Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Megan’s legs were like jelly as she left, but she did her best to hide it. She didn’t want Sullivan to see her weak, it would make the situation even more unbearable.

What was the big deal, anyway?

It was nothing but a roll in the hay. In the past three years, Sullivan had tried every which way with her. This was just another notch on the bedpost.

Besides, they hadn’t even

gone all the way!

The hallway was still dim, thick with the lingering scent of an intimate tangle. Megan fought back the humiliation as she picked up the box of gourmet meatballs she had dropped, along with her neglected violin.

Dragging her weary body home, she was about to unlock her door when she heard, “Megan!”

The hallway light flickered on.

There stood a familiar face.

“Lucia,” Megan mumbled unconsciously. It took a moment for her to come back to her senses. “How did you find me here?”

“I stopped by the hospital. Cora gave me your address.”

Lucia tilted her chin up. “Just got off the plane and came straight here. Make me something to eat, will you? I’ve been starving for nearly 12 hours. Airline food is just atrocious!”

Megan opened the door and let her in.

As Lucia stepped inside, her nose twitched–she turned and embraced Megan.

Megan knew what was on Lucia’s mind and couldn’t help choking up a bit. “It’s okay, Lucia, really. I’m getting used to it.”

Lucia remained silent. She knew Megan was lying. How could she ever get used to this place? Megan was born with a silver spoon in her mouth; back in the Quigley family mansion, even the powder room was bigger than this apartment

It took a while for Lucia to compose herself.

Once calm, she pretended to be light–hearted. “Whip up something for me to eat, and I’m going to take a shower! Ill stay over tonight. We haven’t caught up in ages.”

Megan couldn’t resist another embrace. She was a great cook. By the time Lucia finished showering, Megan had reheated the meatballs and prepared two servings of classic Italian pasta and one of German bratwurst

They sat down to eat

To break the tension, Lucia leaned in and whispered, “I heard some noises in the hallway while I was waiting for you.”

Megan looked up.

Lucia’s expression grew more mysterious. She cleared her throat and said, “You know, the sound of a man and a woman getting busy. It was too dark to see clearly, but I bet my bottom dollar on it–the guy was really into it, and the girl’s moans were just… seductive. I bet he’s quite the lover!”

Megan suddenly remembered her encounter with Sullivan in the hallway. And now Lucia had heard them.

She certainly didn’t want to admit it, but Lucia had a nose like a bloodhound. Seeing Megan’s expression and then leaning in to catch the faint scent of aftershave on her neck…

Lucia’s gaze was

was piercing. “It was you and Sullivan, wasn’t it?”

Megan kept her head down, focusing on her pasta. After a moment, she gave a soft acknowledgment. “Yes, he was here.”

Lucia was livid, stabbing at her pasta. “You two are at each other’s throats, and he still expects the marital benefits? And in the hallway. for heaven’s sake? I always thought he played the aloof type, but he’s quite the dark horse, isn’t he?”

Megan was too embarrassed to discuss what Sullivan did in the bedroom.

Feeling for Megan, Lucia blasted both Sullivan and Cressida, letting off steam. After calming down, Lucia placed her hand on Megan’s and spoke seriously. “Cora told me everything. You can’t keep playing your violin in those joints. We need to keep our feathers preened,

sweetheart”

Pulling out a slim cigarette, Lucia lit and took a slow drag

Lucia was a model, thin as a rail, and when she smoked, her face took on a captivating allure.

She locked eyes with Megan.

After a while, Lucia spoke up: “You should go to Timothy Lawson’s place. Its a proper six–star hotel, and the clientele will be more upscale. I’ve already spoken to him. Two hundred a night, not a penny less, and four days off a month.”

Chapter 21

Lucia had a history with Timothy, which Megan knew about:

Megan wanted to refuse, but Lucia was insistert.

Lucia’s lips curled around the cigarette, exhaling a wisp of smoky grey in a manner that seemed completely nonchalant. “I slept with him ages ago, there’s no sacrifice involved here.”

Megan was at a loss for words.

Lucia patted her hand. “There’s something else you need to be aware of. Remember Paxton? I heard there’s a big shot back home whos set up a foundation and wants Paxton to head it. The catch is Paxton is supposed to teach the big shot’s mistress.