Page 11 of Blackmailing the Bad Girl

“Not happening.”

“Ithasto happen.” She had persuaded her mom not to visit the prison; she knew it would break her heart to see Summer locked up. They’d written, but it had been more than two years since they’d seen each other, and she had to make sure her mom was okay. But she wasn’t telling Nik that. Instead she waved a hand down her clothes. “I have nothing to wear. I need to go pick up some stuff. Sort out a few things.”

His eyes narrowed, then his gaze slid down over her body, taking in the white T-shirt, threadbare jeans, and worn sneakers on her feet. “I’ll take you shopping.”

Hell, no.That was taking things too far. From the expression on his assistant’s face, Summer had an idea Lisa thought so, too. “I don’t think so. Anyway, I also need to check in with my parole officer.”

Lisa made a small noise, and Summer bit back her smile.

“Okay, one day,” he said. “You can spend the rest of today with Lisa, then be back here Thursday morning.”

She shrugged. “Okay.”

He turned to Lisa. “I just want to go through a few things, then I’ll send her back to you. Is Harry in?”

“Yes.”

“Tell him I’m back and we’re on.”

“Yes.”

He started to turn away, then stopped. “Oh, and bring us some coffee.”

“Yes.”

Lisa appeared to have lost the ability to string together complex sentences. If the job consisted of just replying “yes” to everything Nik said, it shouldn’t be too big a problem.

Summer followed him through the double doors and into what had to be his office—a classic example of restrained opulence. How could it be so totally over the top and still remain tasteful? And really, who needed an office this size? It was a huge room, with three walls made of glass. The ultimate corner office. She wandered to the nearest wall and stared out. They were in the center of the city, and London was spread out below them. Miles and miles of buildings. All those people. She had a sudden yearning to be somewhere where she wouldn’t see a building, just grass and sky.

A vast steel desk and a leather chair were set in the corner against the glass walls. A black leather sofa ran along the opposite wall. Suddenly the strength went out of her. She crossed to the sofa and sank down. Resting her back against the soft leather, she closed her eyes.

She’d looked forward to this day so much, counted down to it, crossed each day off on a calendar. A new start. Freedom. And yet here she was. Not free at all. She wanted to rail that it wasn’t fair. But of course it was fair. Just why did it have to be this man handing out her judgment?

Though if it had been anyone else, she would probably be back in custody by now. She should count herself lucky. But somehow, she just couldn’t do it.

When she opened her eyes, he was across from her, lounging in that big chair, watching her, and she straightened her spine and brushed her hair out of her face, determined to not show any weakness.

It was time to stop being a whiner and get through this. No doubt he’d get bored of torturing her eventually and let her go. He was clearly just amusing himself.

A tap sounded on the door and it opened. Lisa appeared, a tray of coffee in her hands, which she placed on the table in front of Summer. She’d clearly taken the time to compose herself. “The contract has arrived. I’ll print it off and bring it through,” she said.

“Thanks.”

The door closed behind her. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled Summer’s nostrils, and she almost swooned. She hadn’t smelled anything so good in…years. Ignoring the man still watching her, she leaned forward and poured herself a cup, then added cream. Bringing it to her nostrils, she inhaled the rich, roasted fumes.

She closed her eyes as she drank. Heaven. It tasted so good. Maybe she could work here if she got unlimited coffee. When she opened her eyes, a pair of legs was right in front of her. She peered up. Nik was staring down at her. “You look like you haven’t tasted coffee in years.”

“Not coffee like this.”

He looked pointedly at the tray, and it occurred to her that maybe this was part of her new job. Maybe he was incapable of pouring his own coffee and needed someone to do it for him. “Am I expected to pour your coffee?” she asked. “Bring it to you…maybe hold it to your lips while you swallow? Wipe your mouth afterward?”

His lips twitched. “Perhaps we’ll leave that for another day.” He leaned down and poured himself a cup, then sat down beside her, his thigh almost touching hers. She stared at it for a second and then inched away.

Something about this man put her on edge. Who was she kidding? Something about this man turned her on in a way she’d never experienced before. And she didn’t know how to deal with it.

She shifted a little farther, but then forced herself to stop. She didn’t want him to realize how…uncomfortable he made her feel.

He had enough power over her already. No way would she let him see that as well.

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