Page 50 of Relinquish

“I’m afraid not. I won’t have access to my money until January.”

“I see.” His face is full of disappointment, and he rubs the fabric of his pants. “Well….” He smiles and stands. “I’m sure we’ll work it out. I’ll have to juggle some people to make room for you.”

“Randall, it was nice to meet you, but I must go.” She stands. “I’m afraid I’ve neglected the guests. Patricia, thank you for introducing me to Randall. It was wonderful to see you. If I can ever return the favor, please let me know. Fashion, design, dating advice, gossip. You name it, you give me a call. Be sure to shut the door on your way out.” She walks toward me and nods. “Mr. Hughes, follow me.”

After we step out, I catch Ripley’s eye. He nods, letting me know everything has stayed quiet. If I had to guess, he’s not the only one here from Beck’s security team. I don’t have to acknowledge him to know he’ll keep his eyes glued to the different suspects.

Randall is part of this. I can feel it in my gut. And it scares the shit out of me that she’s offering herself up as bait. I’ve got to keep my head out of my ass so she stays safe. I can’t let history repeat itself.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Lola

As we exit my father’s office, I weave through the crowd. My heart pounds erratically in my ears. He bought every word I said.

Near the garden entrance only a few guests are milling around, so I go in that direction with Cade following a few feet behind me. It’s the least amount of people I’ve seen congregated in one space since I arrived. Here’s to hoping no one finds it peculiar that I’m chatting in the corner with my bodyguard. Not that I’d be the first woman to fall for the help.

Once we’re outside, I twirl to face him. “How did I do?”

He grabs the sunglasses off his face and holds them by the ear. “Perfection. If security doesn’t work out for you, you could always try the theater.”

I lick my lips. “Do you think he suspects anything?”

“I don’t think he could see past the dollar signs in his eyes once you said how much you could invest. What will you do if he calls your bluff?”

Who says I’m bluffing? Not about investing. I wouldn’t touch Randall’s investment company with a ten-foot pole, but in January, I’ll have more money than I’ll know what to do with.

“I think he’s involved in the burglaries.”

“Yeah.” I nod. “When he asked me to invest early, I got a tad nervous.”

“He needs the money to pay someone their profits.”

“Exactly.”

“You’ve got to be careful tonight. Stay close to me. I have a friend who’s also keeping an eye on you.”

“What? Where?” I glance around to see if I can notice anyone looking suspicious.

“Doll, he’s good.” He chuckles, and a shiver rolls down my spine. “You won’t know who he is unless he wants you to know.”

“Oh, okay.” Heat floods my face. I try to put on a big front, but I have no idea what I’m doing. I touch his forearm. “Thank you for coming. I know these people, but I don’t know what in the hell I’m doing.”

He caresses my cheek with his thumb. “There’s nowhere else I’d be if you need me.”

I meet his eyes. There’s not only heat but something else. My knees buckle. Love? Trust? Hope? Maybe it’s just in my eyes because I’m hopelessly in love with him. He drops his hand and steps back as the butterflies in my belly flutter like they’re taking off for a helicopter flight.

“Someone’s coming.” He slips on the sunglasses.

Seconds later, someone taps me on the shoulder. “Lola, I hope you don’t mind me interrupting, but I didn’t want to leave without saying hello.”

I spin and step into Trenton’s embrace. “I’m glad you did. How’s everything going?”

“Just dandy. My dad is still mad that I refuse to marry you.” He frowns and steps back, dropping his arms to his sides. “No offense.”

“None was taken.”

“Who’s the gangster?” Trenton motions toward Cade with his head.

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