Page 104 of Lavish

Jenese tapped her fingers on the table before she flicked her cigar into the ashtray. “There are some things we need to discuss concerning our original deal.”

“You said I do the job, you give me the chapters.”

“Why, yes. In theory.”

I shook my head. “We had a deal.”

“Which you still haven’t fulfilled.”

“I just need another week?—”

Jenese held up her hand. “Save the excuses. You’re not done untilIsay you’re done.”

“I don’t owe you forever.”

“You owe me as long as I have this manuscript,” she said, tapping the side of her bag. “Unless you’d like me to share it with someone? Maybe your charming husband? Or better yet, the press? How about your mama?”

She never intended to let me go.

Of course.

“I’ve got another opportunity. A small thing. You’ll be doing what you’re good at—blending in, observing, smiling when needed.”

A pause.

“It’ll be fun. And once it’s done, we can revisit the topic of the manuscript.”

I could walk away. Say to hell with the manuscript, the secrets, the leverage. But what would that make me? Powerless. Exposed. Predictable.

We had screwed over too many names and faces. Could I really handle that fallout?

Miles.

I couldn’t handle him seeing me as someone else, different than how he saw me now. If I said yes, I’d give her one more inch of rope. If I said no, she’d strangle me with it anyway.

Jenese wanted to play? Fine. “What do you want now?”

“I just need you to place a small little item on someone’s property.”

“Who is it this time?”

“A fella named Jasper Crowe.”

“Two men? Exes you’re trying to get back at? I thought you were the love ’em and leave ’em type, Jenese.”

She kept a straight face, but a little amusement flickered in her eyes.

“Are you going to give me any more information?” I asked.

Jenese rolled her eyes. “Jasper Crowe is a former polo player still holdin’ on to the glory days.Sad.But he does like to host these matches where he is miraculously the winner. During the match, get inside his house and leave my gift somewhere personal.” She reached into her bag and slid a small velvet box toward me.

“What’s in it?”

“Don’t worry. It’s not explosive,” she said with a sly grin. “Now run along.”

I sighed, taking the velvet box and putting it in my purse. “I’m serious, Jenese. This needs to be over.”

“Whatever you say to make yourself feel better.”