Page 42 of Bared Betrayal

My hand starts to shake, and the article slips from my fingers, whirling down to the floor and landing by my feet. Someone knows. Someone knows my secret, and they know where I live. They know who I really am, and now they want Sebastian to know, too.

Oh, God. What if Sebastian had opened it? What if he had seen it? What kind of fucking game is this? Who would do this?

My spine goes cold, icy tentacles of fear wrapping around my lungs. Only one person comes to mind. One person who has the resources to dig this deep. To find a secret I’ve done everything to bury and keep it buried. Someone who has the motive for wanting me gone.

Gabriel.

Thirteen

GABRIEL

I stop shortthe minute I walk into my office. Victoria is sitting in my chair flipping through papers. God, I don’t have time for her today.

“Victoria,” I greet sternly, stalking to the window and turning my back on her. “Whatever it is, it will have to wait.”

“Oh, come now, King. I won’t need much of your time.”

I grit my teeth. “Why don’t we meet for dinner tomorrow night?” Women like her are so shallow. Throw a dinner their way and they’ll do anything.

She raises a brow in surprise, gets up from my chair and stalks toward me. “Dinner? Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Not at all. I’m simply being…polite.”

Her blood-red nails trail down my tie, and she’s biting her bottom lip while batting her eyelashes. It’s a paltry attempt at seducing me. Futile at best.

“Last time I suggested lunch, you ran out of your office like you had the devil on your heels.”

“I had important shit to deal with.”

“Your son?” She twirls my tie around her finger, and I yank it away from her.

“I’d caution you to leave my son out of any of our future conversations.”

“Fine.” She smacks her lips, and I swear to God the sound cracks down my fucking spine. “Dinner tomorrow night. I’ll text you.”

“Of course you will.”

She quickly gathers her files and smooths out her skirt. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too.” This will be our first and last dinner date. Victoria has worn out her welcome. But she doesn’t know that yet. “I’ll see you tomorrow—”

The slam of the door hitting the wall jerks my attention to the doorway. Kallie comes rushing in, evidently fuming, with Denise shortly on her heel. “I’m sorry, Mr. King. She wouldn’t listen to me. Should I call security?”

I hold up my hand to her while studying Kallie. “No need. I got this.”

“You bastard,” Kallie spits out.

“Victoria, if you don’t mind.” I dismiss her without looking in her direction.

The second the door closes, Kallie is pacing back and forth in my office like a pent-up jungle cat, all sexy curves and rage. I can’t stop myself from watching the way her hips sway and her full breasts bounce with each step. The way she’s pacing fills my office with her scent, and it’s fucking intoxicating.

“Why?” she demands, her eyes fiery orbs of anger.

I lean back against my desk, crossing my arms. “I’m going to pretend for a minute and play along. Why what, Miss Sawyer?”

“I know you want me gone, but you’re taking it too far.”

“Why are you still here, Kallie? You need to leave this city. Leave my son.”