Page 87 of The Bad Girl

“It just feels so weird. Maxwell hasn’t even called to see how I’m doing.”

“Don’t give him a second thought. This is about you, and this little hostage situation is gonna set you up for life—if you let it.”

“You’re right, I just don’t feel good taking any money.”

“Maxwell wants you to take the money. Not to shut you up, but to take care of you after this traumatic experience. Take it. Don’t look back—and when you’re ready, say the word, and you’ll be interviewing with whatever company your heart desires.”

“Okay, I guess. I’ll sign the documents, then meet Tom for coffee.”

“Great.” Jenna’s thumbs fly over my phone.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“How does three sound?”

?

Maxwell

The ink is still drying on the legal documents when Akinyi turns to me and says, “Now take me to Deco 6 for dinner.”

Deco 6 is a new fine dining restaurant that’s crawling with paparazzi trying to get a shot of A-list celebrities and people like me.

I run my fingers through my hair and let out an exhausted sigh. “It’s five, and I haven’t slept.”

“But I only have three more days to spare, and we need to make ourselves seen. The city doesn’t sleep, and neither do we.”

She’s right, especially because Nola Laybecks has started to become a thorn in my side.

“We can make it a quick dinner or no dinner at all. We can just show up and leave shortly after through another exit. We’ll do a cafe brunch tomorrow, followed by a charity luncheon, and we’ll end the evening taking in a show.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know the schedule.”

Akinyi smiles at me, her crimson lips plush and warm. “It will be alright. You’re going to have nothing to worry about when this is done.” She wraps her hand around mine, though I hardly feel comforted.

I rise from my seat, offering up my arm. “Let’s be on our way.”