Page 83 of Hidden Ties

Shakily, she raised the fifty-dollar bill in her hand. “I can pay my part and run back to the office and get your purse and bring it back.”

None of them seemed appeased at that alternative.

“Or”—Livvy’s tone turned commanding—“you can pay the whole bill, and I’ll pay you the money when we get back to work. None of us want to be late. It will be much easier if you pay, don’t you agree?”

No, she didn’t, she thought to herself, reminding herself that her job at Hollingsworth counted on Livvy giving her a positive evaluation. She could go back to work for the temporary agency, but she really liked the work at the law firm, and it was close to her apartment.

Reaching for her purse, she heard the scraping of chairs as the women rose.

“Thanks, Sage.” Livvy stared down at her with a triumphant expression. “We’ll go ahead back to the office while you take care of the ticket. There’s no need for all of us to be late.”

Dismayed, she watched Livvy, Susan, and Nancy leave, their laughter floating back to her. Gritting her teeth, she took out her card to place it in the black folder. She would have to use part of her rent money to pay the bill they had stuck her with. If Livvy didn’t pay her back, there was no way she would be able to make rent.

In the pit of her stomach, she knew Livvy had no intention of paying her back. Sticking her with the bill had been her plan all along. Livvy had accomplished a twofer—she enjoyed a free lunch and would be able to write her up for being late.

She couldn’t even pretend to be surprised at the outcome to ease the hurt she felt. Nothing in life surprised her anymore. Shewould have better luck of getting hit by a bus rather than Livvy letting her get past the probation period.

Hopelessness filled her. In the last two years, she had learned to struggle to overcome every problem that had come her way with sheer determination. Thanks to Livvy, she might finally have to admit there wasn’t going to be a fix this time.

TWO

Kent stared down at the woman who remained seated at the table behind the decorative screen. Watching as the waitress approached the table to take the ticket folder and leave, even through the screen he could make out the panicked expression on her face.

When he returned his gaze to the man who sat opposite from him, he saw Desmond’s expression had grown even colder as they had listened and watched the cutthroat way the other women had treated the woman paying for their expensive lunch.

Both men remained silent until the waitress returned to have the ticket signed, then watched as the woman hurried away, no doubt rushing back to her job.

“That was like watching a school of sharks devour a guppy,” Desmond casually stated, swirling the ice in his whiskey glass.

“It was.” Curtly, Kent picked up his steak knife to cut off a slice of meat.

“Livvy is becoming rather possessive over you,” Desmond commented, giving another swirl of his ice.

“I haven’t given her any reason to be.” Dismissing Desmond’s speculation, he buttered his potato.

Desmond arched an ironic brow. “I’d say those quickie blow jobs she gives you when you’re in the office mean more to her than you.”

Cutting off another slice of steak, Kent chewed it thoughtfully before replying. “Perhaps to her, but she knows exactly where she stands with me.”

“On her knees?”

Allowing himself a slight curve of his lips, Kent took a sip of his water while studying Desmond. Despite being seemingly casual, there was an angry glint in his eyes. Anyone looking at Desmond Beck would be taken in by his outer layer of wealth and philanthropic generosity. He oozed refinement, so they had no concept of the type of man capable of snuffing out a life with the snap of his fingers. They had been friends for years, yet he still held a healthy dose of fear of him.

“I leave the choice to her.” He shrugged.

“Aren’t you worried about Livvy becoming vindictive when she finds out she’s not only your side piece?”

“Why should I? I never initiate our encounters, nor will I. I’ve made it clear where she stands with me. And if she tries to claim otherwise, she couldn’t afford the lawyer fees when I get finished with her.”

Desmond gave him a wry shake of his head. “You still make them sign a contract before you fuck them?”

“Yes, I do. I prefer to keep my affairs private and out public knowledge.”

“Especially Daria?”

“Daria and I have no secrets. She’s doesn’t expect me to be faithful, just as I don’t expect her to deny herself. Our schedule rarely allows us to stay in one place for long. We would have broken up a long time ago if we had to remain chaste when we’re apart.”

Finishing his steak, he placed his napkin on the table. “Since when do you care about my choice of sexual partners?”