Page 96 of The Prize
My gaze snapped to the small device she carried and that roll of tape. “You too. What is that?”
“Pull down your dress.”
“Are you putting a wire on me?” If I spoke with Tobias he’d no doubt say something to implicate himself. “Why do I have to wear that?”
“This is what’s called acompromise.”
A shiver of cold slithered down my spine. “What do you mean?”
“Help me help you.”
She was trying to entrap Tobias and wanted me to help her. “Who will be listening?”
“Just me. Turn around.”
Her nimble fingers worked the catch at my nape.
“Face me.” She ordered.
I turned around to look at her and tugged down my dress, exposing my bra, and self-consciously crossed my arms over myself.
“Feeling vulnerable, Zara?” She glared into my eyes. “Feeling unsure? Betrayed?” She eased my arms to my sides. “Do you have any idea what you put us through?”
“I’m sorry.”
“What is going on with you? You risked your career because of a stupid infatuation. You didn’t call us once.”
“Mr. Wilder believed that—”
“You’re naive if you think this relationship is going anywhere. I saw the way he looked at you. It was with indifference.”
“Please.”
“All he cares about is his reputation.”
I raised my chin. “How do you propose we get into the ballroom without an invite?”
“Adley made it happen. Told you he would.”
I wondered if Tobias knew we’d been added to the guest list.
Abby looked unfazed. “I doubt he’ll notice us. Everyone will be fawning over the great Tobias Wilder and jerking his ego.”
I turned my face away because if she saw the truth of what was going down later, she’d punch me.
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” she said, her tone softening. “I’m on your side. I’ve watched him destroy your life. This is what Wilder does. Leaves a trail of brokenhearted women behind. You’ve seen what he did to Logan, his attorney? Don’t let that be you. Wilder plays with the aesthetically pleasing and when his victim is out of his system he moves on.”
“That’s unfair.”And cruel to me.
“He’s certainly got you defending him.”
“I have a great respect for Mr. Wilder.”
“I’m reining you in, Zara.” She reached for the roll of tape, pulled a strip out and bit a piece off, leaving a smudge of lipstick on it. “I’m keeping tabs on you.”
I was too humiliated to speak and with no choice I stood still for her as she taped the wire between my breasts.
She rubbed the tape flat and eased the straps of my dress back over my shoulders after pulling up my bodice. “Unlike Adley, I’m not enamored with your royal heritage or in awe of your father’s legacy. I’ve had to stand beside our boss and see what this did to him. He gave you a chance.”
