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And found Toby loitering outside, pretending to be texting on his phone. The minute he saw me, he cast me a sharp look that told me clearly to follow, and casually walked away.
Not that there was anyone in this corridor watching us. So I didn’t bother to pretend. I blatantly went after him as he led us through a door into a snooker room, of all things.
Or actually, a small private bar and games room, it appeared, when he switched the lights on.
“What is this place?”
“Smoking room.”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh. For the menfolk to retire to when they grow tired of all the feminine chitchat?”
“Something like that. Luckily for us, it’s not open tonight.” He whistled at my dress. “You never wore anything like that when we went out on dates.”
“You never brought me to any place like this.”
He shrugged. “Didn’t think you were interested.”
Looking at his face now, his blondness, his pale eyes, the blandness of his expression hiding all kinds of things he didn’t want me to see, I realised I had never really known him at all.
“Was it always a con?” I asked him bluntly. “Did you only date me because you wanted to use me? Actually, you know what, don’t bother to answer. I don’t care.”
“Think you have got your hooks into DeAngelis now, do you?” he said scathingly. “This engagement bullshit cannot be real.”
“That’s none of your business.”
He laughed bitterly. “It was obvious he fancied you. But no way is he going to marry you. If you think that’s real, you’re delusional. He’s playing you. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”
Even though I knew Marco’s feelings were one big pretence, it still hurt to hear Toby say it so scathingly.
“You never came to the club,” I said. “How would you know if he fancied me?”
“I know people.” He ran his fingers angrily through his hair. “I didn’t think you would turn out to be such an opportunist, though. But I suppose no woman could resist some billionaire Italian bad boy dick.”
I bit back the urge to snap at him for being so crude, and fought to keep my tone calm. “I did what you wanted. I want you to delete that video.”
“In time.”
“Now! I want this to be over. Is it finished now? Whatever scam you had running that you needed to involve Marco in?”
I was surprised at myself. I hadn’t meant to say that. I had only come here to confront him about Dolly.
My cheeks flushed as he eyed me knowingly.
“Scared that he will catch on that you’re using him, are you? And dump your ass?”
He could not have been more wrong. I had no fear of being dumped. I knew that was coming. But if Toby’s little scam carried on, Marco might figure out my involvement. And I couldn’t bear for him to think badly of me.
Realising this confused me.
“Is it over or isn’t it?” I demanded.
“Yeah, it’s over. Verifying him in the system persuaded my investors that he really is involved, and now I’ve got all the financial backing we need. It worked. I suppose you are here to ask about your money? Not that you need it anymore.”
I had almost forgotten about the hundred grand he had promised me. I wished I could throw it in his face, but I knew too well how fragile life was. I couldn’t bear the idea of telling Mom that I needed to check her out of that hospital and put a stop to the therapies that were giving her such hope.
I saw Toby’s eyes lingering on my waist. A thoughtful look came onto his face. Suddenly I was paranoid he knew about the baby. He couldn’t! Even so, I crossed my arms defensively over my midriff, hugging myself.
“Mom needs that money,” I said. “Don’t you dare back out on your promise.”
