Page 91 of Wicked

I smile as I grab the hose, turn it on, and wash the conditioner out. “You were perfect. We can do it again if you liked it that much, but maybe I’ll give you a little forewarning next time.”

“No, I don’t want any warning. What you did tonight was perfect. Thank you, Remy.” She turns and straddles me, kissing my lips. The look she gives me is one of pure adoration, and I don’t think anyone has ever looked at me that way.

I swallow hard and nod. “You’re welcome.”

She presses her head against my chest, and I hold her, knowing I’m getting in too deep with her. The problem is I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.

31

ELLA

Mia sits opposite me at the cafe near Ronan’s preschool. We’ve made it a regular thing to meet on Wednesday afternoons here, but she has been on vacation for two weeks with Ronan and Killian in Mexico, so I haven’t seen her since I started sleeping with Remy.

There’s a tension in the air that’s not normally there. “I’ve missed having our coffee mornings. How was Mexico?”

She shrugs. “It was good.” Her jaw clenches. “How have you been?”

I bite my inner cheek as heat coils through me. I feel bad sitting opposite her and saying I’ve been fine when I’ve been fucking her dad. “I’ve been good.”

Her eyes narrow, and she sips her macchiato, seeming far less chatty than normal.

“What did you get up to in Mexico?”

She sighs heavily. “Not a lot. Just relaxing.”

My brow furrows as she’s acting off. “Is there something wrong?”

She nods. “When you went to Washington alone, how come you took Dad’s jet?”

My stomach churns. “What?”

She drums her fingers on the table. “I took Dad’s jet to Mexico as the Callaghan’s was in use, and the staff let it slip.” Her eyes narrow. “You weren’talone, either.”

Panic hit me as I didn’t expect her to find out. “Your dad tried to wish me happy birthday, but I broke down and admitted that I hadn’t told anyone about it because it’s the same day my dad died.”

Her expression softens. “Oh, that sucks,” she breathes, her brow furrowing. “But why did Dad go with you?”

I swallow hard at the mention of Remy. It just makes me feel way more guilty. Mia doesn’t deserve to be lied to, but how can I tell her he came with me because I’ve been fucking him. “He offered to escort me, and I agreed.” I shrug. “I didn’t want to be alone, but I’d already accepted his offer before you text me back.”

She draws in a deep breath. “And Dad pulled you out of the auction, too?”

I hadn’t thought about how I’d explain why he’d pulled me from it.

“Yeah.” I laugh and hate how nervous it sounds. “I guess he listened to me telling him I don’t want to get married.” I shrug and take a sip of my coffee.

A muscle in her jaw tenses, and she shakes her head. “Unusual for Dad to change his mind.” She clears her throat. “Why don’t you stop bullshitting me, Ella?”

I draw in a deep breath. “What do you—”

“No!” she snaps, shaking her head. “I’m not an idiot. I can put two and two together. My dad would only escort you to Washington if he were fucking you.”

Heat slams through me at her brazen accusation. “I-I… I don’t know what to say.”

She shakes her head. “Nothing. Don’t say a thing.” Her jaw clenches. “I just don’t like being lied to.”

“I’m sorry... It just—”

“Don’t apologize. I’m not angry at you.” She waves her hand dismissively.

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