Ruthless Games (Flawless Book 5) by Roxy Sloane

Author:Roxy Sloane [Sloane, Roxy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Roxy Sloane Books
Published: 2022-07-10T18:30:00+00:00

“Hey,” Lily greets me by the doors, looking concerned. She’s gorgeous in a floor-length gown, green silk making her hair shine gold. “What happened? Is everything OK?”

“It’s fine,” I reply, nodding to the doorman as we head inside.

“But Chase seemed really stressed,” she keeps pushing. “Is it Agent Greggs, or someone else? Are your guys OK?—”

“I said, it’s fine.” I cut her off, too harsh. “I can’t deal with it here. Let’s just get through tonight.”

Frustration flashes on her face. “I’m supposed to be your partner in this,” she says. “We took vows, remember? Or have they already slipped your mind?”

“Lily.” My voice is warning.

“I just hate it when you shut me out.”

I tense. Why can’t she see that I’m doing this for her own good? The less she knows about the Barretti empire, the better.

Luckily, we’re interrupted by some society types she knows, and she has to quickly hide her mood with a smile. “Robert! Lucinda, so lovely to see you. And for such a good cause!”

I’ve never been glad of the social small talk, but right now, it’s great timing. I grab a glass of wine from a passing waiter and look around. I’m used to being met with scandalized stares and disapproval at a place like this, but I’m surprised to see more people look curious or impressed instead.

Guess a billion-dollar project will do that to a man’s reputation.

I’m glad. Not because I give a shit, but because Lily deserves better than gossip and scorn. She deserves the best.

“… We’ll have to catch up soon,” Lily is trilling. “But right now, I need to steal my husband away. See you!”

She steers me away, out to the gardens. I’m still feeling a stab of pride hearing her refer to me as her husband when she whirls on me, deadly serious.

“Will the Feds come after you for this bust? Do you have an alibi?” she asks.

No.

“Lily, let it go. We should enjoy the party,” I say, refusing to keep talking about this with her. If I had my way, no aspect of this life would ever touch her. Maybe if I was less of a selfish asshole, I’d be able to just let her go and be safe away from me.

But I also have the sneaking suspicion that she wouldn’t leave, anyway.

We’re drawn to each other like moths to a flame. It’s always been like this.

“No, I won’t just smile and pretend everything’s OK.” she insists, and I grit my teeth. She can never just make something easy.

She can never let anything go. She always has to push me until I’m mad.

“What do you mean, no?” I ask, taking her arm and pulling her away from the more crowded part of the party.

“I’m tired of being kept in the dark!” she exclaims, anger flashing in her eyes. “It’s a bad idea anyway. I never would have talked to Sergei if I’d know that he was your enemy. And the attack at the restaurant? Maybe I would have been more alert if you didn’t keep me in the dark all the time.

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