Page 193 of Enthrall Shadows
Still, I’d done what every self-respecting woman would and not called him back.
“Well, here we are.” Richard unclipped his seatbelt.
“He’s trying to persuade me to stay.”
Richard shook his head. “Jake told me he’s accepted that you’re leaving.”
I scanned the upper windows of the house for a glimpse of him. “Then why am I being summoned?”
“Wewere summoned.”
“Not just us.” I glanced over at the decadent Aston Martin and silver Jag, the license plate number seeming familiar.
These cars weren’t all his from what I could tell. We weren’t the only visitors.
“Let’s get this over with.” Richard got out of the car and walked around the front to my side to open the door for me. “I like doing it,” he said.
Always a gentleman.Over the years we’d cultivated a close relationship. I had grown to trust him and Cameron.
Henry had almost shared that privileged position.
I missed him.
Even after everything.
Maybe I’d stop off at a pastry shop on my way to Cole Tower and bring him something sweet we could have with our coffee, make up with him, perhaps.
The door opened and de Sade motioned for us to enter with a sweep of his hand.
He’d dressed in torn jeans and a tight T-shirt showing off his impressively fit physique. He liked to use his height to intimidate others and he got away with it because of his powerful charisma.
“Looking good, Booth,” he said with smirk.
“You too.” Richard tapped his arm with affection.
“Lotte.” De Sade narrowed his gaze on me and this time his scrutiny felt different.
I found his shady behavior interesting.
De Sade led us through the house’s open floor plan. It was challenging to guess whose taste dominated the refined touches of décor—his ex-wife Rylee’s or his own masculine leaning. The art was so modern it unsettled me.
Over two months ago, Shay and I had caught him and his ex fucking at Enthrall, proving he was back with Rylee in some capacity.
“Who else is here?” I asked.
“Friends.” De Sade’s long strides slowed when we made it to an outside balcony.
Richard and I swapped a wary glance before admiring the spectacular view from the second-floor balcony. At night, the cityscape would be beautiful with all those twinkling lights.
Richard let out an appreciative whistle.
De Sade’s pad had all the trappings of an L.A. design, including a fire pit below and seating comfortable enough to take long naps outside.
Richard and I sat opposite Jake who’d settled in a high-backed wicker chair. He crossed his legs casually.
A laugh carried from over the balcony, with male voices trailing in conversation. The others had gathered outside on the first floor.
On the glass table sat a bottle of champagne on ice. Beside it were three tall flutes and a small velvet box.
