Page 46 of Perfect Assumption

She flinches.

I growl. “Better get used to a mere mortal touching you, not a rock god. We’re here.”

“Here? Here’s a warehouse. Plan on dumping my body in the Hudson?” Her voice drips sarcasm.

I’ll take this attitude instead of the pale, shattered woman who’s sat next to me for the last five minutes. I nod at the full parking lot as I ease my car forward toward the valet parking. “This isn’t a warehouse. Not unless it’s a front for a chop shop.”

Angie rolls her lips in, refusing to be amused. I try again to charm her using a topic I hope she’ll warm to. “Has Becks ever bitched about the cover charge?”

“Oh, only every time he’s come here.”

“Trust me, he should shut up about it. Just the security alone for the vehicles makes the cost worth it.” I pause deliberately. “Now, I’ve never laid witness to it, but I’ve heard the catfights in the bathroom also make it imperative.”

Angie giggles. “Oh, stop. I was enjoying being pissed at you.”

But her small laugh has me entranced. “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh.”

Her face sobers. “Not all of us have a reason to go through life laughing.”

“No.” I edge the car closer. My hand drops from the wheel and reaches for hers. “Angie, I—”

But before I can apologize for my judgment, something catches her eye. “Ward, I think the man’s gesturing you forward.”

“Right.” I move my hand to the shift and direct the car toward the valet dressed in black with a mulberry shirt. “When you get out, wait for me. I’ll come get your arm.”

The door opens, but I still hear her mutter, “That’s good. I might need help in these shoes. I think Carys is a secret sadist.”

I grin even as I slip the valet a bill. Then I walk in front of the car to escort Angie to the front of Redemption. After that car ride, I need to relax for just a bit. At least running this fool’s errand for work gives me the chance to do just that.

Seventeen

Angela

Did you see the model on #wardburke arm entering #redemption last night? She was SO #beautiful. I immediately spotted him escorting her through the #VIP area wearing this seasons #Louboutins and a dress from #Saks new line. They looked like they were made for one another. #truelove

But will she last more than a minute with the handsome #gagillonaire?

— CuTEandRich3

An intimidatingly behemoth of a man greets Ward warmly at the door of Redemption. “Good to see you, man.” He leans down and slaps him several times on the back before catching a glimpse of me. “And who is this delicious fireball behind you? Honey, let me get a better look at you so I can be impressed by Ward’s taste for once in his depraved life.”

I roll my eyes even as Ward gently edges me forward so I’m in the man’s full line of sight. “Louie, this is my friend Angie. Angie, Louie Scott. He’s the gatekeeper for all that happens behind those curtains.” Ward nods toward the floor-to-ceiling crushed-velvet curtains that are pulled back ever so slightly to permit someone entrance to what lies beyond.

I immediately hold out my hand and say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scott. I haven’t been out in quite a while, so I expect this will be a novel experience.”

He appears flabbergasted for just a moment. I chew my lip and start to draw my hand away. “I apologize. Did I say something wrong?”

Louie captures my hand in both of his before lifting it. Bringing it up to his lips, he murmurs, “You didn’t do a damn thing wrong, beautiful. Now, this punk you’re with? He’s the one who made the massive error. He should have brought you to us sooner.”

Ward rolls his eyes. “Here we go.”

“I should tell you to fly away, little boy, and let me escort the gorgeous…what does Angie stand for, beautiful?”

Amused at the pained expression on Ward’s face, I smile up at Louie before answering, “Angela.”

“And here I thought you were going to tell me ‘Angel.’ Swear, that was going to come right out of my mouth.”

“Something was going to come hurling right out of mine,” Ward declares.