Page 28 of The Husband Contract

“I see.” I want to ask ifI’mpart of those plans, but I don’t want to let on for even a second that I know what she’s up to. I can’t let her know that I know what she did to Sergio and who knows how many other men. I can’t let her know that her acting is wasted on me, because I know who she really is on the inside. A cunning golddigger. “I think life sometimes has a way of tripping up plans,” I say with a shrug. “But I hope yours come true.”

“I think they will. One day,” she says. “Katherine, Brielle, and I—we’re trying really hard to make sure we get what we want.” She sounds wistful, and the look she gives me is almost sad, like she’s regretful she has to hurt me.

“I see.” I can’t believe she’s openly admitting that sheand her two friends are in on it. I suppose she thinks it’s an innocent comment, since she doesn’t know what I know. I want to confront her, but a part of me isn’t ready for this to end. Just telling her that I know how she targets and rips off men is not enough. I need her to feel the pain that Sergio is currently feeling. My phone starts beeping then, and I sigh. “Sorry.” I reach down to turn off the volume.

She shakes her head. “No worries. You should check who is calling, just in case it’s important.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to be rude.”

“No, go ahead. It’s fine.”

I answer and see that it’s Louisa. “Hey, what’s going on? I can’t really talk right now.” I stare at Willow and watch as she casually brushes dirt off the front of her jeans. She’s trying to show that she’s not listening, but I know I have to be careful about what I say.

“I just wanted to let you know that your mom is really concerned about Sergio.” Louisa’s voice sounds pained, and I think about Jack’s words. He doesn’t know Louisa like I do. She’s a caring woman and has always been there for me.

“She is?” I say, not really believing it. My mother has never been concerned about Sergio—and she’s certainly never been concerned about me. “What did she say exactly?”

“Well, she just called me and asked if I knew where you and Sergio were, as she’s been calling you both and not getting an answer.I’mconcerned about Sergio and assumed she was, as well. And I’m concerned about you too, Seb.” Her voice turns breathy.

“I appreciate it, Louisa. Do you have any other information on… well, you know?” I notice Willow gazing up at me under her eyelashes. She really is beautiful.

“Not yet,” she says. “Where are you, by the way?”

“I’m just working,” I reply. “Out of town.”

“Oh. Okay.” There’s a pause. “Guess what?” she says softly.

“What?”

“I just got out of the shower.”

“Okay.”

“And my body’s still slightly wet.” She moans, and my eyes rise to the moon.

“Okay.”

“And it’s not just from the shower.” She giggles, and it’s the most girlish I’ve heard her in years.

“Sorry, I’m not following.” I’m barely able to concentrate on her as I watch Willow stretching her arms and playing with her hair.

“Has anyone ever told you you have one of the sexiest voices?” she purrs. “I think I’ve—” She pauses.

“Sorry, what?” My voice is curt.

“I’m sorry. Oh my gosh, Sebastian, I’m so sorry. I just had a couple of drinks and?—”

“It’s fine,” I say, not wanting to embarrass her.

“Are you in bed?” she whispers.

“No, not yet.”

“I can wait, if you need a release tonight. If you want to slip your fingers into your boxers, we can?—”

“Hey, I have to go now, Louisa, but you have a good evening, okay?” I hang up before she can say another word. I have a feeling she was attempting to have phone sex with me, but that’s not something I’m interested in. I would have to tell her not to call me after drinking. I look over and see Willow standing there, giving me an awkward smile. I wonder how much of that conversation she heard, and whether she thinks I’m some sort of player.

“Sorry about that,” I say. “It was a work thing.”