Page 155 of Wicked Dares
He looks me up and down. I’m wearing shorts and am barefooted. “Out for a swim at this hour?”
“Sailing. My Piper couldn’t sleep.” I say that the way he says my Ellie Mae.
He smiles.
With everything that happened last night, I’d forgotten about the disaster with Arthur. Not entirely. I just didn’t think about it.
I was thinking about how last night could have ended instead.
Reece could have taken Piper. Abducted her again.
He acted on the basis that he’d messed with her phone and that of the guards. He never thought I’d get to her—said so himself.
I only found Piper because of Dorian. He was able to find her with the tracker in the car.
He acted fast. Then we got the police involved.
Had we been even a minute later, Reece would have gotten in his car and taken her.
I blow out a slow breath before walking farther into the room.
Arthur watches me.
“I guess you’re here to tell me you want to revoke the contract,” I say, straightening, owning responsibility for my lies. “Honestly, Arthur, I understand. But the biggest loss in this is your trust. I was grateful for the way you and your family welcomed us. Welcomed me. And I’m truly sorry for my lies.”
I mean every word. I know there will be consequences from losing him, but I can’t do anything about that.
Arthur studies me for a long moment. Then he shakes his head. “Apology accepted.”
My brows rise. “Really?”
“Yes. I still want to work with you.”
That catches me completely off guard.
Arthur lets out a rough chuckle and walks closer.
“Son, I was mad as hell last night.” He points a finger at me. “Still might be a little pissed, if I’m honest.”
Fair.
“But after everything I saw…” His expression softens slightly. “I know what’s between you and Piper is real.”
The weight resting on my shoulders lifts.
“You were ready to tear the damn city apart looking for her.” He shakes his head slowly. “A man doesn’t do that for a fake relationship.”
I don’t even try to deny it.
Because he’s right.
Arthur exhales. “So, how about we let bygones be bygones and move forward?” He lifts a brow. “Can we do that?”
Relief hits me hard. I smile for what feels like the first genuine time in days. “Yeah,” I tell him honestly. “We can do that.”
“Good.” He nods approvingly. “Because I’d still like an invite to the wedding whenever that happens.”
I laugh. “Don’t worry. You’ll be invited.”
