Page 19 of Sinful Promise

I mean, she was an absolute knockout last night in that red dress, and that would be considered modest in comparison to what she would have to have worn at that party.

And now I’m thinking about Emily wearing one of those skintight backless dresses, which sends all the blood rushing to my cock.

Now is not the time.

I shift in my seat and lean forward so as not to draw attention to the fact that I’m becoming aroused by the thought of a half-naked Emily in front of her sister.

Zara would definitely have my balls if she knew I was thinking about her sister that way, especially considering we’re discussing her stalker.

“Did she say why she didn’t tell me specifically?”

Zara offers me a sympathetic look. “No, but I think it’s because she’s embarrassed by the whole thing.”

Embarrassed? Is that why she didn’t tell me?

I frown. “She should know that her working at one of those parties wouldn’t ever change my opinion of her, if that’s what she’s worried about.”

She’s the kindest, funniest,sexiestgirl I’ve ever met.

If anything, the fact that she refused to take a handout and took a job at working some sleazy party to support herself only makes me think more highly of her.

Zara sighs. “I know that, but Emily… She hates disappointing people. I’ve always said that if she’s struggling with money, I’m more than happy to help. So has Dimitri. But she won’t take it.”

“Well, maybe this experience will change that.”

Zara smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

She’s usually so upbeat and cheerful. So, to see her so down is unsettling.

I reach across to take her hand and give it a squeeze. “This should be plenty for me to go on. I’ll ask around and see if I can find out who hosted the party and get a copy of the guest list. It shouldn’t take me long to find this guy.”

These types of events are invitation only, so it shouldn’t take much to find out who’s been paying Emily a little too much attention.

“I appreciate this, Danil. And I know Emily will too.”

“Will you keep me updated on if she receives any other gifts?” I try to ignore the heavy weight that settles in my stomach at the thought of this guy getting anywhere near Emily.

“Of course.”

After assuring Zara once again that I’ll keep my mouth shut, I leave to head back toEspionage.

As I step out of the elevator into the parking garage, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I brace myself for a message from Anton asking me where the hell I am.

But then I see Emily’s name flash on the screen, and my chest tightens.

I’m so desperate to drive straight over to her apartment so I can see for myself that she’s all right. I hate the idea of her being scared and alone.

If only I had walked her up to her door…

I won’t be making that mistake again.

Emily

Lunch on Tuesday? Usual place?

Emily and I started a little tradition of grabbing lunch together every Tuesday at one of the cafés on campus when I was a postgrad student. We used to go there on the premise of studying during lunch, but the hours would tick by and neither one of us would have even opened a textbook because we were too busy talking.

I thought perhaps the ritual would end once I graduated, but it seems Emily enjoyed our lunches just as much as I did, and so the tradition has continued.

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