Page 32 of Save Me
Her eyes narrow a touch, like she doesn’t believe me. “Right. Well … we better go. Ralph’s almost out of carrots.”
“I have more if needed.” I slip my arm around her back as we walk to the car.
This feels right.
This feels good.
Henry Wolf is not fucking this up for me.
8.Sloane
Ronan pulls his sleek car into a spot in the shade outside the hotel. “You good?”
“Debatable.” I’m about to lose the battle I’ve been fighting with my nerves all afternoon since I retrieved this dress from its garment bag. “How is this going to play out? What name are we going with? Ann or Sarah, or …”
He cuts the engine. “You’re into role-playing? Is that your bag?”
“No, but it’s probably better if you don’t introduce me as, you know, the ‘crazy rooster commune lady.’” I air quote that ridiculous nickname. “Sloane is unique, but there are a million Sarahs. Or Avas. I’ve always loved that name. Or …”
He slides out of the driver’s seat without answering.
I’m careful with the hem of my dress as I climb out of my side, ever aware of the revealing slit that Ronan’s focus snagged on earlier. I could feel his hot breath on my skin as he was crouching to collect my purse. It wasnearly my undoing, and less than minute after I declared a no-sex night.
I am doomed with this man—absolutely zero control—a reality I am aware of but continue to deny like a fool.
A row of luxury cars lines up next to us. A Porsche 911, a Viper, another Porsche, a Jag. “Seriously, what kind of dinner is this?” I ask.
Ronan rounds his bumper. “Mostly friends. It’s supposed to be casual. Whatever that means with these people.”
“These people?” I guess they’re not Ronan’s people. Where did he come from, besides Indianapolis?
“Yeah, rich-from-birth elite, trust fund brats. Except for Abbi. And as far as introducing you as anyone other than who you are, there’s no point. Henry will recognize you.”
I frown. “How? We’ve never met.”
He shakes his head, his laugh derisive. “Never assume he doesn’t know everything about everyone in the room.”
“That’s creepy.”
“It sounded worse than it is. I just mean he has an investigator on retainer.”
“An investigator? Henry Wolf had me investigated?” I don’t know why that’s shocking.
Ronan exhales heavily. “This is not going well.”
“No, it’s really not.”
“Listen.” He steps forward and settles his hands on my biceps, his thumbs gently stroking my skin. It’s a gesture that’s likely meant to soothe but instead stirs my pulse. “He had his people do some digging, given your,how should I call it—” His plump lips twist with a hint of amusement. “—passionate opposition to the hotel. He knows what you look like, which is why he didn’t want me anywhere near you.” His eyes scan my face. “He knew I wouldn’t be able to resist you.”
“What does it matter, though, if we’re together? The hotel is built. The damage is done.” Why did it matter in the first place?
“It doesn’t. If he doesn’t like it, fuck him. Anyway, I told Abbi about us, and she really wants to meet you.”
Hearing Ronan say the wordusmakes a flutter stir in my chest and pushes aside any little red flags that I sense waving in my subconscious.
But I still have doubts. “So, you’re not worried about Henry firing you anymore.”
“Nah, he’s all talk. And if I’m wrong, oh well. It’s just a job. I can find another one.”
