Page 23 of Dark Promises

“I know how things work, Bryan, and I don’t need lectures from you.” I calmed a moment. “Look, do as you see fit. If you’re just cocking around with Daniel and you discover that you want to make a play for him, that’s where I come in and tell him it was all your idea.”

“Can you move some of those boxes into the next room?” Bryan asked. I glanced at the clock, and it was almost time. “Do you have the wine chilled?” Another question. I narrowed my eyes at Bryan.

“I told you about the liquor,” I admonished Bryan.

“It’s just wine and not liquor, and besides, I need to loosen him up. I bet he hasn’t had a date since you went away, and I tried to seduce him to make him forget you. You knew what you were doing when you left that puppy with him. He’d never have a date as long as he kept Sam. I told Daniel to give him away—”

“And did he?” I said in a panicked voice. “I loved that puppy.”

“And you left him as a baby with a man who didn’t really like dogs.”

“Don’t remind me. I thought he’d get used to taking care of a puppy, and when we eventually married we could adopt children of our own.”

“It was that serious?” Bryan questioned, then slanting his head and lowering his top teeth over his bottom lip.

“It was that serious, and I thought I’d be back from California in a day, but they had plans for me and didn’t tell me. It was either that, or throw away a career I’d dreamed of all my life.” My mind roamed the room along with my eyes. The sadness took hold of me, and I stared into space, because what I’d done was cruel and I didn’t know how to clean up the damage I’d caused all of us once I’d given in to the inevitable of not going back to Daniel and Sam.”

“Well, hopefully tonight, you can get your answers, and I can get back home with my balls intact.”

“What is it with you and your balls?”

“Some men are made for bondage, I just happen to be not one of them,” Bryan quipped. “I’m fragile and I don’t like, nor can I tolerate pain. You men into this kind of stuff love pain. You live for it. You can’t feel alive unless you have a little pain, or in Daniel’s case a lot of pain, and inflict it on someone you love. I guess he’s in a lot of pain by now. And the sad part he may enjoy it.”

“That’s mental pain. That is different,” I advised.

“Pain is pain,” Bryan countered.

I raised my hand. “Wait. I’m getting a call.”

“Did you put your number on the note?”

“No, but I had to text him your address. I got his number from his secretary, and she gladly offered it after I told her about the date. You know he’d text me when he received my text and ask me questions. My name, and because of you I had to lie to him. Some men don’t like lies.”

“You won’t be responsible for lying to him, I will. You’re just someone standing in for me, and don’t forget that. Now what the fuck is it with your hair? It’s curly now, what did you do?”

“I ran downstairs to the drugstore and bought this cream. That’s what’s giving me these curls.” Bryan turned around in the room as if he was modeling.

“And the earring?”

“I always had that and happened to find it in my jeans. One night—”

“We don’t have time, Bryan, for your stories about your love life. Daniel should be ringing the bell in a few.” I glanced over at my phone, and it was nearing the time for him to arrive. Then a text came in.

“I’m outside your town house. And I’m the one wearing a trench coat in the middle of summer.” I laughed. It seemed he’d developed a sense of humor. Not the serious dude I’d first met in his club. Although he’d wondered if he could make it through tough times after closing his bar. But it looks like he did. He survived. Now it was my turn to survive this.

The bell rang. “Get the door, Bryan.”

“Why don’t you?” Bryan looked nervous and confused.

“Because it’s supposed to be your home, remember. I’m not even expected to be here.”

“Oh yeah. I’m nervous.” He flexed his fingers and cracked his neck.

“What are you nervous about? Just keep on this mask and there’s no chance he’ll recognize you.” I tossed the mask to Bryan. “That hair and earring should give you cover if you think there is a chance, he’ll remember you.”

“You know I have delicate skin. If I get a rash, you’ll have to pay my doctor’s bill.”

“Okay. Now get your delicate ass to the door. I’m going in the library. Sit there near the French doors, and talk so I can hear you.” Bryan had me nervous and afraid this was going to end badly, especially if the conversation went to his balls.

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