Page 53 of Riches and Romance

He smiles at my man like they’re old friends. I can see why Omar isn’t suspicious. Conrad cleaned up nicely while away. His beard is trimmed and neat. He’s tan and fit and looks like exactly what he says he is: a person who’s traveling and only stopping to refuel. If I didn’t know the dark that lay beneath that smile, I’d believe him. He turns his false smile on me. “Oh, that would be great. I’d love to stay for dinner.”

“Yeah, and on a normal night, we’d love it. But we’ve got plans tonight. Next time you’re in town, give us a heads up, okay?” Omar holds up his hands to show him the takeaway bags from The Effra.

“Yes, I can see I’ve interrupted something. So I’ll just be on my way. Thanks for the kip, Jules.”

“Goodnight, then,” Omar responds.

“Night.” He winks and turns on his booted heel and disappears like a ghoul into the night.

I contain the shudder of revulsion and try to return Omar’s smile. He gives me a once-over. “Why’d you answer the door half naked?”

“I thought it was you, thought you’d forgotten something.”

“I forgot my wallet, but they put it on my tab.” He sets the food down and takes off his jacket.

I’d rib him for that normally. But right now, nothing feels normal. I take a step back, afraid that standing this close, he’ll be able to smell the fear that’s crashing against my heart like a typhoon overruns an entire coastline in a matter of seconds.

I inhale to catch my breath and keep the panic at bay. God, I think I’m going to throw up. “I opened the door and therehe was.” I press a finger to my temple to soothe my suddenly throbbing head.

“Woah, Beat. You feeling okay?” He’s by my side in a matter of seconds, his arm around my waist, holding me steady. And I don’t deserve it. I shrug out of his hold.

“I’m just tired. Do you mind if I go to bed?”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Right now? It’s so early. I got dessert.”

“I’m sorry. I’m knackered, and I have to be up really early to finish some work I didn’t get through before court. Raincheck?”

“Of course.” He tilts his head down for a beat, and when he looks up again, he’s smiling. But I know he’s only doing it for my sake.

“I’m sorry. I hate disappointing you.”

“No, baby. Don’t give it another thought.” His expression softens, and he smiles, but the furrow between his eyes betrays his worry as he scans my face and thumbs the rise of my cheekbone. “You look wrung out. Go lie down. I’ll see you in the morning. What time is the car coming?”

“Six a.m.”

“Okay, wake me before you leave. I’ll be up all night looking at candidates. I—” He stops short.

“You what?”

“I love you. Sleep tight. I’ll see you in the morning.” He drops a kiss on my lips and reaches for the bags of food.

I grab his hand, bring it to my lips, and press a lingering kiss to the back of it, having to fight my tears. “Thank you. I love you.”

I wait until he disappears into the kitchen, just to make sure he’s not coming back this way before I duck into the powder room underneath the stairs.

My queasiness is suddenly an acute nausea, and I barely make it to the toilet before I throw up. I want to lie down right there and close my eyes.

My heart…oh God, help me. I thought I had more time. I should have been more vigilant, I shouldn’t have blocked his number. He has nothing to lose, and I know he’ll make good on his threat if I don’t cough up the cash. I’ve got much more than my career at stake now. I don’t give it a second thought before I open the app for my brokerage account. I have enough here to last him at least a year. I won’t waste it like I did the last six months.

I email my broker and text Conrad to let him know it will be a few days. Then I turn my phone to do not disturb before I drag myself to our bedroom and into the bathroom. I pull the stopper out of the tub and let the fragrant water drain away. While I brush my teeth, I close my eyes and try to steady my breathing.

Everything will be fine.

I just have to put up with him until he leaves again and disappears for another long stretch of time. Still, I don’t look at myself in the mirror. I’m afraid I’ll see a truth that not even my inner optimist can deny: Once this money is gone, I won’t have anything to bargain with next time. And there will be a next time, for sure. Lying to Omar tonight made me physically sick. I know he deserves the truth, and I want him to hear it from me. As soon as I come back from this very important trip, I’m going to tell him about my conviction.

I’m not surprised by the rush of relief that follows my decision. However this ends, it will be a crushing weight lifted.

CHAPTER 20

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