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“Three.”

Abagail frowned. “Three?”

“I worked a bit of overtime.”

Humming, Abagail nodded. “You were avoiding talking.”

“Wouldn’t you?” Nicola gave a light chuckle.

“Maybe.” Abagail ran her fingers through her hair and over her face again.

“Do I get to avoid it a little longer?”

“Yes.” Abagail slid forward on the chair. “But not much longer. Come on, it’s bedtime.”

Abagail stood up and picked up her glasses from the side table. She didn’t even look at Nicola as she walked out of the room. Nicola cringed. Had she already messed all of this up? She followed closely, turning the lights off as she went. When they made it to the top of the stairs, Nicola followed Abagail to her bedroom.

But then she froze.

Abagail gave her a look of confusion and distress. Nicola stepped closer and pressed against Abagail, putting on the fake smile that she was getting so good at using. “I thought we could…”

“No,” Abagail answered.

Nicola frowned but stayed pressed against Abagail. “But that’s what I’m here for?”

“It’s three in the morning.” Abagail stepped back, her hand on the doorknob. “I have to work in the morning.”

Nicola wasn’t sure what to say to that. She’d never actually been rejected before when it came to sex, and this was part of her job when it came to Abagail. It was what she was being paid for, and if they didn’t have sex, then she wouldn’t get paid. Right? Wasn’t that how this worked?

Nicola took another step closer, but Abagail put her hand up. “Not tonight, Nic. I’m too tired.”

“Right.” Nicola bit her lip as she looked Abagail over. She barely had the energy herself, and it wasn’t like she’d actually planned this out. She’d thought she was coming home to one of those conversations no one ever wanted to have. “Then tomorrow?”

“We’ll talk tomorrow.” Abagail straightened her shoulders. “Whether or not you stay late at work.”

Well, Nicola had her answer with that, didn’t she? She had to find a backup plan and soon. Because she wasn’t sure how much longer this arrangement was going to work out to her advantage.

“Okay,” Nicola answered, frowning. “See you tomorrow.”

Abagail said nothing as she shut the door. Nicola stared at it, her mind blank as she tried to figure out what to do next. She needed to keep up her end of the deal for sure. But at the same time, nothing about this felt right anymore.

twenty-eight

“Uh… Abagail?” Ivy knocked on Abagail’s door, a concerned look crossing her features.

Looking up from her computer, Abagail frowned. “What?”

“Your nephew is here, and he’s… making the office uncomfortable.”

“Bloody hell.” Abagail stood up, making her way quickly around her desk and toward the door. When she got to the main office, Abagail froze. Warren was leaning over her secretary, finger in her face, and anger in his. His cheeks were puffed up, eyes wide and red, and he looked like he was ready to take everyone there down.

“Warren Kerrbox!” Abagail’s voice rang through the room. “My office now or I’m calling the police.”

Warren stood up straight, his anger dropping now that he was thoroughly scolded.

“Now,” Abagail added, just in case he didn’t understand how pissed off she was. She waited as he walked in front of her toward her office, and as soon as they were inside, she shut the door and glared. “If you wanted me to give you back access to your funds, this was a poor way to convince me that you’re ready for it.”

“What?” Warren shook his head. “But I need that money.”