Unravel Me. Lynn Montagano

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СКАЧАТЬ just about had it with Stephanie’s attitude in recent days so her proclamations, although correct, pissed me off. I’m not a helpless animal.

      “Look, I appreciate your concern or whatever but I’m going. End of story.”

      “Do you need me to book a table at the same restaurant in case he tries something?”

      “No. Your covert operations aren’t necessary but thanks.”

      Silence. Again. My eye twitched.

      “Did Alastair go back to Glasgow?”

      “Yeah. He left this morning.”

      “That was quick,” she muttered. “How long was he here? Two weeks?”

      “Yep.”

      “Well, be careful,” she said, sounding grim. “I still don’t trust him.”

      “Let’s not start this again, okay?”

      “I can’t help it, Lia. It’s like you’re ignoring everything that happened at the estate.”

      “We’re working through all that,” I said, my jaw tight.

      “Right. I forgot. He collared you with a diamond necklace and all of a sudden he’s Prince Charming.”

      “He didn’t collar me.”

      “Whatever. He’s manipulating you. He’s using your feelings for him to control you.”

      I played with the diamond-encrusted ‘A’ hanging from my neck. “And you know this how? You barely acknowledged him when he was here.”

      “I hear things. His reputation isn’t the greatest when it comes to women.”

      “You hear things. From who? Darren?”

      “No.” She paused. “Cassie.”

      I rolled my eyes. Cassie Zanor was the graphic design manager at the company that recently hired my best friend, Stephanie. They happened to be located in Glasgow and did most of the marketing campaigns for Alastair’s company. For some reason, Stephanie had been taking everything this girl said as gospel.

      “She doesn’t know him,” I replied smoothly. “Neither do you.”

      “How well do you know him, Lia?” she shot back. “From what I’ve heard, he’s a master at concealing his motives. He takes what he wants and disposes of it when he’s had enough. Look how easily he pushed you aside in England. You think he won’t do that again?”

      My heart rate increased making the blood pound in my ears. Stephanie always knew how to play on my deepest fears with precision. Taking a few cleansing breaths, I stamped down my burgeoning anger.

      “I appreciate your concern but you have to stop. I’m not doing this while I’m at work.”

      The message line on the rundown beeped. One body found at the scene. Not explosion related. Cradling the phone against my shoulder, I typed a quick reply to Tyler’s message asking him to send more information when he talked to the police.

      “You sound busy. Give me a call later.”

      “Yeah. There’s a breaking story. Bye.” Annoyed, I slammed the phone down and tried to focus on the rest of the show.

      * * *

      I sat at the impeccably set table in the restaurant, dreading Nathan’s arrival. I hadn’t seen him since he thought letting himself into my apartment was a smart way to win back my affections. I shivered. Not even the soothing shades of ivory and yellows calmed me. Of course he’d arranged it so we were sitting at our table by the picture window. Glancing around the cozy, circular dining room I watched other patrons enjoy their meals, drinking with ease and engaging in relaxed conversation. I sipped my Prosecco, hoping it would take the edge off.

      A low hum of chatter vibrated through the room. Looking up, I saw Nathan striding toward the table. All eyes were on him. His tall, powerful body was complimented by a stunning double-breasted gray suit which had been paired with a sapphire tie to match his eyes. He looked every bit the privileged son of a U.S. Senator. Too bad he’s such a possessive, controlling asshole.

      “Lia.” His smile spread easily. Unbuttoning his jacket, he sat across from me. “Thank you for agreeing to see me.”

      “Like I had a choice,” I muttered.

      “You always have a choice,” he said softly. I shot him a skeptical glance. I knew this act far too well.

      “What do you want? I’d rather not spend my entire night here.”

      “Relax. Have some more wine. This won’t take long but I’d prefer not to jump right into business.” Something in his tone made my hair stand on end.

      He waved the server over and ordered a bottle of champagne, along with oysters and shrimp ceviche. My guard sprang up, rigid and unyielding. He’d ordered my favorite appetizers. What’s going on?

      “How’s married life treating your sister?” He ran a hand through his short, sandy blond hair.

      “Dayna’s fine,” I snapped. “What do you want?”

      Smoothing down his tie, he leaned forward. The unflinching gaze he locked on me froze my blood. I sipped my sparkling wine, waiting for his response.

      “I want to apologize. For everything. The fight when you thought you were pregnant. The Black and White Ball. Waiting in your apartment. I realize that I wasn’t the best version of myself when we were together. You deserved better from me.”

      Dumbfounded, I stared at him. This wasn’t the first time he’d apologized. I had a mental rolodex of remorseful statements he’d professed over the past two years. Something about this one unnerved me. Sincerity reflected deeply in his eyes. Clutching the cloth napkin on my lap, I wet my lips. My instincts remained on high alert.

      “I’m going to take that at face value and say thank you,” I said slowly. “Why are you saying this now?”

      Settling back into his chair, he shrugged. His eyes coasted over the diamond necklace resting on my neck.

      “Holden give you that?”

      I stiffened. “Yes.”

      He smirked. “A bit understated for a media mogul, no?”

      “Some people don’t have a need to flaunt their wealth. You should try it.”

      “Don’t underestimate him, Lia. He’s worth billions and controls Britain’s top media enterprise. Now that they’re buying up stations here, he’s going to be more conscious of who he allows into his inner circle. He may not be flashing his cash with cars and jewelry but he is in other ways. If you don’t believe it, you’re not paying close enough attention.”

      The palms of my hands ached from my nails digging into the skin.

      “I’m СКАЧАТЬ