“I don’t work Sundays.”
“You will today. You need to pay off the dresses you bought, don’t you? If you don’t, it would make you a thief and what would a judge think if you were dragged to court for theft?”
I pursed my lips and glanced at Ethan, who was eyeing me curiously. His brother caring for me? Right!
“I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“I’m glad we understand each other. See you at 7. Bye!”
I sighed, letting my head fall heavily on the arm of my couch. “Your brother is a dick.”
He laughed. “I know, but still… I can’t wait to see what he has planned for tonight.”
I glared at him, but truth be told, I was curious too.
What new game are you playing, Hugo?
I was cautious as I walked into the main hall of Hugo’s luxury building in Knightsbridge, still wondering what Hugo was playing at. It was only my second time in his apartment and the last time I didn’t even make it past the front door.
I approached the front desk.
“Ms. Byrnes, please go up. Mr. St-John is expecting you.” He slid me a keycard and I nodded my thanks before making my way up to Hugo’s penthouse. The elevator traveled fast and opened directly in his lobby.
“I’m here!” I called, despite being certain that he had already been informed of my presence. I walked inside the living room and looked around the white sanitized space with a frown.
There was no life in here; it felt like I’d just stepped into the set of some photoshoot based on how impersonal it looked. I let my eyes trail over the white leather sofa and I froze as I saw a table set for two in a small recess against the bay window, with a stunning view of Hyde Park.
I walked closer to the table and looked at the romantic setting with candles and roses, my heart speeding up with both excitation and dread.
Did Hugo want to give us a try after everything he had said? Most of it, unfortunately, made a lot of sense.
This could be a terrible mistake for both of us.
“Ah, you’re here.” I turned around briskly and found him walking toward me, while he latched his watch on his wrist.
He was freshly showered, his wet dark hair curling on the collar of his light blue shirt, not wearing a tie or jacket—and this casual look suited him just as well as the tuxedo.
“Hugo.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry, I really am, but I don’t think this is a good idea. This—” I pointed from him to me when he looked up. “I have to say no.”
“No to…” He trailed off as he started to roll up his sleeves.
I remained silent, now more confused than ever.
“Oh.” He arched his eyebrows. “Oh, no.” He let out a little laugh that contained just as much vitriol as his words sometimes did. “Did you think this wasfor you?” he asked, cocking his head to the side.
I pursed my lips, feeling like a fool.
“No, you’re here because I—”
The elevator beeped and he smiled. “Perfect timing. Come.” He gestured for me to follow him as he walked to the elevator, which opened on a stunning blond woman dressed in the most form-fitting black cocktail dress I’d ever seen.
“Cecilia, darling, you look absolutely mesmerizing,” he purred, his voice the same low flirty tone he had used on me that night at the club. I had to use all my self-control not to snort.
He was not lying though, she was stunning—tall and lithe with her flaxen hair, light blue eyes, and alabaster skin… My exact opposite and as pretty as a fairy.
She blushed as he brushed his lips to her knuckles before her eyes finally fell on me with a small frown.
I couldn’t blame her. This was so obviously a date and I was standing there awkwardly in my pair of jeggings and hoodie.