Page 28 of Arrogant and Merciless

“What do you want to reply?”

“I don’t want to play games. I miss him.”

“Then you want to answer like,‘Yes, absolutely, I’d love to have dinner with you’?”

“That’s it. But on the other hand, I know I shouldn’t.”

“Send him a pic of your drink, thank him for the invite, and tell him you’ve already moved on.”

“I can’t do that.” I pause. “I don’t want to do that.”

“What do you want?”

“I don’t know, but I’m not going to lie. I haven’t moved on.”

“Then show him your drink and invite him here.”

“What? Are you out of your mind?”

“Nope, I know what I’m doing, baby. Send a photo of the drink, mention the club’s name, and make your doctor sweat a little. If he’s really interested, he’ll show up.”

“And if he doesn’t come?”

“Then you’re lucky you’ve dodged a bullet, Taylor. Anyone worth it will make at least a bit of effort to be with you.”

I take a sip of the drink before following her advice. At least I won’t feel like a total fraud—I really am drinking and getting ready to have some fun.

I snap a picture, attach it, and write:

I’m at Vanity in Manhattan. Lots of fun going on here. Hope you’re also enjoying your night, Mr. Marshall.

I hit send right away before my courage can fail me.

“‘Mr. Marshall’?” Jackie repeats, not even hiding the fact that she’s reading over my shoulder. “So my hunch was right—your William is your boss’s grandson.”

“Yes. And I know what you’re about to say: we live in different worlds.”

“That’s as sure as the sun rising, girl. But if the jerk’s already stolen your heart, what harm is there in losing a few more pieces of it? Now let’s dance. You’ll find out soon enough if he wants more than just your body.”

“Him coming after me would mean something?”

“Oh, absolutely. Guys like him don’t usually bother chasing. Women practically fall at their feet by the dozen.”

I check my phone again, not convinced this is really going to work. “Get me on the dance floor, Jackie, or I’ll stand here obsessively staring at the screen.”

* * *

I have no idea how long we dance, but when we finally stop for a bathroom break, there are three messages on my phone.

“If I had a weak heart, this would do me in,” I tell Jackie after reading the first one.

“William?”

“Yeah.”

She gives me a high five. “What does he say?”

“He’s waiting for me in the VIP lounge on the third floor. I’m gonna tell him you’re coming with me.”

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