Chapter 23: Chapter 23

FRANCESCA

“Beth?”

“I’m really sorry for just showing up like this. Leo mentioned you were working with QB, so I called Christian’s assistant and used my name to get your address.

“I know it’s a huge invasion of privacy, but I didn’t know who else to turn to.”

Beth takes a deep breath as she finishes her rushed explanation, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Do you want to come in?”

“Thank you.” She gives me a grateful smile, and I step aside to let her in. She looks around the apartment, taking in the decor. “This is really nice.”

“He’s not here. He’s staying with C-Christian.” My voice catches at the mention of the Italian. “Next door.”

I haven’t been to work at QB in two weeks. Myles dropped by to check on me, but other than that and a couple of nights at the club, I’ve kept to myself. Chinese food and ice cream have become my main diet.

I ran into Christian once in the hallway and immediately dashed back into the apartment and slammed the door. It was a childish reaction, but I don’t know how else to handle this situation.

Beth nods silently, and I motion for her to sit on the couch.

“Can I get you some tea?”

“Please.”

I head to the kitchen to boil the water, leaving a quiet Beth sitting in the living room. When I return five minutes later with a pot and cups, she seems to have regained some composure.

“I’m really sorry, Frankie. I shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t apologize. What did you want to talk about? Leo told me you two broke up.”

“That’s what he said?”

“Yeah, that you couldn’t handle his long hours and that you two wanted different things.”

“Fucking jerk.” I’m surprised at Beth’s language, but it’s a refreshing change.

Realizing what she just said, her eyes widen. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

“No. Don’t be. I’m guessing there’s more to the story.”

“Frankie, I know he’s your best friend, but I didn’t leave because of his work hours. He’s been cheating on me.”

The image of Leo and the stripper from the club flashes in my mind at Beth’s words.

“Oh.”

We sit in silence for a while, stirring and sipping our tea.

“Are you and Christian... ?” Beth’s voice trails off, and I look at her in disbelief.

“Excuse me.”

“He mentioned he was trying to win you over when he visited after the wedding. The way he talked about you, I knew he’d stop at nothing.”

“We were, but no. Christian made his choice in London.” My tone is icy, and Beth raises an eyebrow.

“How so?”

“You should ask your sister.”

“My sister?”

“She didn’t tell you?”

“I don’t really listen to my sister, especially after I caught her with Leo.”

“Leo?”

“They were on his office desk after hours, but I’m guessing that wasn’t the first time.”

I feel sick thinking back to how just two weeks ago, on this very couch, Leo had kissed me.

In that moment, I had almost wanted his touch, but after what Beth just shared, I’d rather throw up.

“Something happened between you?” Beth asks, already seeming to know the answer.

“We kissed,” I confess, and Beth gasps. She quickly puts on a fake smile.

“God, I hate him.” She sighs.

“I’m sorry, Beth, I stopped it. It didn’t feel right and…” I trail off, and Beth shakes her head.

“I’m not mad at you, Frankie. He’s one charming bastard. I’m mad at myself for falling for it for so long.

“She’s pregnant, you know? Evelyn is pregnant. My sister is pregnant with my husband’s baby. Well, soon-to-be ex-husband.” Beth laughs bitterly, and I furrow my brow.

“Christian’s baby,” I correct her, and she looks at me, confused.

“No…the baby is definitely Leo’s. Daddy made her take a paternity test. When he found out, he kicked her out. He’s completely cut her off.”

It takes me a while to fully process what Beth has said.

“Does Leo know?”

“Yes, she told him right away.”

~He knows. He knows, and yet he’s letting Christian believe…~

“You’re sure the test said the baby is Leo’s?”

“Trust me.” Beth rolls her eyes.

~He lied to me.~

“I’m sorry, Frankie. I know it’s hard to see your best friend like this.”

“Do you want to go out?”

“Sorry, what?”

“I need a drink. A good one and I know a place.”

“I’m not really dressed for—”

“You look great, but borrow whatever you want.” I point toward my bedroom, and a confused Beth stands, heading to my closet.

Thirty minutes later, we’re standing outside the club. Rick grins as he sees me approach.

“Hiya, Cheer, didn’t think I’d see you tonight.”

“Last-minute idea. Rick, this is my friend Beth.”

They shake hands politely, and Rick moves the velvet rope aside to let us in. Beth grabs my wrist, whispering frantically in my ear.

“Frankie, I think this is a strip club.”

I just laugh as I pull her into the club behind me. The club is bustling, and instead of finding a table, I lead Beth straight to the bar.

“Beth, meet James, one of my closest friends and former roommate. James, this is Beth Walker, my friend from London.”

James seems to recognize her name instantly, but he doesn’t let on. Instead, he gently kisses the back of her hand. Beth blushes a deep red, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

~What happened to the girl from the coffee shop?~

“I didn’t think you were working tonight?”

“Working?” Beth looks confused, glancing between the two of us. When she finally gets it, her hand flies to her mouth.

“Surprise,” I say, grinning slightly.

“You’re a stripper.”

“Yep,” I reply, popping the P.

Beth falls silent as James sets two glasses of whiskey on the counter.

“Can I start a tab?” Beth asks, pulling out her credit card.

“No need.” I wave her card away. “Put it on the boss’s tab.”

James chuckles as he moves away to prepare drinks for another customer.

When James returns, he strikes up a conversation with Beth. As they chat, I drink.

Guilt gnaws at me as I think about Christian. I’ve shut him out completely. These past two weeks have been pure hell, and I’d give anything to tell him how sorry I am.

Leo, on the other hand, has shown his true colors. He’s used his best friends in the most despicable way.

“Okay, Cheer, you’re cut off.” James wipes down the bar in front of me.

“What?”

“I know your limit, Barton, and you’re reaching it. I’m not in the mood to clean up vomit tonight.”

Beth giggles beside me, and James shoots her a playful smirk.

“I’m moving to New York,” Beth announces, slamming her empty glass onto the bar.

“What?”

“I can’t stand London. It’s cold and wet and it reminds me of Leo. I need a change.”

“What will you do?”

“My dad has contacts everywhere. I’m sure he can find a law firm that will take me.”

“Why do you think he lied?”

“Who?”

“QB.”

“He’s a cheater. That’s what they do.”

“No, about the baby. Why do you think he made Evelyn lie to me?”

“If they can convince Christian to accept the baby, prove that Leo has no claim, he might have a stronger case.” Beth sits up straighter, lawyer mode kicking in.

“Stronger case?”

“We had a prenup. Infidelity was included. I’m entitled to half of QB Enterprises.”

“Shit.”

“I don’t want it. But it’ll be fun to make Leo’s life a little more difficult.

“My guess? He was going to try to use you as a witness. It might have worked, but you’re smarter than he gives you credit for.”

“Asshole.” I stand up from my bar stool too quickly, and the alcohol hits me all at once. Beth giggles at the look on my face.

“What are you doing?”

“We need to tell Christian. I need to find him.”

“Call him,” Beth suggests, shrugging as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

I pull out my phone, praying he’ll answer.

“Christian’s phone.” A familiar female voice answers, and my grip tightens on my phone.

“What are you doing, Evelyn?” I hear Christian’s low, threatening growl in the background.

“Your phone rang. I was just answering it, baby.”

My chest tightens at the term of endearment, but he doesn’t seem to reciprocate as I hear the phone change hands.

“De Luca.”

“It’s me.” My voice is barely a whisper. I hear him draw in a sharp breath, but I cut him off before he can say anything.

“It’s all a lie, Christian. Everything. I should explain in person. Don’t let her know that you know.”

“How do you—”

“Beth’s here.”

“Where are you?”

“At the club.”

“Working?”

“Drinking.”

“I’m on my way.”

The line goes dead, and Beth looks at me curiously. “She’s with him?” Beth asks for clarification.

“Yeah.”

“You did the right thing, Frankie. We need to confront them in public, like at my divorce hearing.

“I know Leo is trying to avoid it by coming to New York, but he’ll rush back to London when he sees the papers.” Beth smirks, and I can’t help but wonder what Lawyer-Beth is truly capable of.

Somehow, Christian arrives in what feels like no time at all. He looks more casual than usual, wearing jeans and a T-shirt. It’s not his typical look, but he still looks incredibly sexy.

I don’t even get a chance to say his name before his lips are on mine.

We ignore everyone else in the club.

It’s just us, and after two weeks of nothing, I don’t want to let him go.

“I’m so sorry.” The tears start as soon as he pulls away from me. He cradles my face in his hands, wiping away my tears with his thumbs. He gently shushes me, his eyes never leaving mine.

“None of this is your fault, Francesca.”

My tears don’t stop, and he lets out a small chuckle. “God, how much did you drink?”

“She put it on your tab, so you really don’t want to know. I’ve cut her off, though,” James comments. Instead of the usual Christian De Luca glare, he gets a handshake.

“Thank you for looking after her.” Christian’s gaze shifts to Beth. “Both of them.”

“Of course.” James’s cheeks turn a little pink as he also glances at Beth.

“Hi, Chris,” Beth says softly.

Christian nods in greeting before pulling me onto his lap, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. He looks at Beth expectantly.

“I believe you have some information.”