Chapter 199
Chapter 199
“That’s not your concern,” Kent replies rigidly, turning to meet my
eyes again, his expression harsh. I huff a little laugh, opening my
mouth to say that it very much is my concern, considering I’m the
one stuck between these two families, but he continues on.
“Well?” Kent asks. “Do you want to go?”
I freeze and stare at him, my eyes wide, wondering if this is some kind of trick question. “Do…I want to go?”
“That’s what I asked you, Fay,” Kent snaps. “Don’t play stupid now, we both know you’re not.”
I don’t let his tone phase me, I’m used to it by now, and instead
simply stare at Kent, trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do now. Because part of me – a big part of me – just wants to go to bed right now, to curl up in the dark and give myself a minute to contemplate this insane day.
And another part of me – well, another part…likes Ivan. Likes the idea of him standing downstairs, all handsome and cocky, waiting to take me away. The dangerous part of me – which I am now starting to realize is more powerful than I thought it was – really wants to see what Ivan has in mind for the evening.
But still another part…
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I look at Kent, then, and suddenly all I want him to do is to wrap
his arms around me and tell me not to go. To pick me up, and
carry me downstairs, and tell Ivan to fuck off, and then take me to
his bed – wherever that is in the house- and lay me down in his
sheets and –
“What do you want me to do?” I hear myself ask, my words
tentative.
Then I hold my breath, wanting his answer. Needing it.
I see Kent’s minds moving as he studies me. I see him take a deep breath in through his nose and then sigh, shaking his head a little.
“I need you to go, Fay,” he says, his voice a little…rueful? I don’t know. I can’t parse it. “I’m cut off from intel about your father right now, all my men are, and…things are getting complicated. It’s bigger than me and Alden- there’s a rift starting between all of the families…” Kent sighs and scrapes his hand over his face from top to bottom. “If you went, Fay, you could try to discern the sentiment. That would be helpful.”
I stare at Kent, shocked that he has such a business–like reply, that his motives for wanting me to go or stay have absolutely nothing to do with…us. With this afternoon. With whatever our personal relationship is.
And then I remember that we have two contracts. And that one of those contracts was to be a mistress, but the other – and frankly,
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the more lucrative one – was to be his spy. So quickly, I nod. I wonder if he can see the disappointment on my face before I replace it with a little smile. “Sure, Kent,” I say. “If that’s what you
want.”
He studies me for a moment and then steps closer, taking me by the hand and pulling me against him. “Remember that this is
a business trip, Fay,” he growls, close enough that I feel his lips.
move against mine. “I absolutely forbid you to enjoy yourself.”
I feel a little laugh ripple though me as I tilt my head up, meeting his eyes. “Whatever you say, boss.”
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