Chapter 0120

It’s almost dark that evening when I pull up to the gates to Kent’s estate. I spent the day with Janeen,

planning my next steps, letting the sound of her laugher and warm advice wash over me like a healing

balm. I also let her curl my hair into sexy waves and exchange my slouchy sweater and leggings for a

pair of tight jeans and a turtleneck, all black. She spent some time doing my makeup too, transforming

me into the smokey-eyed femme fatale I felt I needed to be to take this next step.

The gates slide open without hesitation and I pull the car through. Instead of heading around the back

of the house to the garages, though, I curve around the driveway and park directly before the front

door. I take a moment to steel myself and then step out, looking towards the guard I know will be

standing by the door at the top of the steps.

I don’t let my surprise register when I see that it’s Jerome standing there. Instead, I keep my face blank

as I walk slowly up to the door and calmly hand him the keys to the Prius I borrowed that morning.

“Next time,” I say softly, holding his eye. “I’m taking the Lexus.”

He blinks at me, shock and confusion on his face, but I brush past, opening the door myself and

leaving it ajar as I walk calmly into the house.

I head directly for Kent’s office, knowing he’ll be there. I don’t bother to knock before I open the door.

He turns his head, glaring, opening his mouth to admonish whoever is interrupting him, but he goes

silent when he sees me standing there, my arms crossed over my chest, a set of papers folded in my

hand.

I don’t say anything as I cross the room to him. Kent just closes his mouth, watching me as I walk. I

hold his gaze as I stop before him, my expression blank. Then, slowly, I lean forward and place the

signed contract on the desk in front of him.

“I’m ready when you are,” I purr, looking him directly in the eye.

Then, without another word, I turn and leave him alone in his shocked silence.

As soon as I leave Kent’s office, I head right for the kitchen, hurrying my steps. Janeen and I had

planned every moment of that – parking at the front of the house, demanding a better car from the

guard, delivering the contract to Kent and what I would say as I did it. But now that that’s all done I

don’t have a script anymore and I feel my nerves coming back.

What I know I want is a big glass of wine to take upstairs with me, because I have a feeling Kent isn’t

going to let this rest tonight and I definitely want something to calm me down before –

I stop in my tracks as soon as I enter the kitchen. Daniel’s sitting right there, at our breakfast table,

reading a book.

Shit. Daniel.

Honestly, I’d forgotten all about him.

He looks up at me and instantly closes his book, coming over to me. “Fay!” he breathes, relief all over

his face as he takes my hand. “Are you all right? Where have you been all day?”

“Um,” I say, my eyes darting away from him. “I went to see my sister –“

“Good,” he says, nodding. “I’m glad you got some time away. Are you all right?”

I look up at him, biting my lip and nodding shallowly.

“Um,” I hesitate, pulling my hand from his. “Daniel?”

He stops, looking at me curiously. “What is it, Fay?”

Daniel takes a slow step away from me, putting his hands in his pockets. “Of course, Fay,” he murmurs,

his voice worried. “Whatever you need.”