Page 11 of Secret Seduction

I was on the phone with the nanny when Bri was making introductions, so I’m assuming she’s a friend of Bri’s, but I’ve never seen her before, and I have no clue what her name is.

She looks at me with a smile. “You look like you can use something stronger than that.” She nods toward the can of Coke and glass of ice in front of me.

“Probably,” I admit. “But I don’t want to be drunk in case something happens.”

Her spine goes straight. “What’s going to happen?”

With wide eyes, she glances around the luxury yacht that Kane rented for the occasion, and I realize how ominous that sounded.

“Nothing’s going to happen on the boat,” I assure her.

Between Matteo, Kane, and Dominick, they’ve made sure that security is locked down at home as well as on the yacht and at the resort we’re staying at in Bimini.

“Okay, then why can’t you drink?”

The bartender hands her the bottle, and once she shoves the lime wedge down, she brings it to her mouth. Her plump pink lips wrap around the top, and she tilts her head back, taking a long sip while looking like she’s in a beer commercial.

When she removes the bottle from her lips, a bit of beer dribbles out, sliding down her slim neck and landing on top of one of her perky tits. My dick swells slightly in my board shorts, not having gotten any action in months, and I force myself to look away.

“My son is at home,” I explain, taking a sip of my Coke, wishing now more than ever that it was mixed with whiskey. “If something happens and I need to get back to him, I don’t want to have alcohol in my system.”

When she doesn’t respond right away, I glance at her and find her slowly blinking at me, like she’s trying to wrap her head around what I just said.

I expect her to say something mocking, but she shocks me when she nods and says, “That’s … refreshing and sweet.”

She takes another sip of her drink, then sets it down, giving me her full attention. She turns her body to the side, and when she crosses one leg over the other, her dress slides up, showcasing her long, toned calves and thighs.

“My mom couldn’t have cared less where I was or what I was doing, as long as I was staying out of her way.” She shrugs like it wasn’t a big deal, just part of life, and it makes me think about Hillary.

She didn’t give a shit about Leo, only what he could do for her. And while I hate that my son will grow up without a mother, what this woman said about hers reminds me that I did the right thing, forcing her to terminate her parental rights. I’d rather him grow up without a mom than with one who doesn’t put his needs first.

“But,” she continues, “I’m pretty sure many parents can drink and still be a good parent. I’m assuming your son is somewhere safe. So, maybe, since you’re here, heading to Bimini on this beautiful yacht, you can let loose and enjoy yourself a little.” She stands and raises her bottle. “That’s what I’m planning to do.”

She saunters away, and I can’t help but watch her as she goes. I might not be the type to have one-night stands, but I can still appreciate her from a distance.

And fuck is there a lot to appreciate.

5

Vanessa

Mom

Vanessa! I am extremely concerned. Your guard said you disappeared and he hasn’t seen you all day.

Mom

Your location is turned off. Please let me know you’re okay.

I snort out a laugh and throw my phone onto the little table. If I hadn’t overheard her agree to sell me in order to clear her husband’s debt, I would actually think my mom cared. But since I know better, her texts reek of desperation.

“Hey, is everything okay?” Nicole asks. “Your mom just texted me, saying she’s worried about you and she doesn’t know where you are.”

I’m sure she is …

Not for the first time, I consider telling Nicole what’s going on. I mean, there’s no way she would agree with what her father is doing, right? But the problem is, I can’t be sure. I always knew my mother resented me, but I never thought she’d agree to sell my virginity. And at this point, the only person I can trust is myself.

“We got into an argument,” I lie. “If you could not tell her I’m with you, I would appreciate it.”