Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
As I said, at first, I stayed away.
But, eventually, I gave in.
Which led me to where I am now—using a fake identity and stalking a man I would do well to stay away from—because my husband wasn’t enough for me.
“If you say so.” That voice sends shivers down my spine. I turn and look up through my lashes, and that’s when I see him. He is surrounded by three other men who are watching him with intent.
Since this event is so high-profile, I have seen senators, heads of police departments, and lawyers—all incredibly powerful men, and I would guess all of them extremely rich.
But I haven’t seen Reon at even one of these events in the last six months. However, I’ve seen pictures of him at other events… with her. Pictures of him kissing the top of her head and how she smiles up at him with love in her eyes.
I wish I could make her disappear.
I wonder if she knows the darkness that lurks inside of him.
I do.
I saw it firsthand.
And it was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
Stepping closer while keeping my eyes down, I make my way to where he is. The men don’t pay me any attention, especially considering I’m not naked while serving food and drinks.
Florence steps up to the group, and I watch as Reon takes a step back and looks around the room before his eyes land on me. I quickly avert my gaze and turn away. His hair is much the same—styled but in an unruly way—and he has a slight stubble on his jaw. His tattooed fingers grip a glass of champagne from which he hasn’t drunk one sip.
“I hear these are fish cakes?” I freeze as his voice sounds from behind me. I nod and keep my eyes downcast as I lift the tray for him to take one. “I’m allergic to seafood.” His words stump me, and I pull the tray back toward myself and turn to continue my rounds through the room. I want to tell him he’s lying about the allergy, but out of all my research on him, that never came up.
My hair has changed since the last time I saw him, and I may have dropped a few pounds since I no longer eat to kill the boredom of my marriage, so I doubt he knows it’s me. But I knew it was him without even meeting his eyes. I will always recognize him.
As I said, I’m a good stalker.
I’m heading to the other side of the hall when Florence taps me on the shoulder.
“Hey, I’m not feeling well. I think it was the fish,” she says, her eyes watery.
“Did someone hurt you?” I reach for her, but she pulls back, shaking her head.
“No. Can you please take over for me? I know you don’t do this, but I’m desperate, and Andy will fire me. But I just can’t tonight.” I glance past her to see Andy mingling with the attendees. As if he feels my gaze, he looks up, and his eyes narrow at me.
“I can’t, Florence. I’m sorry.” I don’t have any ill will toward Florence, but I would never do what she does. Not that I think it’s degrading or anything. I just wouldn’t. I’ll pull a knife out of a body and smile as I do it, but this is different. You couldn’t pay me enough to do what she does. “Andy is walking over here,” I say under my breath. She doesn’t look over her shoulder, just plasters on a fake smile as she turns with her tray still in her hand.
“Oh, Andy, thank God. I was just saying to Cooper here that she should also get champagne. The boys are loving it.”
“Get back to it, Florence. Now,” Andy orders, ignoring Florence’s suggestion. She nods and hurries off. Then Andy’s gaze falls on me. “What was she saying?”
“What she told you.”
His lips purse together, and then he says, “How come I don’t believe you?”
“I’m sorry, sir.”
He goes to speak again when a hand lands on his shoulder. “Andy, one of your servers spilled champagne all down the front of Arlo’s suit, and we all know how Arlo can be. I’d suggest you go and fix the issue. It is what you are paid for,” the man says.
Automatically, I look down and start to turn away.
It’s him.
“Hello, Caterpillar. I’ve missed you. Did you miss me?”
ELEVEN
REON
She thought she could get away with me not knowing that it was her.
I knew.
I’ve always known.
Even if she uses a fake name and has changed her hair color.
How could one forget a goddess so easily?
I know I couldn’t.
Those chocolate-colored eyes with no life behind them don’t meet mine. Her hands tremble as she holds the tray, and I catch every movement her body makes, even the way her chest rises and falls as she breathes.