Page 101 of Perfume Girl
“I put up half the money.”
“Our money.” I wanted to get out of the car, but his hint that he knew something about Astor made me stay.
“A few days ago we were at Embry’s parents’ place. They have a house overlooking the water in South Beach. Her dad’s a big boater—”
“Sounds perfect.”
“It really is. We’re going to buy a home down the road from there.”
“A house overlooking the water?”
“We’ve already found something we like.”
“I’msohappy for you,” I said, glaring at him. “Get to the point.”
He rolled his eyes.
“I happened to mention you were now working for Beauregard, and her dad told us he knew him.” He lowered his voice. “Astor was sent to Havana when he was thirteen.”
I studied Damien’s face to see if he was enjoying this situation. Ironically, it had been Astor who’d warned me that Damien might not want me anymore, but he didn’t want anyone else to have me either.
“This is very personal—”
“I know.”
“Not sure what it has to do with you.”
“Well, if you’re considering a relationship with him.”
“You didn’t see me poking around Embry’s past.”
He let out a frustrated sigh. “Can I speak, please?”
I clenched my teeth, amazed at Damien’s arrogance.
He continued. “I’m sure there were extenuating circumstances, but according to Embry’s dad—”
“You know I hate gossip.”
“This is based on his personal account. He was one of the responding officers called to that big manor in South Beach—”
“Bridgestone? Well, isn’t that convenient,” I bit out.
“Astor shot his dad.” Damien dragged out a silent pause for emphasis. “He killed him, Raquel. Shot him in cold blood.”
My lungs struggled to inhale. “I don’t believe you.”
“Well, Astor probably looked like a good catch for a second there.”
“Don’t you even dare—”
“I didn’t have to say anything to you.” He turned his gaze toward the building. “But then I saw you kissing the guy at the polo match.”
“I’m allowed to date.”
“Sure. Just not murderers.”
“Did he go to prison?” I tried to fathom why I was even asking such a question.
