morderingitandyou’regoingtoeatit.”

Heplacedthepizzaorderandthenfollowedmetothecouch.

“HowdidyouknowwhereIlive?”Iasked.

“IhadCarldrivemeover.”

“AndGabrielwasokaywiththat?”

“Mybrotherdoesn’tknow,andhedoesn’tneedto.”

“Hewouldn’tbeveryhappyknowingyou’rehere.”

“Idon’tcare.It’snoneofhisbusinesswhomIchoosetovisit.”

IgavehimasmallsmileasIplayedwiththetietomyrobe.

“Kate,Iwantyoutolookmestraightintheeyeandtellmethetruth,”hespokewithseriousness.

“IsweartoyouthatIdidn’ttellMarceloranyoneaboutGabriel’splans.”

Hereachedoverandplacedhishandonmine.

“Ibelieveyou.”

“Why?Whywouldyou?”

“Because I know you wouldn’t do anything to hurt Gabriel. You love him and that right there says

enough.”

Thebuzzerrangandinterruptedourconversation.

“Thatmustbethepizzaguy.I’llberightback,”Calebspokeashegotupfromthecouchandleftthe

apartment.

I took a couple of plates out of the cabinet and set them on the table. Caleb saying he believed me

meant a lot. I’d just wished Gabriel would’ve. After a few moments, Caleb walked back into my

apartmentwiththepizza.Takingitovertothetable,hesetitdownandopenedthelid.

“Smellsdelicious,”Ispoke.

“Itsuredoes.I’mstarving.”Hesmiled.

“CanIaskyousomething?”IspokeasIgrabbedasliceofpizzaandputitonmyplate.

“Youcanaskmeanything,”hereplied.

IaskedthequestionIwasn’tsureIwantedtoknowtheanswerto.

“HowisGabriel?”

“Upset.Amess.Pissedoffattheworld.”

“I’msorry.”Ilookeddown.

“Don’t be, Kate. It’s not your fault. Even though my brother thinks it is, it’s not. He had no right to

accuseyouwithoutproof.Ifyousayyoudidn’tdoit,thatshouldhavebeengoodenoughforhim.”

“Heneverhasandneverwilltrustme.”

“Thenthat’shisproblem,isn’tit?Healwaysfollowedwhatourfathersaidanddid.IfhetoldGabriel

tojumpoffabuilding,heprobablywouldhave.Hewasalwayssoworriedaboutdisappointinghim.Me,

on the other hand,” he smiled, “I didn’t care. This is my life and I was going to do what made me the

happiest.”

“Youdon’tthinkGabriel’shappyrunningthecompany?”IaskedasItookabiteofmypizza.

“He is in his own way. He was born to run a business. He’s extremely smart and very skillful. The

digitalhotelisn’tthatbigofadeal.Heonlywantstodoittopleaseourfather,eventhoughhe’sburiedsix

feetintotheground.YouwanttoknowwhatIthink?”

“What?”

“IthinkitwassomeoneinhiscompanywhospilledthebeanstoMarcel.”

“Butwhywouldanyonedothat?”Iasked.

“Idon’tknow.Gabrielhasknownthosepeopleforyearsandhetruststhem.Thethoughtthatanyone

wouldbetrayhimisludicroustohim.Unfortunately,yougotcaughtinthecrossfire.Haveyouevermet

Thaddeus?”

“Notformally.HesaidhellotomeonceatGabriel’soffice.ButI’veheardhimmentionhisnameafew

times.”

“Inevertrustedthatguy.Somethingwasalwaysoffabouthim.ButGabrielconsidershimafriendand

avaluableassettothecompany.He’shisrighthandmaneventhoughIknowiftheopportunityarose,he’d

stabmybrotherintheback.”

Thoughtswereflyingthroughmyheadlikeaswarmofbirdsflyingsouthforthewinter.

“TellmemoreaboutThaddeus.”

“Why?”heaskedwithanarrowedeye.

Amomentofsilencefilledtheair.

“Kate,no.”

“What?”Itookanothersliceofpizzafromthebox.

“Iknowwhatyou’rethinkinganditwon’twork.”

“Itwill.MaybehewastheonewhotoldMarcel.”

“Justleaveitalone.Gabrielfuckedupwithyouinabigway.Hemadehisbed,nowlethimlieinit.”

“Theonlythingthat’simportanttomeisprovingthatIdidn’tdoanything.”

“Andhowareyougoingtodothat?”

“Idon’tknowyet.ButtheonethingIdoknowisthatsomeoneinthatofficebetrayedGabrielandif

theydiditonce,they’lldoitagain.”

“Whydoyoucaresomuch?”Calebasked.

“BecauseI’mnotbeingblamedforsomethingIdidn’tdo.I’vedonealotofshitinmylifeandI’mthe

first one to admit it. But this. Having my whole life ripped apart for something I didn’t do is

unacceptable.”

“Okay.Solet’ssayyouproveitwassomeoneGabrielworkswith?Thenwhat?Areyouhopingtoget

himback?”

“No. What Gabriel and I had is over with for good. He’s proven that he could never trust me. The

things he said were horrible and I don’t think I could ever forgive him for that. I need a fresh start. A

placewherenobodyknowsKateHarper.AplacewhereIcanstartanewlife.”

“Asacon?”Hisbrowarched.

Asmallsmilecrossedmylips.

“No.Thosedaysareover.”

“Anyideawhatyouwanttodowithyourlife?”heasked.

“Notreally.ButIdoknowthatIneedtogetajobwhereveritisI’mmovingto.”

“Kate,don’tleaveNewYorkbecauseofGabriel.Therearesomanyopportunitieshereforyou.”

“Likewhat?”

“Sinceyouliketopaint,getajobatanartgallery.”

“Icanpaint,butIdon’tknowthatmuchaboutart.”Ismiled.“Plus,it’llbetoohardtobeinthesame

cityashim.It’sjustbestthatImovesomewhereelseandmakeafreshstartformyself.”

“Whataboutyourdad?”

“He’llwantmetodowhat’sbestforme,andI’llstillvisithim.”

Calebreachedoverandtookholdofmyhand.

“Dowhatmakesyouhappy,butdon’tbeastrangertome.Okay?”

“Okay.”Ismiled.

“Ibettergetgoing.”Hegotupfromhisseat.

“Thankyouforthepizza,Caleb,andthanksforcheckingonme.”

“Noproblem,Kate.Youhavealotoftalents.Chooseoneandfollowyourheart.”Hekissedmycheek

asIwalkedhimtothedoor.

Assoonasheleft,Iputmyplanintomotion.Grabbingmylaptop,Ididsomegooglingandfoundout

whoThaddeusWilsonwas.Ifhewasn’ttheonewhotoldMarcelaboutthehotel,thenIwouldhavetogo

afterMarcelmyself.

ChapterThirty-Three

Gabriel

Ithoughtaboutherdayandnight.Ididn’twantto,butitseemedeverythingIsawremindedmeofher.I

triedsohardtogetheroutofmyheadanditdrovemecrazy.Apartofmemissedher.Thefunwehad,the

laughsweshared,andthesideofhershefinallyletout.Butshewouldalwayshavethatotherside.The

sidethatmanipulatedpeopletogetwhatshewanted.Thesidethatliedoverandoveragain.

“Gabriel,”MarcelspokeashetookaseatacrossfrommeatDaniel,whereIinvitedhimfordinner.”

“Marcel.”

“I was pleasantly surprised to have received a phone call from you, let alone have you invite me to

dinner.”

“Ineverdidthankyouforcomingtothegrandopeningofmyhotel.”

“You’rewelcome.”Hegrinned.“Itwasmypleasure.IwasalreadyinHawaii,soIthoughtI’dstopby

andshowsomesupport.”

“Really?”Iarchedmybrow.“Ourfamilieshavehatedeachotherforyears.”

He shrugged. “Times have changed. We now run our families’ companies. Maybe it’s time to put an

end to what our grandfathers started. This war,” he waved his hand, “is ridiculous. We both run very

successfulcompanies.There’snoneedforanymorehostility,Gabriel.Iwouldliketothinkthatthetwoof

uscanstartnewtraditionsforourfuturefamilies.”

Iwantedtoreachacrossthetableandgrabhimbyhisthroat.Therewasnowayinhellthatwouldever

happen.

“Maybeyou’reright,”Ilied.

“Nowtellmetherealreasonyouwantedtomeetfordinner,”hespoke.

IsighedasItookadrinkofmybourbon.

“I’mcuriousaboutthisnewhotelyou’rebuildinginVegas.”

“Ah,thedigitalhotel.Whataboutit?MyfatherandIareveryexcitedtobreakground.”

“It’sagreatidea.Wheredidyougetitfrom?”

Hestaredatmewhilehepickeduphisdrinkandswirledtheicecubesinhisglass.

“Whatisthisreallyabout,Gabriel?”

“Youknowwhatit’sabout!”IspokethroughgrittedteethasIleanedacrossthetable.“Buildingahotel

likethathadbeenmyfather’sdreamforthepasttenyears.”

“And?”heasked.“Doyouthinkyou’retheonlyhotelchainthathasthoughtofthis?Letmeaskyou,

Gabriel,whydoyouthinkyourcompanyissospecial?Doyouhonestlythinkthatyou’retheonlyonewho

wants to build hotels of the future? Many more companies will be jumping on this. Marriott, Hilton,

Mandarin,Royals,Westin;theyallwill.”Hegotupfromhisseat.“Competitionisfierce,myfriend,and

wealldowhatwehavetoinordertogettothetop.I’mafraidImustgonow.”Hestartedtowalkaway,

butbeforehedid,heturnedandlookedatme.“Bytheway,howisyourfriendKatedoing?Ithoroughly

enjoyedourconversationsinHawaii.Iwashopingtotakeheroutsometime.Havehergivemeacall.”

Hewinkedwithasmileashewalkedaway.

Isatthere,mybloodpressureatanall-timehigh.IbegantosweatwithangerandittookeverythingI

hadnottogoafterhimandbeattheshitoutofhim.WhenIgothome,Ipulledthearticleoutandbegan

readingitoveragain.Marcelhadexplainedwhathishotelwouldconsistof,wordforwordwhatItold

Kate.

“Fuck!”Ithrewthearticleonmydesk.

****

Kate

IdecidedtoforgetaboutThaddeusandgostraighttothesource:Marcel.Hewasaslimeball,andjust

bytalkingtohimthebrieftimeIdidinHawaii,Ialreadyhadafeelonhowtohandlehim.Ididasmuch

researchasIcould.Ifoundaninterestingarticlethatwaspublishedaboutsixmonthsagoinamagazine

wherehewasinterviewedasoneofNewYork’smosteligiblebachelors.

Interviewer: “You’re handsome and wealthy. I’m surprised you’re still single. Do you like the

bachelorlifeorisityoujusthaven’tfoundtherightwomanyettosettledownwith?”

Marcel:“ThebachelorlifeisgoodandI’menjoyingitverymuch.Menlikemeneedtobecareful

aboutthewomenwedate.Alotofthemareonlyinterestedinthemoneywehavetooffer.ButI’mnot

givinguphope.IcomefromabackgroundwherefamilyisveryimportantandIknowtherightwoman

isoutthereforme.Ijusthaven’tmetheryet.”

Interviewer:“Describetheperfectwomaninyoureyes.”

Marcel:“Shemustbeintelligentandfamilyoriented.Well-educatedandknowswhatshewants.She

musthaveagoodheartandabeautifulsoul.”

Interviewer:“Howaboutontheoutside?Isthereacertaintypeofwomanthatcatchesyoureye?

Describeyourdreamgirl.”

Marcel: “If you’re talking about looks, yes, there is. Since I am six foot three, I am attracted to

taller women and I love long hair, preferably brunettes with deep green eyes. Eyes that resemble an

emerald.Ilikeawomanwhotakesgreatprideinthewayshelooksanddresses.”

Interviewer:“Well,IguessIcancountmyselfoutsinceI’maredhead.”

Marcel: “You’re still a beautiful woman, and judging by that gorgeous diamond ring you’re

wearingonyourlefthand,you’realsomarried.”

Okay.Helikedtallbrunetteswithdarkgreeneyes.Perfect.Thearticlealsotalkedabouthishobbies

andhowhelikedtotakehiscoffee.Twocreamsandoneteaspoonofsugar.Check.Helovedchildrenand

wanted at least four. I shuddered at the thought. Maybe one or two, but for me, four was too many. He

lovedlongwalks,chess,andlisteningtoclassicalmusic.Chesswasgood.IknewhowtoplayandIwas

goodatit.Myfatherlovedtoplayandtaughtme.Healwayssaidchesswastheperfectgametokeepyour

mindsharpandalwaysthinking.Strategywasthekey,notonlyinthegame,butinlife.Tomorrow,Iwould

starttheprocess.Followhim,watchhim,gethimtonoticemeandthenstartmydeception.Ineededtodo

thisonelasttime.NotonlyforGabriel,butforme.OnceIfoundwhatIwaslookingfor,itwouldbetime

tomoveonandstartmylifeover.

ChapterThirty-Four

Kate

IspentaweekwatchingMarcel.IfollowedhimtoadinerinHarlemoneafternoon.Hewalkedinand

tookaseat,andImadesureIsatatatablebehindhim.Helookedatmebutdidn’tgiveasecondlook.I

wasn’thistype,forIwasdressedinrippedjeans,anoversizedsweatshirt,apairofdirtytennisshoes,

andIhadonmyshortplatinumwigwithapairofbrowncontactsinmyeyesandamakeup-lessface.I

wouldadmitthatIwouldn’tevengivemeasecondlook.Ifounditoddhewouldchoosethishole-in-the-

wall diner in Harlem. It wasn’t his style. He kept looking at the door as if he was waiting to meet

someone. Holding the menu up, covering my face, I peered over it when the bell over the diner door

chimedandamandressedinanavybluebusinesssuitwalkedinandtooktheseatacrossfromhim.A

manwhomI’dseenbefore.ThaddeusWilson.

“You’relate,Thaddeus,”Marcelspokeashelookedathiswatch.

“Sorry,butIwasinameetingthattooklongerthanexpected.”

“What’swiththissecretlunch?ItoldyouthatIwouldbeincontactwithyouoncethingsweresquared

away,”Marcelspoke.

“And it seems to be taking longer than expected. I gave you what you asked for six months ago,

Marcel.”

“Iknow,andI’mgrateful.Patience,myfriend.Mylawyerisdrawingupthepaperworkaswespeak.It

shouldonlybeamatteroftime.”

“Ihopeso.IwanttogettoParisassoonaspossible.”

“If we’re done here,” Marcel spoke, “I need to get going. I’m hosting a cocktail party at The Plaza

Hotelatseveno’clock.”

“We’redone,”Thaddeusspoke.

AsMarcelwalkedout,Thaddeusorderedacupofcoffeeandasliceofcherrypie.Paris?Whatdid

Marcelofferhiminexchangeforinformation?IneededtofindoutandIwouldputmyplanintomotion

tonightatThePlaza.Isatthere,myhandswrappedaroundthewhitecoffeecup,staringatThaddeus.His

eyesdivertedtomeandthenquicklylookedaway.Imadehimuncomfortable.Icouldtell.Heshiftedin

hisseatashelookedatmeagain.Hedidn’tlikethattheunattractivegirlwasstaringathim.Hereached

insidehissuitcoat,pulledouthiswallet,andremovedwhatlookedlikeabusinesscardfromit.Placing

his wallet back in his pocket, he picked up his phone and made a phone call. I looked over at my

oversizedblackhobo-stylepurseandthenbackathim.Thewaitresswalkedoverandplacedhiscoffee

andcherrypiedowninfrontofhim.Afterendinghiscall,hepickeduphisfork.Isummonedthewaitress

forthebillandleftsomecashonthetable.Pickingupmypurseandthrowingitovermyshoulder,Igotup

from my seat and intentionally dropped my phone by his table. I knew he wouldn’t be a gentleman and

pickitupformesinceIwasaneyesoretohim.Afterdroppingitonthefloor,Ibentdownandmybag

swungacrosshistable,knockinghiscoffeecupover.

“Whatthefuck!”heexclaimedashepushedhimselfandhischairback.

“Ohmygod!Iamsosorry,”IspokeasIlookedupathim.

“Youdamnklutz!”heshouted.

ThewaitresshurriedoverwithatowelasIgotupandgrabbedashitloadofnapkinsthatweresitting

onthetable.

“Ohno.Yoursuit,”IspokeasIpattedhissuitcoatwiththenapkins.

Hegrabbedthemfrommyhand.

“Justgo!”heshouted.

Ipulledmywalletfrommypurseandthrewdownahundred-dollarbill.

“Thisshouldcoveryourdrycleaningbillaswellasyourcoffeeandpie.Accidentshappen,sir,and

youdon’thavetobesorude.”

Helookedatthehundredonthetableandthenupatme.

“Ihopeyouhaveabetterday.”Iwalkedaway.

OnceIhitthepavementandwalkeddownthestreet,Ireachedintomypurseandpulledouthisblack

leather Bottega Veneta two-fold wallet with a smile on my face. He was one man I didn’t feel guilty

rippingoff.Checkingouthowmuchcashhehad,Icountedsixhundredfiftydollars.Beforeheadingback

to my apartment, I stopped at the salon and got a mani/pedi and a spray tan, compliments of Thaddeus

Wilson.

WhenIgothome,Ipulledablacksuitcasefromthehallcloset,tookittomyroom,andplaceditonmy

bed.Openingit,IlookedatallthefacepiecesIhadusedovertheyears.Differentnoses,teeth,lips,and

coloredcontacts.Walkingovertomycloset,Ireachedupandtookdownmylongwavybrunette-colored

wig with the subtle blonde highlights. After showering, I put on my face, popped the emerald-green-

colored contacts into my eyes, and carefully pulled on my wig. I slipped into a black, off-the-shoulder,

midi-length,form-fitteddress.Itwasveryplain,butelegant.EspeciallyafterIdresseditupwithjewelry

andblackstilettoheels.WhenIpurchasedthedress,itwaslabeledas“LadyLuck,”andluckwaswhatI

neededtonight.AsIstoodinthefull-lengthmirror,Ididn’tevenrecognizeme.Mynosewasdifferentand

mylipswerefuller.

When I reached The Plaza, I wasn’t sure in which restaurant Marcel would be hosting his cocktail

party. If I had to guess, and knowing him, it would be at the Palm Court. I was right, because when I

walkedin,Isawhimwalkingfromtabletotable,minglingwithguests.Luckily,therewereafewseats

stillopenattheroundbar.Takingmyseat,Iaskedthebartenderforacosmopolitan.Isatthereforoveran

hour, watching him as he stole small glances my way. I had his attention and saw him start to walk my

way.

“Areyouherealone?”heaskedwithasmileashewalkedovertome.

“Iwassupposedtobeonadate,butIguessIgotstoodup,”IrepliedwithaFrenchaccent.

“You’reFrench?”heaskedwithahintofexcitement.

“Oui.”Ismiled.“Andsoareyou.”

“Whyonearthwouldanyonestandupabeautifulwomanlikeyourself?Hislossismygain.MayI?”

Hishandgesturedtothestoolnexttome.

“Youmay.”IsmiledasItracedtherimofmyglass.

Instantly,wehititoff.OrshouldIsay,hedid.WetalkedaboutFranceandIfabricatedthisstoryabout

howIwasborninMarseilleandmyparentsandImovedtotheUnitedStateswhenIwaseight.Heasked

whatIdidforaliving.ItoldhimIwasafreelanceartistandworkedfromhome.Heseemedimpressed.I

mentionedthatIwantedtostartanonlinebusiness.Hetoldmehecouldhelp.Ipickedhisbrainforideas,

madehimfeelspecial.Wetalkedabouthiscompany.Isatandlistened,neverbreakingoureyecontact.

Hewashooked.

Ilookedatmywatch.Itwasgettinglate.Heditchedhiscocktailpartyandspenttherestoftheevening

talkingtome.

“Ibettergetgoing.It’sgettinglate.”Ismiled.

“Iunderstand,butI’mafraidIcan’tletyouleavewithoutgettingyourphonenumberfirst.”

“Handmeyourphone.”AsmirkcrossedmylipsasIheldoutmyhand.

Hepulledhisphonefromhispocket,handedittome,andIputinmynewnumber.

“There.Nowyouhavemynumber.Iwillbeexpectingacallortextfromyouverysoon.”Igrinned.

“Believeme,Camille,youwillbehearingfromme.”

“ThankyouforawonderfuleveningandmakingmeforgetthatIwasstoodup.”

“Itwasmypleasure.CanItakeyouhome?”

Iplacedmyhandonhischest.

“Thankyou,butIcangethomejustfine.Haveagoodnight,Marcel.”

“Youtoo.”

IletoutadeepbreathasasmilecrossedmylipsandIleftThePlaza.

When I arrived home, I kicked off my shoes, went into the bathroom to take off my disguise, and

climbedintobed.AsIlaythere,thoughtsofGabrielwashedoverme.ThehurtandthepainItriedtobury

creptupinsideme.Ihadspentmyentirelifefeelinglonely,butthiswastheloneliestI’deverfelt.AsI

closedmyeyes,myphonedinged.Ireachedoverandtookitfrommynightstand,andsawtherewasatext

messagefromMarcel.

“Ican’tstopthinkingaboutyouandwouldlovetotakeyoutodinnertomorrowevening.”

“Iwouldlovetohavedinnerwithyou.”

“Excellent.Icanpickyouuparoundseveno’clock.”

“NametherestaurantandI’llmeetyouthere.Ihaveameetingwithaclientatsixbutitwon’ttake

long.”

“Verywell.I’lltextyoutheplaceandtheaddresstomorrow.Goodnight,Camille.”

“Goodnight,Marcel.”

NowIhadtofigureoutawaytogetoutofsleepingwithhim,becauseamanlikehimwasn’tgoingto

bepatientverylong.IneededtofindouttheinformationIwaslookingforquickly.Mytimelimitwasone

week.ThefasterIgotthisdone,thesoonerIcouldmove.

Thenextmorning,Iwentout,boughtalabelgun,andmadeanewlabelwiththename“Chamberlin”on

it to replace my name under my apartment number outside the doors of the building. There was no use

lyingtoMarcelaboutwhereIlivedbecauseonceallwassaidanddone,I’dbegoneanyway.

****

FiveDaysLater…

ThingswithMarcelwerehittinganall-timehigh.Hewasinlovewithmeandsentmeabouquetof

freshroseseverydaysincethenightwemet.Wespenteveryeveningtogether.Goingonwalksthrough

Central Park, having dinner at the finest restaurants, and having drinks back at his penthouse while we

played chess. My period. That was my excuse for not jumping into bed with him. The first couple of

dates,IexplainedthatIwasn’tthatkindofgirlandIneededtotrulyknowsomeonebeforeIsleptwith

them.Heunderstoodandrespectedmeforit.Datethree,IplayeditoutasifIwasready.Ievenmadethe

first move. As we were making out and I was trying not to gag, I excused myself to the restroom and,

whenIcameout,ItoldhimthatIhadjuststartedmyperiod.Iexplainedthatitcameoutofnowhereand

howbaditwasandIneededtogohome.Hewasdisappointed,butIpromisedtomakeituptohim.Date

fourwasspentatmyplace,havingdinnerinandtalkingforhours.IknewmorethanIwantedtoabout

him.Ididn’tcare.HerepulsedmeasmuchasIrepulsedmyselfbecausewhathedidwasn’tanydifferent

fromallthethingsIhaddone.Thiswasmychancetomakethingsrightinmylife.Tosortofmakeupfor

allthebadthingsIhaddonetothemenIconned.TomakethingsrightforGabriel.Eventhoughthetwoof

uscouldneverbewhatweoncewere,Icouldn’tstandbyandletMarcelriphimoff.Intheend,doingthis

wastherightthingforbothofus.

ChapterThirty-Five

Kate

Date five. The Friends of New Yorkers for Children Annual Ball, which was held at the Mandarin

Oriental.ThesamehotelwhereGabrielfirstsawmeafterwepartedwaysatJFK.Iputonmyfaceand

mywig,andslippedintoaRolandMouretstraplesstwo-tonepeplumeveninggownincreamandblack.

Thegownwasgorgeouswithitsdouble-facesilksatin,asymmetricneckline,fittedbodice,andpeplum

waist.ComplimentsofMr.ThaddeusWilsonandtheonecreditcardheforgottocancel.

“Youlookabsolutelystunning.”Marcelsmiledandkissedmycheek.

“Thankyou.Sodoyou.”Iflashedmysexysmile.

Hetookholdofmyhand,ledmetohislimo,anditwasofftotheballwewent.TheMandarinwas

filledwithsocialites.WemingledamongstthewealthyandMarcelintroducedmeashisgirlfriend.Shit

wasgettingrealandIneededtomovefast.Weheadedtothebarafterhavingaglassofchampagneupon

walking through the doors and Marcel ordered me a cosmopolitan. As I waited for my drink, I looked

aroundtheroomandmyeyeslockedwithGabriel’s.Fuck!Fuck!Fuck!Ididn’texpecttoseehimhere.

Myheartstartedracingand,suddenly,Ibecamenervous.Ineededtoholdmycomposure,forIcouldn’t

risk him finding out it was me. Shit. He’d know. As long as I didn’t smile, I’d be okay. I thought. He

walkedawayfromthebar.IletoutthedeepbreathIwasholding.Marcelturnedaroundandhandedme

mydrink.

“Onecosmopolitanforthemostbeautifulwomanintheroom.”Hesmiled.

“Thankyou.”

HeheldouthisarmandIplacedminearounditaswewalkedtoourtableandtookaseat.AsIsipped

mycosmopolitan,Gabrielsatdownacrossfromus.

“Lookslikewe’retablemates,”hespoketoMarcel.

“Ah, very good. Gabriel, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Camille Chamberlin. Camille, this is a

friendofmine,GabrielQuinn.He’stheCEOofQuinnHotels.”

Shit.Shit.Shit.Icoulddothis.

“Nicetomeetyou,Gabriel,”IspokewithoutasmileinmyFrenchaccentasIextendedmyhand.

Placinghishandinmine,helookeddownandthenbackupatme.Hiseyestoldmehefeltsomething.

“Thepleasureisallmine,Camille.”Hebroughtmyhanduptohislips.

Jerk.Doeshealwayskissthehandofafemalehemeetsforthefirsttime?

I pulled my hand away and set it on my lap. The sensation that ripped through my body as his lips

touched me was too much. All the while he and Marcel talked, he kept looking at me. He was alone,

whichmademehappybecauseIdidn’tthinkIcouldbearseeinghimwithanotherwoman.Heturnedhis

attentiontomeandbeganaskingmeallsortsofquestions.Fuck.Hewassuspicious.Icouldseeitinhis

eyes.

****

Gabriel

Marcel’sgirlfriendwasbeautiful.Toobeautifulforthelikesofhim.Somethingaboutherwasn’tsitting

rightwithme.Icouldn’tputmyfingeronit.AjoltoflightningsoaredthroughmethemomentItouched

herhand.Justlike—Ibegantoaskherquestions,hopingshe’dslipupsomehowandI’dknowforsure.

Thaddeuswalkedoverandtooktheseatnexttomine.MarcelintroducedCamilletohim.Iwaitedforher

to smile. She wouldn’t because she knew if she did, I would know for sure it was her. Fuck. I felt it.

TherewasdefinitelyastrongconnectionwhenItouchedher.Iswallowedhardatthethought.Therehad

only been one woman in my life I felt that connection with and it was with Kate. I kept an eye on her

duringdinner,andeverytimeshelookedatme,shequicklylookedaway.Musicstartedtoplay;avariety

ofjazzandblues.ThedanceflooropenedandMarceltookCamillebythehandandescortedhertothe

middleoftheballroom.IleanedbackinmychairandwatchedthemwhileIsippedonmydrink.

“Damn.Marcel’sgirlfriendisfuckinghot,”Thaddeusspoke.

“Shecertainlyisbeautiful.”

“BeautifulandFrench.Whatmorecouldamanaskfor.”Hesmirked.

Itwasthemiddleofthesong,soIfinishedoffmydrinkandheadedtothedancefloor.

“MayIcutin?”IaskedMarcel.

“Ofcourse.”Henodded.

Iwrappedonearmaroundherwaistandheldherotherhandinmine.Shestaredovermyshoulder.

“You’reaverybeautifulwoman,Camille.”

“Thankyou,”shespoke.

“ToobeautifulforthelikesofMarcel.”

Asmallsmilecrossedherplumplipsbutquicklydisappearedoncesherealizedwhatshehaddone.It

wasKate.MygriparoundherwaisttightenedasIpulledherclosertome.

“Whatthehellareyoudoing,Kate?”Iwhisperedinasternvoice.

Notawordescapedhermouth.

“I asked you a question. Do you want me to cause a scene? Because I fucking will, and then when

Marcelcomestoyourrescue,I’llflattenhisscrawnyassrighthereinfrontofeveryone.”

“Really, Gabriel?” she whispered in her normal voice. “Two respectable CEOs going at it in the

middleofafundraiserforchildren?Thepresswouldhaveafieldday.”

“I’llaskyouonelasttime.Whatareyoudoingwithhim?Wasthisyourplanallalong?Werethetwoof

youincahootsbeforeweevenmet?”

“Ohmygod,no!”shevoicedloudly.

“Shh.Keepitdown.Doyouwanttodrawattentiontous?”

“Leavemealone,Gabriel.Ihaveajobtodo.”

“Ajob?Whatareyourippingofffromhim?Oh,wait.Thatwouldbemyideasandplansforthehotel.”

Tearsstartedtoforminhereyes.

“You’rewrong.”

“AmI,Kate?BecauseIdon’tthinkIam.”ThesongendedandIletgoofher.“IwishI’dnevermet

you.Youarenothingbutavilehumanbeing.”IshookmyheadasIwalkedaway.

ChapterThirty-Six

Kate

IgulpedasIstoodthere,tryingtoholdbackthetearsthatformedinmyeyes.

“Areyouokay,darling?”Marcelaskedashewalkedovertome.

“Ofcourse.”Ismiled.“I’mfine.Justalittlelightheadedfromthechampagneandcosmos.”

“Wouldyouliketogohome?”

“Ithinkthat’sagoodidea.Ijustreallyneedtoliedown.”

Hewalkedmeuptomyapartment,andbeforeIopenedthedoor,Itoldhimgoodnight.

“Thankyouforabeautifulevening,Marcel.Ihadalotoffun.”

“You’rewelcome,mydear.”Hestrokedmychinwithhisthumb.“Iwishthatperiodofyourswould

end.”

“Metoo.Itshouldonlybeacoupleofmoredays.”Ibrushedmylipsagainsthis.

“Whatareyourplansfortomorrow?”heasked.

“Iwashopingtogettospendthedaywithyousinceit’sSaturday.”

“Thenyourwishismycommand.Whatshallwedo?”

“It’ssupposedtorainallday,soIwasthinkingwecouldjustspendthedayatyourplace.Icouldcook

foryouandwecouldjustrelaxandwatchmovies.”Ismiled.

“Iwouldlovethat.Ihaven’thadarelaxingdayinmonths.”

“Great.I’llstopatthestoreandpickupeverythingIneedandheadoveraroundnoon.”

“Maybeyoucouldspendthenightwithme.”Hislipstouchedmine.

“We’llsee.Goodnight,Marcel.Ireallydoneedtoliedown.”

“Goodnight,Camille.”Hekissedmeonelasttime.

Isteppedinsidemyapartmentandshutthedoor.ItookinadeepbreathasIplacedmyhandsonthe

island.Tomorrowhadtobethedaythatwouldendallofthis.IwantedtotellGabrielwhatIwasdoing,

butIcouldn’t.Icouldn’triskhimgoingafterMarcelandThaddeuswithoutthephysicalproofIneeded.

Thenextmorning,asIwasgettingreadytoleave,thebuzzertomyapartmentrang.Shit.

“Yes?”Ispokeovertheintercom.

“Letmein,Kate!”Calebsternlyspoke.

Rollingmyeyes,Ibuzzedhimandopenedthedoor.

“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”hespokeasheenteredmyapartment.“Ohmygod.Lookatyou.What

thefuck,Kate?”

“I’mguessingyouspoketoyourbrother.”

“Yeah.WehadbreakfastthismorningandIcouldn’tbelievewhathetoldme.Ispecificallytoldyou

nottodothis.”

“No.YousaidnottodothiswithThaddeus.”

“You’recrazy.”Hethrewhishandsupintheair.

“Listentome,Caleb.YouwererightaboutThaddeus.HewastheonewhotoldMarcelabouttheplans

for the hotel, and if I’m right, he also copied the blueprint and gave it to him. I am going to find out

everythingtodayandgettheproofIneedtoclearme.”

“Jesus.Howdoyouknowallthis?”

“IfollowedMarceltoadinerinHarlem,wherehemetwithThaddeus.Iwassittingatatablebehind

themandIheardeverything.MarcelofferedhimsomepositioninhiscompanyinParisinexchangefor

theinformationaboutthehotel.”

“Howareyougoingtogettheproof?”

“Ihaveaplan.Don’tworryaboutme.How’sGabriel?”

“Howdoyouthinkheis?He’sangryandhurt.Hebarelyate.I’veneverseenhimlikethis.He’storn

upinsideasitis,andnowthathethinksyouwereinvolvedwithMarcelthewholetime,it’skillinghim.”

“Youdidn’ttellhimwhatIwasdoing,didyou?”

“No. How the hell could I? I didn’t even know. Kate,” he took hold of my arm, “you have to be

careful.”

“Iwill.Neverunderestimatethecharmofabeautifulwoman.”Ismirked.“Ihavetogo.I’mspending

thedaywithMarcelandIhavetostopatthestorefirst.”

“Ihopethisworks.”Heshookhishead.

“Itwill.Pleasedon’tsayawordaboutthistoGabriel.”

IstoppedatthestoreandpickedupeverythingIneededtomakeanicedinnerforthetwoofus.WhenI

reachedhispenthouse,heimmediatelytookthebagsfrommyarms.

“Iwishyouwouldhavecalledmefromthelobby.Iwouldhavebroughttheseupforyou,”hespokeas

hekissedmylips.

“You’resweet,butImanagedjustfine.”

Hetookthegroceriesintothekitchen.Justastheweathermanpredicted,itrainedalldaylong.Thesky

wasovercastandtheslightchillintheairmadeitaperfectdaytositinthecomfortofahomebythefire,

keeping warm while watching TV. We snuggled on the couch, under a blanket, watched a movie, and

talked.IwasreadytotalkaboutGabrielandgetthisfuckingnightoverwith,soIreachedinthepocketof

the oversized hoodie I was wearing and pressed the play button on the recorder I had hidden in my

pocket.

“Thatmanfromlastnight.GabrielQuinn,”Ispoke.

“Whatabouthim?”

“Isheamajorcompetitionforyou?”

“You’veneverheardofhimorhishotelchain?”heaskedwithabewilderedlookonhisface.

“Vaguely,”Ireplied.“Tobehonest,Idon’treallykeepupwiththehotelscene.”Ismiled.

“Ah.Isee.Well,toansweryourquestion,yes,heismajorcompetition.QuinnHotelsalwayshasbeen.

Butthatisallgoingtochangeverysoon.”

“Really?How?”

“It’sasecret,Camille,andoneIcan’tdiscuss.”

IsatupwithadistraughtlookonmyfaceasIstaredathim.

“Ithoughtmeandyouwereathing?Imean,youdidintroducemeasyourgirlfriend.”

“Weare.ButbusinessissomethingIcannotdiscuss.”

“Youcan’toryouwon’t?”Ispokewithanupsettonetomyvoice.

“Darling,whyareyougettingsoupset?”Hishandstrokedmycheek.

“I’mnot.”Iturnedawayfromhim.“It’sjust—”

“Justwhat?”Hishandgrippedmyshoulder.

ThewordsIhadtospeakmademenauseated.

“It’sjustthatIloveyou,butIcan’tbeinvolvedwithsomeonewhokeepssecretsfromme.Businessor

personal.”

“What?Youloveme?”hespokeinasoftvoice.

Herewego.Timetoupmyactingskills.IturnedandfacedhimasIplacedmyhandonhischeek.

“Yes.Iknowitsoundscrazy,Marcel,becausewehaven’tknowneachotherbutforaveryshorttime.I

can’t explain it. All I know is that I’m in love with you. This past week has been the best week of my

life.”

“Oh,darling.”Hesmiled.“Iloveyoutoo.Iwassmittenfromthedaymyeyeslaidsightonyou.”

“Ifyoulovedme,youwouldn’tkeepsecretsfromme.”Ipouted.

“Idon’twanttokeepsecretsfromyou.”

“Marcel,Iwantarelationshipwithyou,butIneedtotalhonesty.Ilovehearingaboutyourbusiness.

Theexcitementyoureyesshoweverytimeyoutalkaboutitturnsmeon.”

“Howmuchdoesitturnyouon?”hewhisperedashistonguetraveledacrossmyneck.

Ishudderedandnotinthegoodway.

“Somuch.Nowtellmehowyouareknockingthecompetitionrightout.”

“Istolethedigitalhotelideafromhim.Actually,itwasgiventomebyafriendandco-workerofhis.

Youmethimlastnight.ThaddeusWilson.”

“Oh.Scandalous.Tellmemore.”Ibegantounbuttonhisshirt.

“Imadehimanofferhecouldn’trefuseandhehandedtheplansrightovertome.Igavethemtomy

peopleandnow,we’rebuildingit.”

“You’resuchabadass.”Ismiled.“Thiscallsforacelebration.YousitrightherewhileIgopourusa

glassofthewineIbrought.”

“Icandoit,darling.”

“No.No.”Iplacedmyhandonhishardcock.“Youstayrighthereandletme,yourgirlfriend,serve

you,”IspokeinaseductiveFrenchaccent.

“Ifyouinsist.”Hegrinned.

I went into the kitchen, placed the recorder in my purse, and took out the bottle of sleeping pills I

broughtwithme.Afteropeningthewine,Ipouredsomeinaglass,tookoutthreesleepingpills,opened

thecapsules,andpouredthepowderinhiswine.Ithenpouredmyglass,walkedtothelivingroom,and

handedhimhis.

“Toyournewhotel.”IsmiledasIheldupmyglasstohim.

“Thankyou,darling.”Hetappedhisglassagainstmineandtookasip.

“Thefirstpersontofinishtheirwinegetsaspecialprize.”Igrinned.

“Andwhatwouldthatprizebe?”

“If you finish your wine first, I’ll give you a blow job. If I finish my wine first, you have to cook

dinner.”

“Youaren’tserious,”hespoke.

“Oh,I’mveryserious.”IsmiledasIlickedmylips.

“Bottomsup!”Hethrewbackhiswineasifitwaswater.

NowIneededthosepillstoworktheirmagicasquicklyaspossible.

“Lookatthat.ItseemsIfinishedmywinefirst.Bringthatbeautifulmouthofyoursdownhere.”

Asickfeelingwashedoverme.IneededtostallaslongasIcould.Gettingdownonmykneesinfront

ofhim,Ibrushedmylipsagainsthis,softlyandinateasingway.Agrowleruptedfromhisthroat.Islid

myfingersdownhisshirtuntiltheyreachedhisbelt.Takinginadeepbreath,Islowlyunbuckledit.The

bulgeinhispantsgrewbiggerasIundidhispants.Lookingupathim,Isawhisheadwastiltedbackand

hiseyeswereclosed.AsIstrokedhishardcockthroughthefabricofhisredsilkunderwear,hebeganto

snore.ThankGod!Iquicklystoodup,laidhimdownonthecouch,andcoveredhimwithablanket.

“Sorry,Marcel.Sweetdreams.”

Itookthewineglassesintothekitchen,washedanddriedthem,andthenwentintohisofficeandsat

downbehindhisdesk.Iopenedhislaptop,andthelockscreenappeared.

“Shit.Whatwouldhispasswordbe?”

Iopenedhisdeskdrawer,lookingforsomethingtoindicatehispassword.Nothing.Damnit.Ineeded

todothisquickly.Ishuthislaptopandwalkedbackouttothelivingroom,whereItookhisphonefrom

thetableandplacedhisfingeronthebuttontounlockit.Pullinguphisemail,Isearcheditandfounda

folder labeled “Digital Hotel.” I opened it and found a shitload of email exchanges between him and

Thaddeus.Aftersendingthefoldertomyemailaddress,Ideleteditinthesentfile,sethisphonebackon

thecoffeetable,grabbedmypurse,andheadedoutthedoor.Afterhailingacabbacktomyapartment,I

called a messenger service to deliver the recorder to Gabriel. Pulling out his business card that I had

takenfromhisdeskdrawerawhileback,Iopenedmylaptop,createdanewemailaddress,andsentthe

folder from that one to his. I took the two suitcases I had packed from the closet, my guitar case, and

climbedintothecabthatwaswaitingformeatthecurb.

“Whereto,miss?”thecabdriverasked.

“Trainstation.”

BeforeIlaunchedmyplanonMarcel,Ivisitedmyfatherandtoldhimeverythingthathadhappened.

HeunderstoodwhyIhadtoleave,butIpromisedthatIwouldvisithimasmuchasIcould.Beforewe

saidourgoodbyes,heslippedmeapieceofpaperwiththenumbertoasafedepositbox,whichwasin

myname,attheAtlanticBank.

“Theboxisinyourname,babygirl.Takewhat’sinthereandgo,”hewhisperedwithtearsinhiseyes.

Lightup,sweetgirl.”Hesmiled.

Isatonthetrainforthefour-hourridetoMystic,Connecticut,whichisclassifiedasavillagewitha

populationof4,025people.Small.Theperfectplacetostartnew,atleastuntilIfiguredoutexactlywhere

I wanted to be in life. I walked from the train station to the Mermaid Inn of Mystic, a cute bed and

breakfastthatIfoundfitting.

“Hello,dear.HowmayIhelpyou?”theoldergray-hairedwomanbehindthedeskasked.

“Hi,Ihaveareservation.”

“YoumustbeKateHarper.”Shesmiled.

“Howdidyouknow?”

“Youareouronlyguest,mydear.Everyoneelsealreadycheckedout.It’sourslowtimeoftheseason.

MynameisRose.”Sheheldoutherslenderhand.

“It’snicetomeetyou,Rose.”Asmilecrossedmylips.

“Whenyoucalledtobookthereservation,yousaidyoudidn’tknowhowlongyou’dneedtheroomfor.

Haveyoudecidedyet?”

“Maybeaweekortwo.”

“Delightful.I’llputyoudownforatleasttwoweeks.NowfollowmeandI’llshowyoutoyourroom

onthesecondfloor.Youcanleaveyoursuitcasesdownhereandmygrandson,Thomas,willbringthem

up.”

Ifollowedherupthestairstothesecondfloor.Sheinsertedthekeyinthelockandopenedthedoorto

theroom.

“This is our Rose room. Named after me.” She smiled. “I personally decorated it myself. I hope it

meetsyourneeds.”

Walkingintotheroom,Isetmyguitarcasedownandlookedaround.Itwasbeautiful.Thewallswere

paintedarosecolorandthenstenciledwithfloraldesigns.Aqueen-sizebedthathousedaquaintfloral

printcomfortersatonthefarwall.TherewasasmalldresserwithaTVthatwasmountedonthewall

aboveit.Itwasverycharming.

“There’saminifridgeoverinthatcornerthatisfullystockedwithwaterandsoftdrinks,compliments

oftheinn.”

“Thankyou.”

“Therearetowelsinthecabinetoverthereoutsidethebathroom.Ifyouneedmore,justletmeknow.

Also, breakfast is served at nine a.m., so make sure you bring your appetite because we serve a full

Americanbreakfast.”

“Idefinitelywill.”Ismiled.

“I’llletyougetsettled,dear.IfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutMystic,justask.”

AssoonasRoselefttheroom,Iwalkedovertothewindowandtookintheviewofthegarden.Ifelta

sense of peace here. It was quiet and exactly what I needed. I grabbed a bottle of water from the

refrigeratorandtookitouttothegazebo,whichwassurroundedbybeautifulflowers.

ChapterThirty-Seven

Gabriel

Iwassittinginmyofficeathomecatchinguponsomeworkwhenthedoorbellrang.Afewmoments

later,Gracewalkedinandhandedmeasmallpackage.

“Thisjustcameforyoufromamessengerservice,”shespoke.

Itookthepackagefromherandopenedit.Pullingoutwhatlookedlikearecordingdevice,Istudiedit.

“Whatthehellisthis?”

“Maybeit’ssomethingyouneedtolistento.”

IpressedtheplaybuttonandfrozewhenIheardKate’sandMarcel’svoices.

“Damn,she’sgood,”Gracespoke.

AfireeruptedinsidemeandtheairIbreathedbecamerestricted.

“Gabriel,calmdown.”

“Calmdown?”Ishouted.“Youheardwhatwasonthattape.”

Igotupfrommychairandthrewthepaperweightthatwasonmydeskagainstthewall.

“Thaddeus.”Ishookmyheadindisbelief.“I’mgoingtokillhimand,whenI’mdone,I’mgoingafter

Marcel.”

Suddenly,thefactthatKatehadnothingtodowithitinvadedmyhead.

“Ohmygod,whathaveIdone,”IslowlyspokeasIgrippedthearmsofthechairandsatbackdown.

“Shewastellingthetruth,Gabriel,andshewenttogreatlengthstoproveittoyou,”Gracespoke.

A sick feeling arose in the pit of my stomach. A sickness I’d never felt before. What I did was

unforgivable.Suddenly,anemailpoppeduponmycomputer.Iopeneditandfoundafilethatcontained

emails between Marcel and Thaddeus. Emails that had copies of my blueprints, data information, and

everyplanthatwasmadeforthehotel.Istudiedtheemailaddress:

amermaidssong@yahoo.com

“Ineedtogoseeher,”IspokeasIrosefrommychair.

“I’mnotsosureshe’sgoingtowanttoseeyouafterwhatyousaidtoher.”

“I’llmakeherseeme.Ihavetoapologize.”

“It’llbeamiracleifthatgirleverforgivesyouforwhatyou’vesaidanddone.”

Ishotheralook.

“I’msorry,Gabriel,butit’sthetruth.”

“Well,Ihavetotry.”

Iflewoutofthehouseandhailedacabtoherapartment.Ididn’thavetimetowaitforCarl.WhenI

wenttopressthebuttonforherapartment,Inoticedthespacewherehernamehadsatwasblank.Blank,

asinshenolongerresidedinthatapartment.Someonewaswalkingoutofthebuildingandassoonasthe

dooropened,Ihelditopenforherandslippedinside.Takingtheelevatoruptoherapartment,Istoodin

frontofitandknockedonthedoor.Shedidn’tanswer,soIknockedharder.

“Kate,it’sme.Openup.Weneedtotalk.”Icontinuedtopoundonthedoor.

AwomanwaswalkingdownthehallandstoppedattheapartmentnexttoKate’s.

“Ifyou’relookingforthewomanwholivedthere,she’sgone,”shespoke.

“Gone?Whatdoyoumeanshe’sgone?”

“Ithinkshemovedout.Tookherguitarandacoupleofsuitcasesandleft.Iaskedherifshewasgoing

onvacationandshesaidno,shewasleavingNewYorkCityforgood.”

“Didshesaywhereshewasgoing?”

“No.Ididn’tfeelitwasappropriatetoask,sinceI’dneverspokentoherbefore.”

“Thankyou.”Iwalkedpastherandsteppedontotheelevator.

OnceIgotinsidethecab,IpulledmyphoneoutandcalledCaleb.

“Hey,Gabriel,what’sup?”

“Ineedyoutocomeoverassoonaspossible.Ineedtotalktoyou.IwaswrongaboutKateandnow

she’sgone.”

“What?Whereisshe?”

“Idon’tknow.I’llexplaineverythingwhenyougettothehouse.”

“I’monmyway,bro.”

CalebpulledupbehindmeasIsteppedoutofthecab.

“Whatdoyoumeanyouwerewrongabouther?”heasked.

“Shewasn’ttheonewhotoldMarcelabouttheplansforthehotel.”

“Oh,nowyoubelieveher?”hespokewithasnidetone.

Assoonaswesteppedinsidethehouse,IgrabbedtherecorderandplayeditforCaleb.

“Ican’tbelievesheactuallydidit,”hespokeasheslowlyshookhishead.

“Whatdidyousay?”Ilookedathim.“Didyouknowaboutthis?”

“Afterbreakfast,IwenttoherapartmentandshewasjustleavingtogotoMarcel’splace.Shesaidshe

hadaplanandItoldhernottodoit.Thatitwastoorisky.”

“Whydidn’tyoutellme!”Ishoutedathim.

“Becauseyoualreadymadeupyourmindthatshewasguiltyandyoutoldhershewasavilehuman

being.Ihonestlydidn’tthinkshewouldgetMarceltoconfess.”

“She’sKateHarper.Haveyouforgotten?Damnit,Caleb!Ican’tbelieveyoudidn’ttellme.”

“Shetoldmenotto,andifIhad,youwouldhavegoneafterherandblownhercover.Justforgetabout

Kateforaminute.WhatareyougoingtodoaboutThaddeusandMarcel?”

“I’mcallingmylawyerrightnow.”IpulledmyphonefrommypocketasIshookmyheadathim.

****

I tossed and turned all night, thinking about Kate. I no longer cared about the hotel. None of that

matteredtomeanymore.IfuckedupsobadlythatIwasafraidGracewasright.Katewouldneverbeable

to forgive me for the things I said to her. But I had to try and I needed to find her. I would bet the one

personwhowouldknowwhereshewentwouldbeherfather.

I had Carl drive me to Rikers Island, where I cleared security and waited in the visiting room for

Henry.

“MayIhelpyou?”heaskedashewalkedintotheroom.

“Henry,I’mGabrielQuinn.”

Alookofdismayanddisapprovalfilledhiseyes.

“I’mnotafanofyours,Mr.Quinn,”hespoke.

“I’msureKatetoldyoueverything.”

“Shedid.”Henoddedashetookaseatattherectangulartable.

“Ineedtoknowwheresheis.It’simportant.”

“Youhurtmybabygirlintheworstwaypossible.EvenifIknewwhereshewas,Iwouldn’ttellyou.”

“Areyousayingyoudon’tknowwheresheis?”

“That’sright.Shewouldn’ttellmewhereshewasgoing.She’stryingtoputthepiecesofherlifeback

together,Mr.Quinn,andyou’renotapartofthat.Infact,you’rethereasonmylittlegirlleftinthefirst

place.Hadyoujusttrustedher,youwouldn’tbesittingacrossfrommerightnow.”

Iwantedtoshoutobscenitiesathimandtellhimwhatalousyfatherhewas,butIremainedcalmand

lethimsaywhathehadto.

“IwaswrongandIneedtomakethingsrightwithher.”

“I’mafraidit’stoolateforthat.”

“Peopledeserveasecondchance,Henry.”

“You’reright,theydo.Youshouldhavethoughtaboutthatyourselfbeforedoingandsayingwhatyou

didtoKate.She’saverystrongwomanandsheknowshowtotakecareofherself.Lookattheriskshe

tooktoproveherinnocencetoyou.Moveonwithyourlife,Mr.Quinn,”hegotupfromhisseat,“and

forgetaboutKate.”

“I’mafraidIcan’tdothat.Iloveher.I’minlovewithher.”

“Ifthat’strueandyoureallydoloveher,thenyouhavetolethergo.Letherfindherwayandgetback

ontrackwithherlife.Ihave.I’mnotperfectandImaynothavebeenthebestfather,butIdidwhatIhad

todotosupporther.”

“Bymovingheraroundherwholelifeandexposinghertoyourcons?”Ispoke.

“Iregretthat,butIcouldn’tletthemtakeherawayfromme.ShewasallIhadleftinthisworldafter

hermotherdied.”

“Youcouldn’tletwhotakeherawayfromyou?”

“Her grandparents. They always hated me and threatened to take her away because they thought I

couldn’tsupporther.TheytoldmethatI’dbebetteroffgivingheruptothembecausealoserandacon

likemecouldneverloveortakecareofherthewaytheycould.IdidwhatIhadtodotokeepher.”

“DoesKateknowanyofthis?”Iasked.

“No.Inevertoldher.Haveagoodday,Mr.Quinn.”

He walked to the door, summoned the guard, and left. As I was leaving, my phone rang and it was

Giles,myattorney.

“Giles,”Ianswered.

“IwantedtoletyouknowthatThaddeusandMarcelareunderinvestigationbythefedsandthepress

ishavingafielddaywiththis.ThejudgeorderedarestraintonMarcel’sbuildingofthehoteluntilthe

investigationiscompleted.It’suptoyouifyouwantThaddeusarrestedfortheftandespionage.”

“Yes.Iwanthimtopayforwhathedid.”

“Verywell.I’llbeintouch,myfriend.”

I sighed as I climbed into the limo and headed home. I poured myself a drink and paced around the

room,tryingtofigureoutwherethehellshecouldhavegone.

“Didsheevermentionsomewhereshe’dliketogo?”Graceaskedasshesawmeindeepthought.

“NotthatIcanrecall.”

“Whydon’tyouhireaprivateinvestigatortofindher?”

“I’m going to have to because I need to talk to her. Even if she doesn’t forgive me, I need to

apologize.”

ChapterThirty-Eight

Kate

Roseandherhusband,Bobby,werewonderfulpeople.Theymademefeelsowelcomeinthetwodays

Ihadalreadybeenthere.IspentanentiredayexploringdowntownMystic,meetingthepeopleintown

andshoppinginthecutelittleboutiquestheyhadtooffer.ItkeptmymindoffGabriel,atleastforawhile.

Thehurthadn’tevenbeguntolessenandmyheartwasstillshatteredintotinypieces.Myfirstheartbreak

everandIhadnocluehowtohealfromit.

Thegazebohadbecomemyfavoritespottositinandreflectonmylife.AsIwassittingthere,staring

atthebeautifulgarden,Rosecamealongandtookaseatbesideme.

“HowareyoulikingMysticsofar?”

“Iloveithere.ThisplaceisexactlywhatIneeded.”

Sheplacedherhandontopofmineandgaveitagentlesqueeze.

“WhatbroughtyoutoMystic?SomehowIgetthefeelingyou’rerunningfromsomeoneorsomething.”

“Howdidyouknow?”

“Icantellthesethings.”

“I’mrunningfrommylife.”Igaveherasmallsmile.“I’vedonesometerriblethingsandIwanttostart

over.It’snevertoolateforthat,right?”

“Ofcoursenot,dear.That’showweashumanbeingsgrow.Wemakemistakes,learnfromthem,and

thenmoveon.”

“CanIaskyousomething,Rose?”

“Ofcourseyoucan.”

“Howlongdoesittakeforabrokenhearttoheal?”

“Well,itdependsontheperson.Thisisn’tyourfirstbrokenheart,isit?”

IlookeddownasIclaspedmyhands.

“Itis.I’veneverletmyselfgetcloseenoughtoanyonebefore.Ialwaysplayedbymyownrules.Then,

ImetthismanandashardasItriedtoshieldmyselffromhim,Icouldn’t.IfellinlovewhenIknewdeep

inmymindthathecouldnevertrustme.”

“Why’sthat?”sheasked.

“Because of the way we met. That’s another story all on its own. Something happened with his

company,andinstantly,heaccusedme.EventhoughItoldhimIdidn’tdoit,hedidn’tbelieveme.Hesaid

horriblethingsandtoldmeheneverwantedtoseemeagain.WhenIwaswithhim,mylifewasnormal.A

normalcythatIcravedmyentirelife.”Atearrandownmycheek.

Rosewrappedherarmaroundmeandpulledmeintoher.EventhoughIhadonlyknownheracouple

ofdays,Ifeltlikeshewasamotherfigure.SomethingI’dneverhad.

“It’sokaytocry,Kate.Gettingoverabrokenheartandrelationshipissomethingthattakestime.Time

willanddoeshealallwounds.”

“Inevershouldhaveletmyselfgetinvolvedwithhim.”

“Ofcourseyoushouldhavebecausethenyouneverwouldhaveexperiencedtheloveyoufeltforhim.”

“Thepain.Thispainisn’tworthit.Ithurtssomuch.”Ibegantocry.“Ijustwantittostop.”

“Anditwill,dear,butyouaretheonlyonewhocanhealyourself.Isn’tthatwhyyoucamehere?”

“Yes.”

“Thenyou’vealreadytakenthefirststep.Justkeepgoing.Everyday,thepainwilllessenuntiloneday

youwakeupanditwon’thurtanymore.”

“Thanks,Rose.”Igentlysmiled.

“You’rewelcome,dear.I’mgoingtogostartdinner.Wouldyouliketohelp?”

“I’dloveto.”

****

A few more days passed and I kept myself as busy as I could. A few more guests checked in and I

helpedRoseoutbycleaningtherooms.SheinsistedthatIstop,butthiswasmywayofthankingherand

helpingheroutlikeshehelpedme.Atnight,IwouldhangoutJohn’sMysticRiverTavern,whereIwould

haveacoupleofdrinksandplaypoolwiththelocals.IreallylikeditinMysticanditalreadyfeltlike

home.Acoupleofthemenintownhadaskedmetogooutwiththem,butIpolitelyturnedthemdown.

Theywereniceandattractive,buttheyweren’tGabriel.

****

Gabriel

IspentdaystryingtofigureoutwherethehellKatewentoffto.Itwasaffectingmywork.Icouldn’t

stayfocusedandIdidn’tcare.Workwasnolongermynumberonepriority;findingKatewas.Ihadjust

arrivedhomefromtheoffice,andIwalkeduptothebedroomwhereshestayed.Sittingdownonthebed,

Icuppedmyfaceinmyhands.ThebestthingthateverhappenedtomeinmylifeandIthrewitawayfor

nothing.Inevershouldhaveaccusedher.Ishouldhavebelievedherwhenshetoldmeshewasn’ttheone

whotoldMarcelaboutthehotel,becauseIlovedher.IsighedasIranmyhandsdownmyface.WhenI

lookedup,Istaredatthepaintingofthemermaidbytheseashepainted.Itwasbeautiful,justlikeher.

Suddenly, something hit me and hit me hard. I jumped up from the bed and ran down the stairs to my

office.Openingmylaptop,Itypedthewordmermaidintothesearchbar.Iscrolledandscrolled,looking

forsomething,anythingthatwouldleadmetowhereshewas.WhatwasIdoing?Ilaughedatmyselffor

even thinking that I was going to find something. I went to shut my laptop and something caught my

attention.TheMermaidInnofMystic,abedandbreakfastinMystic,Connecticut.Couldshehavegone

there?OrwasIjustgraspingatstraws?IshookmyheadasIclosedmylaptop,pouredmyselfabourbon,

andwentuptobed.

****

ItossedandturnedallnightlikeIdideverynightafterIkickedKateout.Istumbledoutofbed.AsI

wasshowering,Icouldn’tstopthinkingaboutTheMermaidInn.Itwasalongshot,butIdidn’tcare.The

drivewasonlytwoandahalfhoursandsomethingIneededtodo.Igotdressed,packedasmallbag,and

headedoutthedoor.

Ireachedthebedandbreakfast,walkedthroughthedoor,andfoundanolderwomanbehindthedesk.

“WelcometoTheMermaidInn.”Shesmiled.

“Thankyou.I’mhopingyoucanhelpme.I’mlookingforsomeone.”

“Icantrytobeofsomehelp,”shespoke.

“I’mlookingforawomanwho’saboutfivefootseven,longblondehair,andbeautifulblueeyes.Her

nameisKateHarper.Shewouldhavestayedherewithinthepastweek.”

“No,I’msorry.Noonebythatnameordescriptionhasstayedhere.”

“Doyouknoweveryonewhostayshere?”Iasked.

“Of course. My bed and breakfast only has four rooms available to stay in. I know each and every

guestthatwalksthroughthatdoor.”

“Itwaslongshot.Thankyou.Doyoubychancehaveanyroomsavailablefortonight?”

“Unfortunately,everyroomisbookedrightnow.”

“Isee.Haveagoodday,”Ispoke.

“Youtoo.”

I climbed into the car and followed the sign that pointed to Downtown Mystic. I was here and it

seemed nice, so I decided to stay the night. Maybe getting away, even for a night, would do me some

good.IpulledintoTheWhaler’sInntoseeiftheyhadanyrooms.Luckilyforme,theyhadtheirjunior

suiteavailable.

“Wehopeyouenjoyyourstay,Mr.Quinn.”

“Thankyou.I’msureIwill.”

I set my bag on the bed and looked around the nautical-themed room. Pulling my phone from my

pocket,IcalledCaleb.

“Hey,bro,”heanswered.

“Hey.IjustwantedyoutoknowthatI’minMystic,Connecticut.I’llbestayingacoupleofdaysand

I’mturningmyphoneoff.”

“WhyareyouinMystic?”heaskedwithasurprisedtone.

“TherewasthisinncalledTheMermaidInnofMystic.ItookawildchancethatmaybeKatewouldbe

there,buttheownersaidshewasn’t.It’sprettynicehereandIneedacoupleofdaystomyself.”

“Igetit.Okay.Trytorelaxwhileyou’rethere.”

“I’llcallyouwhenIgetbacktoNewYork.”

“Talktoyousoon,Gabriel.”

Iturnedoffmyphoneandplaceditinmypocket.MaybeachangeofscenerywouldhelpgetKateoff

mymind.Itookastrollthroughthedowntownarea,grabbedsomedinner,andheadedbacktothehotelfor

thenight.AsIwaswalkingupthestairstomyroom,Isawayoungcouplestandingthere,holdinghands

andsmilingateachotherastheytalked.IthitaspotinmyheartbecausethatwaswhatKateandIusedto

do. I saw the same look in that woman’s eyes that Kate always had when she smiled. Fuck. I wasn’t

supposedtobethinkingabouther.

Thenextmorning,Igotupearlyandwentforarunalongtheriver.Itwasachillystarttothedayand

perfect running weather. I ran for what seemed like miles, trying to run away from all my problems. I

neededaclearheadbeforeIheadedbacktoNewYork,butIwasn’tsosurethatwasgoingtohappen.As

Iwasrunningbacktothehotel,Isawawomanstandingoutsideaboutiquelookinginthewindow.Her

hair,herheight,andherbodyframe.Myheartstartedpounding.ItwasKate.Irantowardsher,andasI

approached,Iplacedmyhandonhershoulder.

“Kate,thankgodIfoundyou.”

Sheturnedaround,andinstantly,Ifroze.Itwasn’ther.

“Excuseme?”shespoke.

“I’msosorry.Ithoughtyouweresomeoneelse.I’msorry.”Icontinuedmyruntothehotel.

NowIhadgoneandcompletelylostit,thinkingthateverywomanIsawwithlongblondehairwasher.

I decided that after breakfast, I would head back to New York, but first, I needed to stop at a small

boutique I passed yesterday. Grace collected crystal birds and I saw a unique one displayed in the

window.HerbirthdaywascomingupandIthoughtitwouldbealittlesomethingextratogivealongwith

a bonus. After I made the purchase, I stopped at a small coffee house to have a cup of coffee before I

headedhome.

“HowmayIhelpyou?”theyoungbaristaasked.

“I’llhaveamediumcoffeeandascone,”Ireplied.

“Willthatbeforhereortogo?”

“Togo.Onsecondthought,forhere.”

ThelasttimeIdrovewhiledrinkingacupofcoffeeIendedupspillingitallovermeandthecar.I

tookaseatatasmalltable,sittingwithmybacktothedoortotakeintheviewoftheriveronelasttime

beforeIleft.AsIwasdrinkingmycoffee,Iheardawoman’svoice.Avoicethatmademyheartstartto

race.IslowlyturnedaroundandsawKatestandingatthecounter,talkingtothebarista.Shegrabbedher

coffeetogoandheadedoutthedoor.Iquicklygotupandfollowedher,stayingfarbehindsoshedidn’t

see me. I wasn’t quite sure how to approach her and a nervousness settled inside me. She was just as

beautifulasshealwayswasandseeingheragaintookmybreathaway.Justlikeithadmanytimesbefore.

IfollowedhertoTheMermaidInn.Whatthehell?Hadshebeentherethewholetimeandthatwoman

liedtome?Iwaitedoutsidethebedandbreakfastwhileshewentinside.Afterafewmoments,Iwalked

throughthedoorandsawtheolderwomanbehindthedesk.

“Youliedtome,”IspokeasIapproachedher.

“Excuseme?”Herbrowarched.

“The woman who just walked through the door, that was Kate. The woman I asked you about

yesterday.”

“Ithinkyoushouldleave,Mr.Quinn.Katecameheretohealabrokenheart.”

“AndIcameherelookingforhertomakethingsright.”

“Gabriel?”IheardKate’svoiceonthestairs.

Ilookedoveratherandsawthesadnessthatresidedinhereyes.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”sheasked.

“Icamelookingforyou.”IsmiledasIwalkedtowardsher.

“Youshouldn’thave.”

ShequicklywalkedpastmeandoutthedoorandIranafterher.

“Kate,Ineedyoutolistentome.Please.”

“GobacktoNewYork,Gabriel.”Shecontinuedwalkingatarapidpace.

“I’mnotleavinguntilIapologizetoyou.I’msorryforeverythingI’vesaidanddone.”

“Fine.Iaccept,nowgo.Leavemealone!”sheshouted.

Icaughtupwithherandlightlygrabbedholdofherarm.Sheturnedandherbeautifulblueeyesstared

intomine.

“I’msosorry.Pleaselet’sgosomewheresowecantalkinprivate.”

“There’snothingtotalkabout.Yousaideverythingyouneededtobackwhenyouaccusedmeofselling

yououttoMarcel.”Shejerkedherarmaway.

“Please,sweetheart.Ijustneedyoutolistentome.”

“Firstofall,”shepointedherfingeratmeandspokeinanangrytone,“I’mnotyoursweetheart,and

secondofall,Idon’tcareifyouneedmetolistentoyou.Youdidn’tlistentome.Allofthiscouldhave

beenavoidedifyouwouldhavejustbelievedinme!”

“IknowthatandI’msorry.I’mstupidandIturnedmybackontheonlywomanIhadeverloved.I’m

here to make things right. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, and I can’t focus on my company. What I did was

wrongandImadeaterriblemistake.I’msosorry,Kate.Please,youhavetobelieveme.”

“Justlikeyoubelievedme?”sheaskedinalowandsadvoice.“Iacceptyourapology,butthat’sallI

cangiveyou.Thingsaredifferentnow,Gabriel,andyouneedtogohome.”

“Kate,please.Ineedyou.”Ireachedoutandgrabbedherhand.

“AndIneededyouatonetimeandyouturnedyourbackonme.”Shepulledherhandaway.“Goodbye,

Gabriel.Pleasejustleavemealone.”Tearsformedinhereyes.“Youwillneverbeabletotrustme.”She

walkedawayandheadedbacktothebedandbreakfast.

“You’rewrong,Kate,”Ishouted.

Istoodthereandwatchedherwalkawayfromme.ThepainIalreadyfeltintensifiedtosomethingso

unbearableitsentmetomyknees.MyeyesbegantowaterandbeforeIknewit,tearsstartedstreaming

downmyface.Thiswasn’tme.Thiswasn’twhoIwas.Shechangedme,andnow,I’dneverknowwhatit

wouldbeliketoloveherandspendmylifewithher.

ChapterThirty-Nine

Kate

IranbacktoTheMysticInnandfoundRosestandingontheporch.Theuncontrollabletearsstreamed

downmyfaceasIcriedinherarms.

“There,there,dear.It’llbeokay,”shewhisperedassheheldthebackofmyheadwithherhand.

AssoonasIcalmeddown,shewalkedmeovertothegazebowherewealwayshadourlittletalks.

Seeinghimagainhurtsomuch.Thefactthathesearchedandfoundmeledmetobelievehereallywas

sorry for everything he’d done. But it didn’t matter. I needed to move on with my life because I would

neverallowmyselftogothroughthisagainwithhim.Peoplealwayssay,thewayyoumeetsomeoneisthe

waythingswillend.Wemetunderthecircumstancesofnon-trustandweendedthesameway.RoseandI

satandtalkedforhours.

“Everybodydeservesasecondchanceatleastonetimeintheirlife,”shespoke.“Thingswithmeand

Bobbyalwaysweren’tsogood.”

“Butyoutwohaveaperfectrelationship.”

“Wedonowbecauseofsecondchances.Bobbymadeamistakeintheearlyyearsandhecheatedon

me.”

Ilookedatherasshocksplayedacrossmyface.

“I’djusthadmythirdmiscarriage.Wewerebothdevastatedbecausewethoughtforsureitwouldn’t

happenagain.Iwentintoadeeperdepressionandshuthimoutcompletely.Hetriedsohardtobethere

forme,butIwouldn’tlethim.WhatIfailedtorecognizewasthathewashurtingjustasbadlyasIwas.I

wasn’t there to ease his pain like he was for me. The only thing I could focus on was how much these

miscarriagesaffectedme.Ineverthoughtabouthowitaffectedhim.Hewentoutonenightafterwehada

fight,gotdrunk,andsleptwithawomanhemetatthebar.”

“Rose,I’msosorry.”

“I’mnot.Becauseifhedidn’t,wewouldn’tbetogethertoday.”

“Howcouldyoutrusthimagainafterthat?”

“Ittookawhileandmonthsoftherapy.ButIknewhelovedmemorethananythingintheworldandI

loved him. After that horrible time and pain we went through, we found each other again and our

relationshipwasbetterthanithadeverbeen.Igavehimasecondchancebecausehedeservedtobegiven

one. And he gave me one because he loved me. Later that year, I got pregnant and had my son, Gage.

When he was six months old, I got pregnant again and had my daughter, Kathryn. Those two children

neverwouldhavebeenbornifIhadgivenuponhim.”

“Iappreciateyourstory,Rose,butI’mnothavingchildren.Atleastnotforafewyears,ifever.”

“It isn’t always about the children, Kate. It’s about your life and the wonderful things you could be

missingoutonbecauseyou’relettingyourpainandheartachedecideyourfuture.”

IsighedasIlaidmyheadonhershoulder.

“Runningawaydoesn’tsolveanything.YouhaveahomeinNewYorkandyourfatheristhere.Doyou

wanttomissoutontimespentwithhimbecauseofGabriel?”

“Ican’tbeinthesamecityashim.Itwouldhurttoomuch.”

“You just think you can’t. You’re a strong woman, Kate Harper, and you can get through this. First

heartbreaksarealwaysthehardest,butitdoesn’tmeanyouhavetorunawayfromyourlifeandhometo

heal.YoucanmakeafreshstartinNewYork.Changeyourroutine,changeyourhabits,andbeforeyou

knowit,yourlifewillbeexactlyhowyouenvisioneditwouldbe.Besides,I’monlyatwo-and-a-half-

hour drive away and I’ll always have a room ready and waiting for you when you need it. You are

welcomehereanytimeandasmuchasyouwanttobehere.”

“Thanks,Rose.Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyoutoo,dear.”

ItookeverythingRosesaidtoheartanddecidedthatIneededtogobacktoNewYorktolivemylife.I

likeditthereandmyfatherwasonlyashortdistanceaway.Thenextmorning,IpackedmybagsandRose

walkedwithmetothetrainstation.

“Goodbye,mydarlingKate.”Shesmiledassheplacedherhandsonmyface.“Haveasafetriphome

andcallmeortextwhenyougetthere.”

Asmilecrossedmylips.“Iwill,andIpromisetokeepintouch.”

“Youbetter,becauseIconsideryouadaughterandI’llworry.”

****

Gabriel

Icouldn’tbringmyselftodrivehomeafterKateandIhadwords,soIspenttherestofthedaysitting

bytheriver,thinkingbackonourconversation.ShehatedmeandIdidn’tblameher.Iwasfoolishtothink

thattheminuteshesawme,she’drunintomyarmsandtellmethatsheforgaveme.Shesaidsheforgave

me,butIknewdeepdownsheonlysaidthattomakemeleave.

Thenextmorning,Icheckedoutofthehotelanddrovetothebedandbreakfasttoseeheronelasttime.

Ididn’tcometotryandgetherbackbecauseIknewshedidn’twantthat.Ijustneededtoseeheronelast

timeforclosure,becauseaftertoday,I’dneverseeheragain.ThatwaswhatshewantedandIwasgoing

torespectherwishesnomatterhowbaditkilledmeinside.

Iwalkedthroughthedoorandfoundtheolderwomandustingthecoffeetableinthelivingarea.

“Hello,”Inervouslyspoke.

Sheturned,andwhenshelookedatme,asmallsmilesweptoverherlips.

“Mr.Quinn,Ithoughtyouwenthome.”

“I’monmywaynow,butIneedtoseeKateonelasttime.Canyoutellmewhichroomshe’sstaying

in?”

“I’mafraidshe’sleftalready.”

“What?Wheredidshego?”

“Lookatthat.”Shelookedoverattheclockthathungonthewall.“It’slunchtime.”Shesmiled.Ithink

itwouldbeinyourbestinteresttojoinme.Youshouldn’tdrivehomeonanemptystomach.Imadeatuna

noodlecasseroleandsomefreshbread.”

Igotthefeelingshewantedtotalktome,soIpolitelyaccepted.

“Sure.Thatsoundsgood.”

“Excellent.GohaveaseatinthediningroomandI’llbringinthefood.”

I did as she asked and took a seat at a small round table that sat two. I couldn’t believe Kate had

already left. That right there was an indication that she wanted to get away from me as quickly as

possible.

“Bytheway,mynameisRose.”Shesmiledasshesetdownmyplateinfrontofme.

“It’sapleasuretomeetyou,Rose.”

Iplacedthewhiteclothnapkinonmylapasshesatdownacrossfromme.

“DoyouknowwhereKatewent?”Iasked.

“IsentherbackhometoNewYork.”

“Really?”Iaskedwithexcitementinmyvoice.

“Youneedtolistentome,Gabriel.Ifyouwantherback,youneedtogivehertimeandspace.”

“But—”

“Nobuts.”Sheheldupherfinger.“Kateneedstimetofigureherselfout.Itoldherthatrunningfrom

herlifewasn’ttheanswerandthatsheshouldstayinNewYorkbecausethat’swhereherhomeandher

fatheris.KateandItalkedeveryday.Sometimesforhours.Shetoldmeaboutherpast,herfather,andthe

circumstances that led to the two of you meeting and being reunited. She also told me what lengths she

went to in order to give you your father’s dream back. She said she did it for herself, to right all the

wrongsshehaddone.ButIknowdeepdowninside,shediditforyoubecauseshelovesyou.”

“AndIloveher.”

“Iknowyoudo.Icouldseeitinyoureyeswhenyousawherstandingonthestairs.Nottomentionthe

factthatyoufoundherhere,inthissmalltownofMysticwhenshecouldhavebeenanywhereelseinthe

world.Ihavehopeforthetwoofyou,butyoumustproceedwithcaution.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”Ifrowned.

“Inordertogetbackwhatthetwoofyouhad,youmuststartallover.Erasethepastandeverythingthat

hadhappened.Laythefoundationforanewrelationship.Reintroduceyourselftoherasifyou’remeeting

herforthefirsttime.Gettoknowherwithoutanyjudgment.Dateherandtakethingsslow.Butshewill

needtime.Iknowthatmaybedifficultforyoutohear,butitisessentialthatshe’sinagoodplacefirst.”

“Howlongarewetalking?”Iasked.

“That’suptoKate.”

“Andwhatifshestillwantsnothingtodowithme?She’sthemostimportantthinginmylife.”

“Shestilllovesyou,Gabriel,andshealwayswill.Don’tworryaboutthesmallthings.Timeisonboth

ofyoursides.”

“Howdidyoubecomesowise,Rose?”Ismiled.

“I’ve lived a long time, dear, and I’ve experienced a lot in my life. I know what works and what

doesn’t.Nowthatyou’vefinishedyourlunch,it’stimeforyoutoheadhome.”Shegrinned.“I’vemade

youaspecialcarepackageofmyfamoushomemadeoatmealchocolatechipcookiestotakewithyou.”

WebothstoodupfromourseatsandIwalkedaroundtoRoseandgaveherahug.

“Thankyou,andthankyoufortakingcareofKate.”

“You’rewelcome,dear.Makesuretokeepintouch.”

“Iwill.”IsmiledasIleftthebedandbreakfast.

ChapterForty

Gabriel

AmonthandahalfhadpassedsincemyconversationwithRosetookplace.Ifounditdifficulttodoas

she said, but I did, and I stayed away from Kate. But that didn’t mean I didn’t follow her or, as Caleb

would call it, stalk her, just to make sure she was okay. I also did it because I couldn’t go that long

withoutseeingher.Calebmetheronceaweekatacoffeeshopandkeptmepostedaboutwhatwasgoing

oninherlife.Hehatedbetrayingherconfidencelikethat,butheknewhowworriedIwasabouther.She

neveraskedCalebaboutmeandinsomewaysthathurt.Maybeshewasovermeandjustdidn’tcare.Or

maybeshewastooafraidtoask.Eitherway,Iwasplanningonmakingmymoveverysoon.

****

Kate

My life was slowly getting back on track. I had started my own freelance art services, thanks to a

woman named Thea that I had met while I was browsing in an art gallery. We got to talking about a

specificpaintingandItoldherthatIalsopainted.ShewaspregnantandaskedmeifIwouldpaintamural

on the wall of her baby’s nursery. She had been trying to find someone for a while, but by the time

someonewasavailabletodoit,herbabywouldalreadybeborn.Iimmediatelytookthejobandfinished

itratherquicklysinceitwastheonlythingIhadtodo.Sheloveditsomuchandwassoexcitedaboutit

thatshetoldhercircleoffriendsandtheybegancallingmetodosomeartworkforthem.

When I got home from Mystic, I did some house cleaning. I threw out all my wigs, passports, and

anything and everything that had to do with a con. I was me now, Kate Harper, and she was the only

personI’deverbe.AsforGabriel,Istillthoughtabouthimeveryday,butlikeRosepromised,myheart

wasonthemendandIdidn’tfeelassadanymore.IthelpedthatIkeptbusyallday.Itwasthenighttime

thatwastheloneliest.IhadmetwithCalebonceaweekforcoffeeandwetalkedaboutmylifeandhis.

HisrecordingcareerwastakingoffandhewastravelingbackandforthtoL.A.alot.Ididn’taskabout

Gabrielandhedidn’ttalkabouthim.ItwasbestthatIdidn’tknowwhatwasgoingonhislife.Iwassure

he had found another woman by now. A man like him wouldn’t go too long without dating. The thought

saddened me, but it was for the best and I realized that. I visited my father once a week and he was

thrilled that I decided to stay in New York. I told him all about Rose and he was happy that I found

someonelikeher.Ididn’ttellhimthatGabrielhadfoundmeinMystic.Somethingswerejustbetteroff

notdiscussed.IfeltthemoreItalkedabouthim,theharderitwouldbetogetoverwhathappened.

****

Gabriel

IfiledcriminalchargesagainstThaddeusandMarcel.Acourtdatewassetfornextmonthtodecide

theirfate.MylawyersaidchanceswerethatThaddeuswouldgotoprisonforespionageandtheftsince

he took my plans and gave them to Marcel. The press had a field day with what had happened and a

majorityofthecompany’sshareholderspulledoutandleftthecompanyinfinancialdistress.Nothinghad

mademehappier.IwasgettinganxiousaboutKate.Theonlyproblemwasthatsinceshewasgettingher

lifebackontrack,IwasafraidIwasnothingbutadistantmemorytoher.

“I’mgoingtogetKateback,Grace,”Ispoke.

“Andhowareyougoingtodothat?”Shearchedherbrow.

“Ihaveaplan.”Igrinned.“Agoodplan.”

“Ihopeitworks.Imissher.”Shesmiled.

“Idotoo.Fingerscrossed,”IspokeasIgotupfromtheisland.

ChapterForty-One

Kate

EverySaturdaymorning,weatherpermitting,IwenttothelakeinCentralParkwhereIwouldspendat

leastanhouranddraworreadabook.Sometimes,Iwouldjuststareoutintothewaterandappreciatethe

beautythatsurroundedme.Asenseofpeaceandinspirationflowedthroughmeeachandeverytime,just

likewhenIwouldsitinthegazeboinMystic.

IsatonawoodenbenchsippingmycoffeeandstaringoutintothelakeasIthoughtaboutallthethings

Ihadyettodotogetmybusinessofftheground.MywebsitewasindevelopmentandIstillhadtodesign

and order some business cards. As I was sitting there, I caught something running towards me from the

cornerofmyeye.Lookingover,Isawitwasawhitepuppywithapinkleashattachedtoit.

“Ohmygoodness.Wheredidyoucomefrom?”IsmiledasIreacheddowntopether.

ShewasaMalteseandthecutestlittlethingIhadeverseen.Ilookedfortagsonhercollarbutdidn’t

seeany.Then,Ilookedaroundtoseeifanyonewascomingtoclaimher.Obviously,shehadgottenaway

fromherowner.

“Youareadorable.”Ipickedherupandbroughthernosetomine.“Where’syourparents?”

Shebeganlickingmyfaceoverandover.

“Thankyouforthekisses,sweetgirl.”

Suddenly,Iheardavoiceapproachmefromtheside.

“Thereyouare,youlittlerascal.”

IlookedoverandsawGabrielstandingthere.Ifeltmyalmostmendedheartcrackandasickfeeling

washedoverme.

“Thisisyourdog?”IaskedwithsuspicionasInarrowedmyeyeathim.

“Sheis.”Hesmiledatme.“Wewereonawalkandshesomehowbrokefreefrommyhand.Thankyou

forholdingontoher.I’mGabrielQuinn.”Heextendedhishand.

Iwasconfusedasfuckastowhatwashappening.ButIdecidedtoplayalong.

“KateHarper.”Ilightlyshookhishand.

“It’snicetomeetyou,Kate.”

“Likewise.”Islightlytiltedmyheadtotheside.

“Shelikesyou.”Hesmiledasthedogwouldn’tstoplickingmyface.

“She’sadorable.Howlonghaveyouhadher?”

“Acoupleofdays.”

“What’shername?Youreallyshouldgettagsforher.”

“Iwasgoingto,butIhaven’tnamedheryet.”

“Why?”Iaskedinconfusion.

“BecauseIhaven’tbeenabletothinkofafittingnameforher.Anysuggestions?”Hesmirked.

“Well,growingup,IalwayswantedawhiteMalteseandIwasgoingtonameherLadybecauseshe’s

primandproper.”AsmallsmilecrossedmylipsasIheldthedogupandstaredather.

“Ilikeit.Comeon,Lady.Weneedtocontinueourwalk.”

IsetthedogdownandhandedtheleashtoGabriel.Icouldliterallyfeelthecrackinmyheartbeginto

heal.Seeinghimwiththatpuppygavemeallthefeels.

“Thank you again, Kate. It was a pleasure to meet you.” The corners of his mouth curved up into a

smileashebegantowalkaway.Suddenly,hestoppedandturnedtome.“Excuseme,Kate?”

“Yes?”

“WouldyoubyanychanceliketojoinLadyandmeonourwalk?”

Icouldn’thelpbutsmileathisinvitation.“Sure.Iwouldloveto.”

Myheadtoldmenottodoit,butmyhearttoldmeitwasokay.

WewalkedsidebysidethroughtheparkwhileLadywalkedaheadofus.Wetalkedasifwehadjust

met for the first time and I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed at what he was doing. I told him about my

businessandhetoldmeabouthis.Wetalkedaboutwine,food,ourlikes,andourdislikes.Welaughed

just like we used to and the connection we always shared felt stronger than ever. Once we reached the

mainstreet,Gabrielstoppedandturnedtome.

“Thankyouforjoiningus.IsthereachanceIcouldgetyourphonenumberandmaybewecouldgoout

sometime?”Hesmiled.

“Iwouldlikethat.”

HepulledhisphonefromhispocketandenteredmynumberasIrattleditoff.IsaidgoodbyetoLady,

and Gabriel walked away in the opposite direction I was going. I hesitated for a moment and then the

wordsjustfelloutofmymouth.

“Hey,Gabriel?”Icalledouttohim.

“Yeah?”Hestoppedandlookedatme.

“Idon’thaveanyplanstonight,”Inervouslyspoke.

“NeitherdoI.”Hegrinned.“Wouldyouliketogotodinnerandmaybecatchamovie?”

“Yeah.Iwould.”Ibitdownonmybottomlip.

Hepulledhisphonebackoutfromhispocket.

“What’syouraddress?I’llpickyouupatsixo’clock.”

****

Gabriel

IletoutasighofreliefasIwalkedawayfromher.Itworked.Myplanworked.Shewasbackinmy

lifeandIwasthehappiestmanalive.AssoonasIclimbedintothelimo,IcalledCaleb.

“Hey,bro.”

“Ihaveadatetonight,Caleb.KateandIaregoingtodinnerandamovie.”

“Thankgod.”Hesighed.“Ididn’tknowhowmuchlongerIwasgoingtobeabletoputupwithyou.”

Iletoutachuckle.

“Letmeguess.Thedog?”

“Yeah.Shecouldn’tresisther.”

“I’mhappyforyou,Gabriel.Justdomeafavoranddon’tbeafuckingidiotthistime.”

“Iwon’tbe.I’mneverlettinghergoagain.”

Iendedthecallandheadedhome.ItookLadyupstairswithmeasIgaveRoseacall.

“TheMermaidInnofMystic,Rosespeaking.HowcanIhelpyou?”

“Rose,it’sGabriel.”

“Hello,Gabriel.Howareyou?”

“I’m great. I just wanted to give you a call and let you know that Kate and I are going on a date

tonight.”

“Whatwonderfulnews.I’msohappytohearthat.”

“Thanks,Rose,andagain,thankyouforyouradvice.Iappreciateit.”

“You’rewelcome,dear.IhopeyouandKatehaveagreatnighttogether.Justremember,don’trushinto

anything.Takeitslowandgettoknoweachotheralloveragain.”

“Iwill.I’mnotdoinganythingtopotentiallypushheraway.”

ChapterForty-Two

Kate

AssoonasIgothome,IjumpedonthecouchandcalledRose.

“TheMermaidInnofMystic,thisisRose.HowmayIhelpyou?”

“Rose,it’sme.”

“Kate,darling.Howareyou?”

“I’mgreat.You’renevergoingtobelievewhereI’mgoingtonight.”

“Where?”

“TodinnerandamoviewithGabriel.”

“Aw,Kate.That’swonderfulnews.”

“Youshouldhaveseenhimtoday.Hegotadog!”Ispokewithexcitement.“Andwemetintheparkand

heintroducedhimselftomeasifIwassomestranger.ThenIwentforawalkwithhimandLadyandwe

talkedlikewehadneverevenknowneachother.Itwassobizarre.”

“I’msohappyforyou,dear.HaveawonderfuldatewithhimandIwanttohearallaboutittomorrow,”

shespoke.

“Iwill.I’llbeintouchsoon.”

Itwasalmostsixo’clockwhenthebuzzertomyapartmentrang.Pressingthebuttontounlockthedoor,

I stood in the doorway and waited for him to step off the elevator. When he did, I noticed he held a

bouquetofflowersinhishand.

“Youlookbeautiful.”Hesmiled.

“Thankyou.Comeonin.”

“Theseareforyou.”Hehandedmethebeautifulredroses.

“Thankyou,butyoushouldn’thave,”IspokeasIbroughtthemuptomynoseandsmelledthem.

“Iwantedto,”hespokewithseriousness.

Oureyesmet,andinstantly,allthereasonswhyIfellinlovewithhimbeforecamefloodingback.We

went to dinner and talked so much that we missed the movie we were going to see. As we exited the

restaurant,Gabrieltookholdofmyhandandlookedatme,waitingtoseeifIwouldpullaway.Ididn’t.

AllIdidwassmile,lettinghimknowthatitwasokay.WewalkeddownthebrightlylitstreetsofNew

YorkandstoppedinOrangeLeafforsomefrozenyogurt,wherewetalkedsomemoreandlaughedbefore

hetookmehome.

GabrielwalkedmeuptomyapartmentandIinvitedhiminforaglassofwine.

“Wouldyouliketocomeinforaglassofwine?”

“Astemptingasthatsounds,Ibettergethometorelievethesitter.”

“Thesitter?”Iasked.

“IhaveadogsitterlookingafterLady.”

“Areyouserious?”Ilaughed.

“OfcourseIam.She’sjustababy.Shecan’tbelefthomeallalone.”

Myheartmeltedwhenhesaidthat,andsuddenly,Ilostallcontrol.Ireachedupandsmashedmymouth

against his. He placed his hands firmly on each side of my face as our passionate kiss continued. The

feelingofhiswarmlipspressedagainstminewasintoxicatingandIneverwantedittoend.Hebrokeour

kissandstaredatme.

“Weshouldn’t.It’sourfirstdate.”

“Idon’tcare.IfeellikeI’vebeenonamilliondateswithyoualready.”

“Areyousure?”

“Yes.Areyou?”Iasked.

“It’sallIeverthinkabout.I’vemissedyousomuch,Kate.”

“I’vemissedyoutoo,Gabriel.”

“Gopackabagandcometomyhousewithme.Ladywillbehappytoseeyouagain.”

I bit down on my bottom lip as excitement soared through me. I ran into the bedroom, threw some

essentialsintomybag,andweheadedoutthedoor.

****

Gabriel

Sheshockedmewiththatkiss,butitwasshockthatfeltsogoodandright.Assoonaswearrivedback

atmytownhouse,Ladycamerunningtothedoortogreetus.Kategotdownonthefloorandplayedwith

her.AsmuchasIwasn’tadoglover,IknewgettingLadywastherightdecision.Plus,shewasalready

startingtogrowonme,andseeingKatewithhermadeitallthemoreworthit.

Itookherbagupstairstomybedroomandsetitonthechair.Katefollowed,holdingLadyinherarms.

Iturnedtoherandranthebackofmyhanddownhercheek.

“WhatdowedowithLady?”sheasked.

“I’lltakeherdowntohercrate.She’llbefineforawhile.”Ismiled.

Afterputtingthedogdownstairs,Iwentbackuptomyroom,whereIfoundKatesittingontheedgeof

thebedinapieceoflingeriethatIhadboughther.Shewasexceptional,stunning,andmycockenjoyed

theviewasmuchasmyeyesdid.Walkingovertoher,Ipushedherhairtothesideandletmytongueslide

acrossthedelicateskinofherneck.Sheletoutalightmoan,thetypeofmoanthatImissedhearing.My

handstraveledtoherbreastsasIcaressedthemthroughthesheerfabricofhernightie.Mycockwasso

hardithurt,andIcouldn’twaittofeelthewarmthofheronceagain.

Igentlylaidherdownonherbackandremovedthenightiefromherperfectbody.AbodythatIcraved

andmissedforwhatseemedlikeeternity.Ourlipsmeshedwithoneanother’sasmyhandtraveleddown

the front of her panties and my finger dipped inside. She gasped and arched her back in pleasure and I

exploredher.ThewetnessthatemergedfromhermademehungrierthanIalreadywas.Iplayedwithher

andteasedherhardenednippleswithmytongueuntilsheorgasmed.Ilickedeveryinchofherbareskin

until I reached her wet sensitive spot. To taste her again was a dream come true. My tongue made tiny

circlesaroundherclit,heighteningherarousalevenmore.Hermoansbecamelouderasherfingersran

throughmyhair.Thiswasmypieceofheaven.

Ihoveredoverher,kissingherlipsasIpreparedtothrustinsideher.ThemomentI’dbeenwaitingfor.

Breakingourkiss,Istaredintohereyesasmycockslowlyenteredinside.Herlipspartedasalightgasp

escapedher.

“Iloveyou,Kate,”IwhisperedasIburiedmyselfinsideher.

“Iloveyoutoo,Gabriel.”Shesmiled.

ChapterForty-Three

Kate

I lay there, wrapped in his arms feeling safe, secure, and happy while my body tried to come down

fromthemultipleorgasmshehadgivenme,myskinstilltremblingfromhistouch.

“CanIaskyousomething?”hespoke.

“Ofcourseyoucan.”Myfingergentlyranalonghischest.

“Promisemeyouwon’tgetmad.Doyoupromise?”

“YouwanttoknowifIsleptwithMarcel.Don’tyou?”

“Howdidyouknow?”

“Becauseifthesituationwasreversed,I’dwanttoknow.”Iliftedmyheadfromhischestandplaced

myhandonhischeek.“No,Ididn’tsleepwithhim.Ineverhadanyintentionto.”

“Andhewasokaywiththat?Hehasareputation.”

“Hehadnochoice.ItoldhimIwasonmyperiod.”Ismiled.

Hebroughthishandupandranhisfingersthroughmyhair.

“Howdidyougetwhatyouneededwithouthimbecomingsuspicious?”

“Youreallywanttoknowthetruth?”

“Ido,Kate.It’simportantthatIknow,”hespokewithseriousness.

“Idruggedhim,”Iansweredwithatwistedface.“Puthimtosleepforawhile.”

Hestaredatmeinshockforamoment,butIknewhewasproud.

“Thank you for doing what you did. Had I known, I would have stopped you. You took a huge risk,

sweetheart.”

“You’resocuteforthinkingyoucouldhavestoppedme.”Ikissedthetipofhisnose.“Anyway,you’re

welcome.”

“InevermeantawordofwhatIsaidtoyouthatnightattheball.Iwasjustsohurtandangrythatyou

werewithhim.”

“Iknowyouwere.Butthat’sallinthepastandthat’swhereit’sstaying.”

“Iloveyousodamnmuch.ThethoughtthatIhadlostyouforeverkilledmeinside.”Hisgriparound

metightened.

Suddenly,weheardLadybarkingfromdownstairs.

“Ohshit.Iforgotabouther,”Gabrielspoke.“I’llberightback.”

He climbed out of bed, pulled on his pajama bottoms, and left the room. I slipped into my nightie,

grabbedmyphone,andheldituptosnapapicturewhenhewalkedbackintotheroom.Afewmoments

later,hereturnedwithLadyinhisarms.

“Freeze!”Iexclaimed.“Iwanttogetapicture.”

“Now?”heasked.

“Smile.”IsmiledasItookacouplepictures.

HesetLadydownonthebedandsheranuptome,givingmepuppykissesgalore.Gabrielclimbed

intobedandthetwoofusplayedwithheruntilweworeherout.

“She’syourdog,Kate.Iboughtherforyou.”

“What?Areyoukiddingme?”

“No.YoutoldmethatyoualwayswantedawhiteMaltesegrowingup.SoIthoughtyoushouldhave

one.ButIwilltellyouthatIhavebecomequitefondofheralreadyandI’mnotsureIcanletyoutakeher

awayfromme.”

“Butyoujustsaidshewasmine.”Ipouted.

“Iwouldloveforhertobeourdog,andIthinkthesolutiontothislittleproblemisthatyou’llhaveto

moveinwithmesoshecanbewithbothofusallthetime.”

I didn’t even have to ponder the idea. The thought of moving in with him, sleeping with him every

night,andwakinguptohimeverymorningmademefeelliketheluckiestwomanalive.

“Iwouldlovetomoveinwithyou.That’sifyou’resureyoucanhandlelivingwithme24/7.”Ismiled.

“Oh, I can handle you. We lived together before, don’t forget. Plus, I’ve never been so sure about

anythinginmylife.”Hislipsbrushedagainstmine.

****

IthadbeenamonthsinceImovedintoGabriel’stownhomeandlifeformewasperfect.Ifinallymet

hismother,whohadjustgottenbackfromEurope,whereshehadbeentravelingforthepastsixmonths.I

likedherandsheseemedtolikemetoo.Caleb’smusiccareertookoffwhenhissonghit#5onthemusic

charts.Inafewweeks,hewouldbegoingontour,beingtheopeningbandforMatchboxTwenty.Lady

wasgrowingsofastandGabrielandIwerecompletelyinlovewithher.

Islippedintoashort,red,form-fittingdressthatsatofftheshouldersforaspecialdinnerGabrielhad

plannedforus.

“Youlookbeautiful,”hespokeashewalkedupbehindmeandpressedhislipsagainstmyneck.

“Thankyou.”Ismiled.

“I picked up a little something for you today.” He pulled a small red box from his suit pocket and

handedittome.

Openingthelid,IgaspedwhenIsawthebeautifulprincesscutdiamondearringssittingthere.

“Gabriel,they’rebeautiful.Youshouldn’thave.Whatisthisfor?”

“Yes,Ishouldhave,andthey’rejustareminderofhowmuchIloveyouandhowbeautifulyouare.”

Istartedtofanmyeyestokeepthetearsfromfalling.

“Thankyou.Iloveyousomuch.”Ithrewmyarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhislips.

“You’rewelcome.Areyoualmostready?Ourreservationsareforseven.”

“Yes.Ijusthavetoputtheseearringsinandthenwecango.”Ismiled.

WearrivedathishotelandIlookedathiminconfusion.

“We’reeatingatyourhotel?”Iasked.

“Yes.”Hesmiledashegrabbedmyhandandledmeinside.

WesteppedintoCornelia,theupscalerestaurantinthehotelthatwasnamedafterhismother.Ilooked

around,forweweretheonlytwopeopleintheplace.

“Goodevening,Mr.Quinn.I’llshowyoutoyourtable.”

“Goodevening,Frank.”

“Gabriel,I’mconfused.Whyisnobodyhere?”IaskedasItookaseat.

“Iclosedtherestaurantdownfortonightforaveryspecialcelebration.”

“Whatarewecelebrating?”

“Him.”Gabrielheldouthishand.

Ilookedbehindmeandsawmyfatherstandingthere,dressedinablacksuit.

“Hello,babygirl.”Hesmiled.

Throwingmyhandsovermymouth,IlookedatGabriel,whostoodtherewithasmileonhisface.Igot

upfrommyseatandranovertomyfather,throwingmyarmsaroundhimandhugginghimtight.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iasked.

“Whydon’tyouaskGabriel?”

Iturnedandlookedathim,andsuddenly,tearsfilledmyeyeswhenIrealizedwhathehaddone.

“Don’tcry,baby,”hespokeashewalkedovertomeandwipedthetearsfrommyface.

“Ican’tbelieveyoudidthis.”

“DidyoureallythinkIwouldlethimsitinprison?I’dbeenwaitingforthisnightforawhile.Iwanted

tosurpriseyouanditwassohardkeepingthisasecret.”

“God,Gabriel.Iloveyousomuch.Thankyou.”

“Iloveyoutoo,baby.”

Thethreeofussatdownandenjoyedawonderfuldinnertogether.Gabrielhadgivenmyfatherajobat

thisveryhotelandafreeroomuntilhecouldsavesomemoneytobeabletoaffordanapartment.This,my

life,wasalltoosurreal.Havingthetwomenwhowerethemostimportantpeopleandthingsinmylifeat

mysidewaslikeadreamcometrue.

ChapterForty-Four

ThreeMonthsLater

Gabriel

“Youhaveeverythingpacked?”Kateaskedasshewalkedintothebedroom.

“Ido,baby.Iwishyoucouldcomewithme.”Iplacedmyhandsfirmlyonherhips.“ButI’mgoingto

betiedupinallkindsofmeetingsfordays.”

“It’sokay.Iunderstand.”Shesmiled.

“I’mhappyyou’regoingtovisitRosethisweekend.Ireallydidn’twantyoubeinghereallalone.”

“Ican’twaittoseeherandshefinallygetstomeetLady.”

Ibrushedmylipsagainsthersandhuggedhertightly.

“I’mgoingtomissyou,”Iwhisperedinherear.

“I’mgoingtomissyoutoo.Trynottoworktoohard.”

“Ipromisetocallyoueverydayandexpectalotoftextmessagesfromme.”

“Ilookforwardtoeachandeveryone.Iloveyou,Gabriel.”

“Iloveyoutoo,baby.”Igaveheronelastkissandtookmysuitcasedownstairs.

ThetruthwasIhadtoflytoBostonforaplanningmeetingforafewhours.AfterIwasdonewiththat,

IwouldflytoMystictosurpriseher.

****

Kate

ItfeltgoodtobebackinMysticagain.RosegreetedmewithopenarmsandfellinlovewithLadythe

minuteshesawher.

“I’msohappyyou’rehere.”Shesmiled.

“Metoo.”

“BobbyisgoingtocoverthebedandbreakfastformetodaywhileIspendtheentiredaywithyouand

thislittlelady.”

We spent the day shopping, had lunch, took a walk on the trails, and then it was time to head back.

When we arrived at the bed and breakfast, I noticed the dining room doors were shut. Rose never kept

themclosed.

“Ah,good.You’reback.”Bobbysmiled.“Iwentaheadandmadedinnerforyou.”

“Aw,Bobby,youshouldn’thave,”Rosespoke.“Kate,whydon’tyougointothediningroomandhave

aseat.I’mgoingtotakeLadyoutsideandseeifshehastogopotty.”

I gave her a smile as I opened the dining room doors and froze when I saw Gabriel standing near a

beautifullydecoratedtablethatwaslitwithcandlesandarrangedwithfreshflowers.

“Ohmygod,whatareyoudoinghere?”IaskedwithshockasIwalkedoverandwrappedmyarms

aroundhim.“Whathappenedtoyourmeetings?”

“Ialreadyhadmymeeting.”

“Huh?Idon’tunderstand.Yousaidthatyouwouldbetiedupforafewdays.”Ibrokeourembrace.

“Iamgoingtobetiedupforafewdays,butnotwithmeetings,”hespoke.“Kate,sitdown.”

“Gabriel,what’sgoingon?”

He got down on one knee and pulled a small box from his pocket. Opening the lid, he took out a

beautifuldiamondringandhelditup.

“Kate, words cannot explain how much you have changed my life. I never thought I would love

someoneasmuchasIloveyou.YouaremyentireworldandIcan’timagineyounotbeinginit.”

Iplacedmyhandovermymouthastearsstartedtostreamdownmyface.

“Living with you the past three months has been incredible and I fall in love with you more every

singleday.Ididn’tthinkitwaspossible,butIdo,andIwanttospendtherestofmylifewithyouasyour

husbandandyouasmywife.Beingmygirlfriendjustisn’tenoughforme.Willyoudomethehonorof

marryingmeandspendingtherestofyourlifeasMrs.GabrielQuinn?”

TheuncontrollableurgetobawlmyeyesoutsweptovermeasIcriedlikeababyinfrontofhim.

“Sweetheart,you’rescaringme.”

“I—I—I’mjustsohappy,”Icried.“Iwasn’texpectingthis.”

“Iwantedtosurpriseyou.So—”

“Yes!OfcourseI’llmarryyou.It’sallIwant.”

Awidegrinsplayedacrosshisfaceasheslippedtheringonmyfingerandthenbroughtmyhandupto

hislips.

“Iloveyoumorethanlife,baby,”hespoke.

IwasshakinguncontrollablyasIwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneckandwebothstoodup.

“Iloveyoumorethanlife,”Iwhisperedinhisear.

Suddenly, we heard the light claps of Bobby and Rose, who stood in the doorway and watched us.

RosesetLadydownandshecamerunningovertous.Gabrielbentdownandpickedherup.

“Shesaidyes,Lady.Yourmamasaidyes!”hespokewithexcitement.

“Lookslikewehaveaweddingtoplan,Bobby.”Rosesmiled.

“Wesuredo,Rose.”Hehookedhisarmaroundherasshelaidherheadonhisshoulder.

****

GabrielandIweremarriedinthegazeboatTheMermaidInnofMystic.Icouldn’thaveaskedfora

morebeautifulday.Thesunwasshininganditwasaperfectseventy-fivedegreesoutside.Wehadtoplan

theweddingquitequicklywhiletheweatherwasstillnice,whichwasfinewithmebecauseIcouldn’t

waittobecomeMrs.GabrielQuinn.Wekepttheweddingsmall,invitingonlyaboutahundredpeople.It

waswhatwebothwanted.Somethingintimatewithfamilyandafewfriends.

“Welcometothefamily.”Calebsmiledashekissedmycheekandgavemeahug.

“Thanks,Caleb.”

“Welcome to the family, Kate. I couldn’t have asked for a better woman for my son to marry.” His

mothergrinned.

GabrielandIbothdecidednottotellheraboutmypastandwewarnedmyfathernottospeakofhis.

Shewouldbeappalledandchangehermindaboutmeifsheknewhowwereallymet.

****

Gabriel

I had never felt so much happiness in my life. It was time for us to have our first dance together as

husband and wife. As soon as Caleb and his band began to play, I took Kate’s hand and led her to the

dance floor in the middle of the huge white tent that was strung with white lights, decorated tables and

chairs,andfreshflowersthatmadeitlookexquisite.Rosehadreallyoutdoneherselfforourspecialday.

“HaveItoldyouhowbeautifulyoulooktoday?”IsmiledasIheldKateclosetome.

“Aboutahundredtimes.Butyoucankeeptellingme.”Shegrinned.

“Youdon’thavetoworryaboutthat.Iwillspendmylifetellingyouhowbeautifulyouare.”Hislips

brushedagainstmine.

“You know, we never discussed how many kids we want to have,” she spoke. “Do you even want

children?”

“OfcourseIdo,andIthinktwoorthreeisagoodnumber.Whatdoyouthink?”Hesmirked.

“Ithinktwoorthreeisperfect.Maybewecouldagreeontwoandthenifithappensathirdtime,that

wouldbeokay.”

“Ilikethatidea.”Ipressedmyforeheadagainsthers.

“Isninemonthstoosoon?”Shebitdownonherbottomlip.

Istaredatherforamomentandthenleanedinandwhisperedinherear,“Areyoutryingtotellme

something?”

“I’mpregnant,Gabriel.Itookthetestthismorning.IthoughtmaybeIwasjustlatebecauseofallthe

planningweweredoingforthewedding.”

IslowlyclosedmyeyesasIpulledhercloserandheldheragainstme.

“Iamsohappy,andthethoughtofyoucarryingmychildjustmadeeverythingmoreperfect.”

“Soyou’rehappy?”sheaskedassheslightlypulledawayfromme.

“Happyisn’tthewordtodescribewhatI’mfeelingrightnow.Ican’twaittoholdourbabyinmyarms

andraiseafamilytogether.”

****

IhadbecometheproudfatherofElijahMatthewQuinn,futureheirtoQuinnHotels.Finally,mydream

ofraisingafamilyinmytownhomehadcometrue.JustwhenIhadgivenuponfindingthewomanofmy

dreams,KateHarperwalkedintomylifeandgavemethetwomostpreciousgiftsofall:loveandmyson.

MylifewascompleteandIwouldn’ttakeanyofitforgranted.

“Comeon,Elijah.WalktoDaddy.”IsmiledasIheldoutmyarmstohimfromacrossthelivingroom.

Kateslowlyletgoofhimandhetookafewstepstowardsmebeforehefelltohiskneesandcrawled

therestofthewayintomyarms.

“Good job, buddy. You’ll get it soon enough.” I picked him up and kissed his head. “I can’t believe

he’sgoingtobeayear-oldtomorrow.”AsmilecrossedmyfaceasIwalkedovertowhereKatesatonthe

couch.

“Iknow.He’sgrowingupsofast.”Shepouted.

“Before you know it, we’ll be free of diapers and bottles. Now that he’s sleeping through the entire

night,wecangetsomegoodsleepforourselves.”IsmirkedasIkissedherlips.

Shelookedatmeandbitdownonherbottomlip.

“Iwouldn’tgettoousedtothatifIwereyou.”

“Kate,areyoutryingtotellmesomething?”Iaskedasmybrowarched.

Shethrewherhandsupintheairwithasmileonherface.

“Woohoo!I’mpregnantagain!”

IsetElijahdownonthefloorandwrappedmyarmsaroundherasexcitementandjoyovertookme.

“A beautiful wife, a beautiful son, and another baby on the way. Life is good, Kate. Really good.” I

kissedthesideofherhead.“We’vebeensoblessed.”

“Wesurehave,Gabriel.Iloveyouandourlittlefamilysomuch.”

“Iloveustoo.Morethanwordscouldeverexpress.”Iplacedmyhandonherbelly.

BooksbySandiLynn

Ifyouhaven’talreadydoneso,pleasecheckoutmyotherbooks.Escapefromrealityandintotheworld

ofromance.I’lltakeyouonajourneyoflove,pain,heartacheandhappilyeverafters.

Millionaires:

TheForeverSeries(ForeverBlack,ForeverYou,ForeverUs,BeingJulia,Collin,AForeverChristmas,AForeverFamily)

Love,Lust&AMillionaire(WyattBrothers,Book1)

Love,Lust&Liam(WyattBrothers,Book2)

HisProposedDeal

LieNextToMe(AMillionaire’sLove,Book1)

WhenILiewithYou(AMillionaire’sLove,Book2)

ALoveCalledSimon

ThenYouHappened

TheSeductionofAlexParker

SomethingAboutLorelei

OneNightInLondon

TheException

CorporateA$$

ABeautifulSight

TheNegotiation

Defense

SecondChanceLove:

RememberingYou

SheWritesLove

LoveInBetween(LoveSeries,Book1)

TheUpsideofLove(LoveSeries,Book2)

Sports:

Lightning

AbouttheAuthor

SandiLynnisaNewYorkTimes,USATodayandWallStreetJournalbestsellingauthorwhospends

allherdayswriting.Shepublishedherfirstnovel,ForeverBlack,inFebruary2013andhasn’tstopped
writingsince.Heraddictionsareshopping,goingtothegym,romancenovels,coffee,chocolate,
margaritas,andgivingreadersanescapetoanotherworld.

Pleasecomeconnectwithherat:

www.facebook.com/Sandi.Lynn.Author

www.twitter.com/SandilynnWriter

www.authorsandilynn.com

www.pinterest.com/sandilynnWriter

www.instagram.com/sandilynnauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6089757.Sandi_Lynn

Document Outline

Playing The Millionaire
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Kate
Gabriel
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Kate
Gabriel
Kate
Gabriel
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Kate
Gabriel
Chapter Eleven
Gabriel
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Kate
Chapter Fourteen
Kate
Chapter Fifteen
Kate
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Gabriel
Chapter Twenty
Gabriel
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Gabriel
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gabriel
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Gabriel
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Kate
Chapter Thirty-Four
Five Days Later…
Chapter Thirty-Five
Gabriel
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Gabriel
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Gabriel
Chapter Forty
Kate
Gabriel
Chapter Forty-One
Gabriel
Chapter Forty-Two
Gabriel
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Gabriel
Kate
Gabriel
Books by Sandi Lynn
About the Author

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Document Outline