AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sam, it’s okay,” Ethan cut her off, probably keeping her from saying something she’d regret on multiple levels. He turned back to the men. “I can’t come.”
“Then certainly you are prepared to make good on your end of the arrangement.”
“I have another day.”
“Deadlines are a funny thing. I want some assurances. If you come up and attend Antoine’s party, I’ll consider myself assured.”
“Julian, be reasonable.”
“We can continue this discussion privately. I think you’ll find me a very reasonable man.”
Sam watched the whole exchange, biting her tongue when all she wanted to do was scream for security.
“Sam, you should go back to the hotel.”
She shook her head, but he was already disengaging himself from her, pulling his arm free and pushing her farther away from them.
“Go.”
“No.”
“Sam, I’ll be fine. Just go.”
She wanted to argue, but Ethan was surrounded by the men, and they drifted away from her, vanishing into one of the elevators.
Well, shit.
Chapter Fourteen
Julian didn’t like to hear no.
He didn’t take Ethan to the party. The elevator descended to the basement, and Ethan saw the floors tick away until they were released in the employees’ section, the smell of laundry detergent filling the slightly damp air.
Except for the sound of dozens of industrial-size washers running simultaneously, the floor was quiet and empty of staff.
“I have another day,” Ethan reminded them, as if it would make any difference.
“I worry your thoughts are not focused, Ethan. Spending time with a girl? Unless her cunt is an ATM, I don’t think she should be taking up so much of your valuable talent.”
“Leave her out of this.”
“You brought her into it, not me.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to do here,” Ethan said. “Clearly the party is out.”
“Not that you were planning to attend anyway.”
“No.”
“I want you to understand how very serious I am about this debt. Because if you don’t have my money tomorrow, there won’t be any more parties. There won’t be any pretty girls with foul little mouths. You won’t be having any fun. Is that clear?”
“Yes.” Ethan swallowed hard, praying to any God who would listen that he be allowed to turn around and walk out, no harm done. He’d figure it out. He’d get the money without Kelly. But he needed to be able to get the hell out.
“I don’t know if you’re taking me seriously.”
“I am.”
“Well. Just to be sure.” Julian gave a nod to the three men.
