AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You wondered what could Ludwig have possibly done to deserve being murdered by his own flesh and blood? But you wrote off the answer before you ever found out why. Just so you know, if I’d have been in Mila’s position, I’ve had done the same fucking thing.”
His eyes go wide and his nostrils flare. “What did he—"
“Herapedher,” I hiss. “He raped his little girl when she was only eleven. He didn’t fucking stop until she killed him.”
He pales instantly. His pinkish complexion sobers down into a chalky white. I’m glad to see the regret on his face. The horror at the part he played in making Mila’s life more of a nightmare than it already was.
“Can I trust you withthatinformation?”
He doesn’t answer me. He’s staring off into a corner, lost in his own thoughts.
But I’m not done twisting the knife. “Can I trust you? Can I rely on you not to go run off and sell it to the next mob boss who offers you the loose change in his sofa?”
I’m being cruel, I know. But Mila’s as close to a best friend as I’ll probably ever get. And my heart is breaking for her.
He nods slowly. Still horrified, still distracted. But I believe that nod. “Yes,” he says resolutely. “You can.”
“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need some air.”
42
TAYLOR
I leave Dad’s room, hoping to find some refuge in mine. But I’m only halfway down the corridor when Celine turns the corner. She’s changed outfits again, and now, she’s wearing a strapless fuchsia corset with a white A-line skirt that reveals the outline of her slim legs.
“You look amazing,” I mumble robotically.
She waves away the compliment like a woman who gets far too many of them to truly be flattered by one. “I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve just received word that we’re to be hosting a charity gala a few weeks from now. We’re on a tight deadline and a lot needs to be sorted. I’m going to need your help.”
“My help?”
“Yes,” she says insistently. “I have Ashton, of course, but it would be great if you could lend a hand? You might even find you have an affinity for it. And if you do, I can always find you work in society circles.”
“Are you trying to help me again, Cee?” I cock an eyebrow.
She smiles. “Don’t be so suspicious. Now, come on; Ashton is already here.”
“Who?”
“Ashton St. James,” she answers me over her shoulder. “He helps me organize big events like these. He’s one of the state’s top event coordinators. He has a jam-packed schedule, but he always makes the time for me.”
“Why are you so dressed up?” I ask as I follow Celine down the stairs. Pear-shaped diamonds hang from her ears and a choker gleams on her neck.
Her back is to me so I can’t exactly read her reaction, but I wish I could, because her answer comes too slow to be the whole story. “I’m a Zakharov,” she says simply. “I have to keep certain standards.”
The answer falls more than a little flat, but I’m not about to push her. Not now.
We enter the grand foyer. A huge white piano looms in the corner, set in front of a glass wall looking out over the southern gardens. A potted tree just on the other side of the glass drizzles pink petals down the windowpanes. As Celine turns in the space, I wonder if she’s chosen her outfit to match the room.
No, it can’t be…right?
“That’s a great outfit,” I compliment again.
“You can borrow it if you want.”
As I move a little closer to her, I realize that the amazing smell I’ve been catching for the last few seconds is coming from her. Not her usual expensive perfume. Something far more exclusive, far more…well,more.
“Celine.”
