Page 31 of Good Girls Like it Dirty
She exhaled. “And you never told me? Does she know how much this means to you?”
He loosened his hold on her to give her space. “Yeah, but she also thinks we screwed while I was married to her,” he said, since they were on the subject.
Her eyes practically reached her hairline. She lifted her hand in disagreement. “What? I’d never—”
Of course she wouldn’t. She’d never hurt another female by acting the same way her father’s lover had. She had principles, which was another thing he really… loved about her. Loved? He willed that thought away.
Zaine scratched his chin. “I know you, but she doesn’t. Anyway, don’t worry about it,” he said, unwilling to give Ashley any more importance than he already had. “The secret you know about Paula. What is it? She turned pale really quick back there.”
She crossed her heart. “Maid’s honor. I can’t share.”
“You’re something, did you know? The woman treats you poorly, and even though you have a chance to get even, you don’t.” This would be her chance to say something bitchy about Paula, but Monique was different. What if this secret could help him to blackmail Paula and Doug to get them out of the race? He curled his fingers, then slowly uncurled them. Wouldn’t be right.
She flashed him a tender smile, one that tightened his gut. “I hope the universe will reward me for my work ethic.”
“It better. Otherwise I’ll kick its ass for you.”
…
“Wow. You look stunning,” Zaine said, taking a good look at her.
Monique twirled in the scarlet gown, the lavish fabric caressing her curves as she walked. The black high heels made her taller, but she still had to look up at the sexy man next to her. Zaine fixed his tie, dashingly handsome in a crisp black suit, tailor-made for his large, impressive physique.
Lust thickened her throat. For the past three days, he’d shown her the sights in Honolulu like he’d promised. They’d enjoyed watching the sunsets together, going to the beach, visiting exotic restaurants and places she couldn’t have dreamed of visiting on her own.
And now… Her stomach churned. Now it was time to go to the hotel ballroom where the big fundraising event would take place. She touched the pearl earrings he’d insisted she wear—she’d agreed with the caveat of returning them to the hotel’s jewelry shop the next day. Of course he had more money than he needed, but she hated to take advantage of that. He’d offered her a small fortune a month, and while she knew it didn’t mean as much to him, she had to draw the line. Money she sent to her mom, ensuring her brothers had better opportunities. But accepting jewels was way too personal and she could never sell them.
He’d insisted that she wear them, and she’d acquiesced at last. After all, he knew more about the type of sophisticated party they were about to attend. What did she know about the rich and famous? Only the downside, usually.
Don’t think that way. You have to act like you’re one of them tonight.Memories from when her father took her to dinner with his new wife flooded her mind, and she dropped her arms to her sides. Sabine had ridiculed her and her brothers because they didn’t know how to use the various utensils or properly eat escargots.
“Monique? Are you okay? You’re pale,” he said, walking up to her.
She stepped back, looking away. “I’m fine.”
Zaine clenched her elbow, pulling her to him. “Hey, you told me about honesty, remember. What’s wrong?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
“I don’t want to mess things up for you tonight. What if we sit next to some uptight couple we’re supposed to impress?” she said, hating how nervous her voice sounded. But, merde, she had to share a real concern with him. Especially now, when she knew this deal meant so much to him and even to his family—to honor his late twin brother’s battle with cancer. To find a way to keep his memory alive.
“You’re smart, resourceful, and you have the sexiest accent on the planet. Trust me, they’ll be impressed,” he said, looking at her intently, his eyes glinting like he meant it. A slow smile formed on his lips, then it disappeared. “Who made you think you’re not worthy, Monique?”
A lump of mixed emotions lodged in her throat. She sucked in a long breath, but even when she exhaled a gulp of air, her throat still felt thick and constricted. This wasn’t like her at all. She pressed her hands together and dared to look at him. “My father.”
“The one who left your family for his lover?”
“Yes. They were rich, and he wanted to fit in,” she said, her stomach sinking to the floor as memories of all the tears her mother had cried for Papa stabbed her. “My mom suffered, and we did too. We lost a father. He was never the same again.”
“Well, if he was cheating on your mom, he wasn’t a great guy to begin with,” he said.
“You’re right. We were kids, though, and didn’t know better. We loved him and had to mourn our relationship after years of half-assed attempts on his part to welcome us into his new family.”
“I understand. Come here,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “Your father was an idiot. If anyone mistreats you tonight, they’ll be idiots too. Dead idiots.”
As if she’d let him ruin his deal because of her. Either way, a jolt of happiness surged through her, and she planted a quick kiss on his cheek, careful not to leave a mark with her dark red lipstick. “Shall we?” she said, offering him her arm, looping it around his in an old-fashioned manner.
He tilted his head, his gaze sliding from her eyes to their entwined arms. “Of course.”
She didn’t want to say it, but her whole life she’d stood up for herself, for her mom, for her younger brothers. That’s what she did, and whether she hurt inside or not, she always tried to keep her troubles from them. Yet with Zaine…not once, but now twice he’d shown he had her back. They made their way out of the suite, and she let that amazing feeling sink in.
The sensation of finally not being alone. For now it didn’t matter that she’d be on her own again when she left the United States to pursue her dream while he stayed in Los Angeles to carry on with his own. The downside of ending their unique relationship tried to creep its way under her skin, setting her pulse to a maddening rhythm, but she willed herself to relax and enjoy the time they still had together. For the remaining weeks, she’d completely appreciate not being alone.
Even if that meant suffering later.
