Page 62 of High Sea Seduction

“Did something happen? I mean, something besides awesome sex, because I know you’re ace in that department so it can’t possibly be the reason he left.”

I allow myself a small smile. “Aunt Keely loves you hard for that endorsement.”

A few seconds tick by. “So…?” Beth probes.

I worry my lip and wonder if I’m letting myself in for a heart-to-heart I may not like. “Maybe.”

“Shit, Keel, you’re freaking me out. He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Worry squeaks her voice.

I think of the note with the word crossed out. “Nothing Aunt Keely can’t handle. But?—”

“What the fuck doesthatmean?” Beth screeches.

“It means I called because I want to find out if there’s anything I need to know about Mason, you know, in case my pussy ditches every last ounce of self-respect and jumps all over his cock the next time it comes within fucking distance,” I joke, even though I get the feeling that’s exactly what Little Keely would do given half a chance.

“Anything like what?”

“Dammit, Bethany, do I need to spell it out? Am I in danger here?”

“Danger!” Her voice hits a new decibel, and I’m not surprised when she swears. “Why the fuck would you be in danger? What the hell happened, Keel? Shit, Zach just walked in. I’m sorry, but I have to tell him?—”

“No, you fucking don’t! I swear to God…” But I already hear a muted, heated exchange.

“Sorry, I’m calling you back on FaceTime, babe.” Her voice fades for a bit. “Zach, she wants to know whether she’s in danger with Mason. I sure as hell want to know, too.” She rings off, still muttering.

I wait until the line beeps and I activate the app. They’re standing in the kitchen, with Zach’s arms around his fiancée. “Hey, Zach,” I greet half-heartedly.

He nods in return. “You okay?”

“Oh sure, you ask me that now after you sicced your friend on me?” I snap.

“He’s the best in the business for what I needed done. But that wasn’t why you called, of course.”

“No, it wasn’t. So is there something I should know?” I press.

Silence greets my question. Zach clears his throat and Bethany’s head snaps up to glare at him.

“Zach? Why aren’t you saying something?” she shrieks.

“Peaches, calm down.”

“No, I won’t. If there’s something Keely needs to know, tell her now.”

Zach sighs and my heart drops like a fucking stone. “Shit, there is something, isn’t there?”

“Yes, but you can’t hear it from me.”

I shut my eyes against the bright sunshine as the car winds its way down into Monte Carlo.

“Why the f—” I stop and clear my throat. “Why thehellnot?” I amend.

Bethany’s eyes widen. “Did you just stop yourself from swearing? Are you sure you’re okay, Keel?” she asks, her eyes full of questions.

“Stop asking me that,” I snap, absolutely sure now that this call has been a mistake.

Zach’s expression turns speculative. “Why does it matter? Do I get the impression that this is going to continue when the trip is done?”

“How about you answer the question or be guaranteed the impression of my foot up your ass the next time I see you?” I hate that I’m dying to know whether a man who’s fucked me and dumped me is worth pursuing, and I don’t stop my anger at myself from bleeding all over my friends.

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