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He should have known, I’m not that easy.
“Let’s not play games.” Richard says abruptly, leaning forwards. “I know exactly what you’re up to.”
My blood runs cold.
“Well, right now I’m waiting for the breadbasket,” I say, hiding my fear. I make a show of glancing around, stalling for time.
He can’t know about my mission… Can he?
My mind races. I thought I’d covered my tracks. There should be no clues linking me to my former life with Nero and the Barretti organization, but if he has discovered the truth…
“Your little research project?” Richard continues.
I think of my visit to the Met Headquarters, and my fear grows. If Sebastian discovers any hint of what I’m doing to bring him down…
It’s over. My vendetta will be done. Failed.
Richard smiles, watching me. He looks like a snake about to devour its prey.
“That’s right.” He smirks. “I know all about your secret research at the library. I already had you pegged as a common gold digger, but you’ve really been going the extra mile, digging into the business archives. But now… I’ve learned that you’re looking into the accident that took my brother’s life, too. So, I wonder, what’s your game, Miss Carmichael?”
I pause.Wait a minute…
I look at the questions in his beady gaze and realize: This isn’t an expose… it’s a fishing expedition.
He has no idea what I’m really doing here.
Relief hits hard. I hide it, collecting myself.
“I wouldn’t say I was common,” I trill lightly, sipping my wine. “At least, your nephew doesn’t seem to think so.”
Richard snorts dismissively. “A whore in a designer dress is still just a whore.”
Tell me how you really feel, why don’t you?
I narrow my eyes, thoughtful. Richard clearly thinks I’m some opportunistic social climber, going after Sebastian for his money… But I can run with that. “Gold digger” is as good of a cover story as any. It’s better than the truth, and besides, Richard clearly has an agenda here.
He went through the trouble of setting up the photographs, and James, and sending those threatening notes…
And he hasn’t said one word to Sebastian.
This isn’t about me.
The realization makes me want to laugh in relief. Of course. Richard doesn’t give a damn about anyone but Richard. This is about the two of them, and whatever their power-struggle is.
I’m just a pawn, stuck in the middle.
Or at least, that’s what Richard thinks.
I sit back, assessing him. He clearly wants something from me and is blind to the fact I’ve got my own agenda here. But that doesn’t mean he’s not a threat. A variable I haven’t planned for. “Why should I tell you anything?” I ask, still sounding friendly.
“Because I could go to Seb with all of this.” He tuts. “Now, we both know, my nephew can be a jealous, possessive man. And if he thinks you’re spreading your legs all over town… That won’t go well for you, I think. You’ll be out of that fancy house by dinnertime, with nothing to show for all your hard work. Those long hours, I’m sure you’ve been putting in, making sure my nephew is… satisfied.”
His eyes roam over my body, and I have to bite back a shudder of distaste.
Gross.
But if he thinks all women are scheming bitches, trading sex for status, I’m not going to argue. It’s just another disguise for me.
