Page 104 of Bared Betrayal

“As in she’s been living off loans and credit cards for the last two years.”

“But that can’t be. I’ve been funneling money into her art galleries.”

“Which she knows about.”That bitch.“She figured you’ll be pouring more and more money into her business, so she became reckless. Spent more than she had until the money you’ve been putting in wasn’t enough. As it is, creditors are already coming after her.” Victoria gets to her feet, and I tighten my hand around the gun. “I’m getting a drink. You want one?”

“No, thanks.”

I watch as she pours herself a vodka on the rocks, the ice clinking against the glass as she returns to her seat. “Right now, Elenor is riding on the hope that Sebastian’s career will fix the problem, but she prefers to have a backup—hence why she’s looking for dirt on your ass.”

“So, what is her plan, exactly?”

“Blackmail you into funding her lavish lifestyle forever. She wants to take you for everything you have, maybe even threaten to expose not only you but some of your less-than-legal associates.”

I almost burst out laughing. “Does that crazy uppity bat have a fucking death wish?”

“I think she prefers bold.”

“She can prefer whatever the fuck she wants. She’s digging for dirt when all she’ll find is a target on her forehead.”

“The woman is broke and desperate.”

I crank my neck from side to side. “Enough about Elenor. Tell me how Kallie fits into all of this.”

She doesn’t respond.

“Are you the one who leaked shit to the press about Kallie?”

“No.”

“Then who did?”

Victoria takes a deep breath, and I don’t like the look on her face. “I’ll tell you everything. Her plan isn’t working, so her last check will bounce.”

“You want money?”

“I want your word that they won’t come after me.”

“And by they, you mean…”

“You know who I mean. When I started this job, I didn’t know who you were involved with. But as you know, by the time someone discovers any ties to the Dark Sovereign, it’s already too late.” She downs the rest of her drink, cringing as she places her glass on the side table. “So, I want your word that I’ll walk away from this as if none of this shit happened.”

“That depends on what you know.”

She eyes the gun in my hand, so I take it, hold it up then tuck it away behind my back, lifting my empty hands to show I am unarmed.

She nods and takes a breath. “You’re not going to like what I’m about to tell you.”

Twenty-Eight

KALLIE

There’sa red-hot poker stabbed into my skull, flaming needles being driven into my spine. My tongue feels like I have been licking Velcro since birth, and my mouth tastes like an ass. Dirty, disgusting ass.

I pry my stinging eyes open and look around the dirty motel room. The dingy carpet is littered with empty bottles. I vaguely remember renting this room and ordering Postmates to bring me a fifth of cheap vodka. I don’t know where the gin bottles or the rum came from.

It had been years since I had gone on my last bender. Not since before I met Sebastian.

I sit up, resting against the headboard. The sheets are filthy, and they smell like sweat, booze, and vomit that have soaked into the mattress for years. Thank God I didn’t get as far as getting under them. My stomach rolls, a wave of nausea hitting me hard.