Page 93 of Betrayal

“I’m doing this to give us another chance.”

“And if it doesn’t work?Will you cut me off again?”

“I’ve considered all the angles.I’m not gambling with your safety, but Iamasking you to take a calculated risk.”

“Tell me the plan.”

* * *

Anna pictured Hunterstanding alone in the main office, the lights muted.Everyone had their assigned place, although Anna had made a last-minute adjustment to Hunter’s plan.Casildo, charged with getting her here, hadn’t been able to change her mind.The plan had been for Kate and Liam, Niall and Lucy, and Helen’s mum to be with Anna, but she’d shooed them away, choosing to wait alone in the dark in Hunter’s office.

She’d caught a quick glimpse of Hunter before she’d locked herself in.He’d dressed for the part—Tom Ford suit, Oxford shoes, Hugo Boss fragrance—all part of his disguise as a successful businessman.She loved the man behind the mask and had to believe he loved her.He’d let her in, and that was huge for him.

Forty-eight hours since they’d developed this plan.

Casildo’s family, Donna because she was family, Antonio because he was family to Anna, were also in the larger room.

The sound of the front-door bell echoing through the building steadied her.They’d choreographed the main moves like any theatrical presentation.

“Showtime,” she muttered, the light under the door telling her Hunter had hit the light switch to the main room and was opening the front door.

“Nick, come in.”

Hunter had lured him with a suggestion a deal was on the table.Hunter sent the next signal to his guests, slamming the heavy door shut.

“Don’t mind if I do.”Nick was on the premises, probably cocky with the conviction Hunter would be begging for mercy.

Anna slammed the office door open and stepped out.She held her hands above her head.“Well, if it isn’t the birthday boy.”

Nick slipped the button on his jacket, one hand running down his front.Preening like a cock on a dung heap, convinced of his power.

Doors burst open on the other side of the room.Hunter and her friends and family tumbled through shouting “Surprise.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Hunter was proud ofher.Wearing the dress she’d worn to Niall’s exhibition opening, she showcased what she was—professional, capable, confident, and to him, the most beautiful woman on earth.Her dress said she was comfortable in her own skin and trusted the men around her.A woman who stirred the air as she passed and invited admiring or envious looks.She was dignified and delicious.Seeing her walk toward him boosted Hunter’s confidence.Loyalty for her was an absolute.He’d missed her every second they’d been apart.

---