Page 78 of Arrogant and Merciless

“I haven’t known him that long, Taylor, but I can tell you I’ve never seen him with anyone.”

“But what about the magazines? There are so many photos of him over the past year with gorgeous women.”

“Speaking from experience, let me give you some advice: don’t believe everything you see in celebrity gossip magazines. A lot of these women just latch onto guys at parties to get headlines. Do you know what the three of them are called?”

“No.”

“The Gods in White. They’re gorgeous and filthy rich. Women throw themselves at them like flies to honey.”

“How do you deal with that?”

“I have a sweet face but a terrible temper. Athanasios wouldn’t dare try anything with some tramp.”

I laugh, and she glances at the time.

“I have to go now, Taylor, but I’d love for you to come have lunch with our family. It’s pretty big these days since my sister married a Greek guy with three brothers. We always get together on Sundays.”

“I’d love to, but I don’t want to be a bother. William doesn’t like me, and since your fiancé is his friend, he probably doesn’t like me either.”

“I like you, and no one will treat you badly in my presence. Come. We’re loud and a little crazy, but very close.”

She pauses for a few seconds, as if there’s something else she wants to say.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Athanasios is the best neurosurgeon in the world. He could confirm whether you really have amnesia. That would put an end to all of William’s doubts. From what you’ve told me, he doesn’t seem to believe your memory loss is real.”

“Yes, he thinks I’m lying. And call me foolish, but I won’t take your suggestion. William needs to believe me, not just accept the truth once his partner examines me and tells him I don’t remember the past. Besides, even if he does believe I have amnesia, he might still think it changes nothing—that I really was his father’s mistress.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

“Don’t be. I’ll be fine.”

We exchange phone numbers and say our goodbyes, planning to meet in two weeks.

She hugs me, kisses my cheek, and leaves.

As I walk toward the exit, I text Jackie to let her know I’m heading to the bookstore.

I saw a brand-new Jane Austen collection among the belongings Jackie kept for me and decided to go look for more books. I need to clear my head, and I don’t feel like going out at night yet, despite my friend inviting me several times.

I’m almost at the hospital parking lot, where I know the driver is waiting for me, when I hear William’s voice calling my name.

Hating the way my heart races, I turn around cautiously, holding the violin case as if it’s a protective shield. “Hi, William.”

He looks insanely handsome. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in a white coat, and it’s easy to understand the conversation I overheard in the bathroom the other day—the nurses were talking about how hot he is.

I can’t even disagree, though at the time, I was burning with jealousy.

“Are you leaving?” His arms are crossed over his chest, which only highlights every delicious muscle.

“Yes,” I answer quickly, looking away.

“I heard the kids love your performances.”

I give him an awkward, sad smile. Somehow, the casual way he’s acting hurts more than being the target of his anger. “I have to go. Have a good evening.”

“Where to?”

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