Page 92 of The Bad Girl

It’s a reasonable conclusion given the nature of mine and Harry’s relationship, but something tells me I’ve missed the mark. He didn’t show this to me to hurt me, just the opposite.

“You were worried about me finding out on my own.”

“Sometimes, the shark has to look out for the minnow.”

I punch him lightly on the shoulder.

“Owww! I better not bruise.”

I fork another bite of cake into my mouth, my mind racing with thoughts of Maxwell and Akinyi.

“So, is this just another entry in his Not-So-Little Black Book? Or is it something more?”

“More.”

“Oh.”

“I want you to know that although she probably looks better in liquid latex, you’re probably more business savvy, and that’s something.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Just as I did before Harry came, I picture Maxwell naked, though this time it’s not my legs wrapping around him. It’s Akinyi’s long black legs pulling him into her—and she’s so freakin’ gorgeous, I can’t even be mad.

“You going to be okay?”

“Yeah, I mean, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Harry casts me a dubious look.

“I get cut a big check tomorrow, then it’s coffee with Tom. That will take my mind off things.”

Harry throws his arm over the back of the couch, patting the spot immediately next to him. “Get in here.”

I’m not used to Harry’s warmth and compassion, but I slide on over, laying back into his nook.

“By the way, I lied.”

I blink in confusion. “About what?”

“Beefy Bohemians is streaming, and we can watch it at any time.”

Harry toggles the remote, and a screen full of muscular men appears.

?

Maxwell

I lie in bed, trying to remember what Nadine felt like in my arms, her body pressed against mine. It’s torture, but it’s not something I’m willing to give up because, for the briefest moment, it’s like she’s here.

During the week, the click of her heels as she went about putting together my outfit is what woke me. Now, it’s the shrill of an alarm.

I’ve taken to managing my own schedule, though admittedly, Harry has been more helpful than I had thought possible, but he’s no Nadine, and as much as I hate the thought of it, I’m going to have to replace her at some point.

With my day packed, I have little time to worry about the shenanigans going on in the media, but that doesn’t mean my phone hasn’t been buzzing off the hook with updates from the various PR personnel assigned to handle my current situation. The only one I bother opening is Stacey’s.

Stacey:Nola is totally backtracking on her offensive. She says she’s glad you’re safe and looks forward to your assistance with a new ‘secret’ endeavor.