Page 58 of Blackmailing the Bad Girl

“I have loads of friends in the fashion industry. I’ll get them to send something over for you to wear.”

“But—”

She patted her arm. “Come and walk me down to my car,” she said. “And you can tell me your exact size and favorite color.”

Somehow, Summer found herself being guided out of the room. She glanced back over her shoulder. Nik caught her gaze and gave a shrug.

“I guess I’ll see you tonight then,” she said.

…

Nik watched as Summer and his mother disappeared into the elevator that led to the underground parking garage. He felt as though he’d been hit by a steamroller. He’d had to physically restrain himself from tossing his mother and Harry out and dragging Summer back to his bed. Where they could communicate. Okay, maybe not communicate, but at least they connected.

She’d shut him out again.

“So, you’re sleeping with her,” Harry said. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

Nik turned to face him. His best friend had that vaguely amused expression on his face. Again. It was becoming a permanent feature.

“I think it’s none of your business.”

Harry grinned. “I’m your best friend. Of course it’s my business.” He studied Nik, his head cocked to one side. “Don’t you think you’re taking advantage of a vulnerable woman?”

Was he? “I thought she was a hardened criminal.”

“She could be both.”

Nik sighed and ran his hands through his hair. Again. He’d woken that morning with Summer all soft and warm in his arms, and he’d experienced a feeling of optimism that made him realize how bleak his life had been over the last few years. He’d been going through the motions.

The feeling had scared him in a way.

But at least with Summer, he wasn’t going to be disappointed. He knew exactly what motivated her. Money.

Could he live with her, knowing that?

Then again, could he live without her?

Anyway, maybe he had no say in the matter. She couldn’t get out of here fast enough. Where was she going? And why wouldn’t she tell him?

Because it was none of his business?

But he wanted it to be. And whatever Harry said, he didn’t see her as vulnerable. She had her issues, but inside, she was a strong woman. And he would swear she had strong moral values.

Except when she was stealing.

“At least you don’t look bored anymore,” Harry said, breaking into his thoughts.

“I don’t get bored,” he replied. “Only boring people get bored.”

“You’ve been going through the motions since your divorce.”

“No, I haven’t.” Well, maybe he had, but he wasn’t going to admit that to Harry. Smug bastard.

He needed coffee. He headed out, down the hallway, and into the kitchen, Harry close behind him. He got down two mugs and filled them from the coffee machine, then handed one to Harry. “Just what are you doing here, again?” he asked.

“I was at your dad’s place. He’d roped me into helping with the last-minute party stuff. And I arrived just after your mom ran out, saying he didn’t love her anymore.”

Did his mother and father love each other? Nik had always presumed it was expediency that kept them together. And habit. And his mother’s love of money. She’d been a trophy girlfriend his dad had only married because she was pregnant. A young girl going out with a rich man more than twice her age.

---