The Arrangement 5 (8 page)

He walks me to the door. I lean in and brush my lips lightly to his. “Good night, Henry. I can’t wait to see you again.” I wink at him and turn away. I make sure to sway my hips as I walk away. I can feel his eyes on me. I hope I made the right decision. I didn’t want to push him. It felt like he’d regret it. Henry wants this to feel real, so I’ll make it real.

When I walk outside, I see Gabe smoking at the edge of the sidewalk. I shift around people, cut through the crowds on the sidewalk, and make my way over to him.

Gabe shakes his head. “Did you get thrown out?”

“Nope. I think I did good. I wanted to tell you that I’m done for the night. I’m going to hang out in the city for a while. I’ll check in tomorrow. Have a good night.” I’m smiling too much. I can’t wait to see Sean.

Before I turn to walk away, Gabe nods. His voice follows after me. “You want me to drop you off?”

I turn back. “No, that’s okay.”

Gabe stands and takes a long pull on the cigarette before putting it out. As he walks over to me, he lets out the smoke. “I know where you’re going. Let me drive you so you don’t get mugged on the way there. You can’t go in the subway looking like that.” Gabe shakes his head, like I have no brains.

I’m not dumb enough to deny anything. “Will you tell her?”

“Only if I’m asked, Miss
Stanz, and since I already know you’re screwing Mr. Ferro, I think it’s safer if I drive you to his hotel.”

“I’m not screwing him!”

He gives me a look. “Call it what you want, but it’ll get you fired. Wait here. I’ll get the limo.”

Gabe returns to the curb with the car moments later, and then drives me a few blocks to Sean’s hotel. I’m early and really excited. I thought I’d be
creeped out and covered in sweat. Instead, I feel pretty good.

Before we pull up, Gabe says, “Something’s wrong with him, you know.
More so than with other guys. Ferro did something.”

I lean forward. “What are you talking about?”

Gabe is in line to get to the drop-off. He pulls the car up. We’re next. “It was in the papers a few years back. Plus the guy is
off
. Don’t trust him. I know you do, I can see it on your face, but you’re not an old guy like me. I see what he is. I wish you’d stop this. The guy you were just with is safer than Ferro.”

“What are you talking about? What did Sean do?” I finish my question just as we pull up. The hotel worker opens the door. I hesitate. I want to hear what Gabe has to say, but he’s silent.

I step out of the car and watch him pull away. The floor of my stomach twists and the skin on my neck prickles. I look up at the building. The windows are lit all the way up to the penthouse. I go inside and try to shake off the bad vibe that’s crawling over my skin.

The elevator carries me up and I’m on Sean’s floor. Smiling, I walk towards his room just as the door opens. I stop in my tracks when I see who steps out. I hear her voice, and see her, but I can’t believe it. Part of my brain keeps telling me that she wouldn’t do that to me, but there she is. A million emotions collide until I can’t think.

Mel. It’s Mel. She said she was working tonight. She’s the only other girl at Black’s that will do the things Sean wants. She mentioned a sick guy a few weeks ago. Now I know who she meant.

Sean stands in the doorway with his shirt unbuttoned, holding the door open. His dark hair is tousled and his cheeks are rosy. Images of him and Mel together flash through my mind. I want to scream. I want to walk over there and shriek at both of them, but I don’t move. I’m frozen.

I wish I could rewind and start over. I wish I never met him. In a matter of seconds, I’ve lost my best friend and Sean. It’s as if he feels my eyes on his face. Sean slowly looks up and freezes. Our eyes lock. His lips part and everything seems to happen in slow motion. Mel turns and has the same horrified expression on her face.

Before either of them says anything, I step towards Mel. “How could you!” My hand flies and I slap her in the face. My palm stings as she closes her eyes and takes the hit. Mel doesn’t move.

I glance at Sean, but I can’t even speak. My fists clench and unclench at my sides. I breathe too hard and feel my throat tighten. Tears sting my eyes as betrayal snakes its way into my heart.

I turn on my heel and run.

COMING SOON:

THE ARRANGEMENT VOL 6

*****

THE ARRANGEMENT SERIES

This story unfolds over the course of multiple short novels. Each one follows the continuing story of Avery
Stanz and Sean Ferro.

To ensure you don’t miss the next installment, text
AWESOMEBOOKS
to
22828
and you will get an email reminder on release day.

MORE ROMANCE BOOKS BY H.M. WARD

DAMAGED (A Novel)

SCANDALOUS

SCANDALOUS 2

SECRETS

THE SECRET LIFE OF TRYSTAN SCOTT

And more.

To see a full book list, please visit:

www.SexyAwesomeBooks.com/books.htm

CAN’T WAIT FOR H.M WARD’S NEXT STEAMY BOOK?

Let her know by leaving stars and telling her what you liked about

THE ARRANGEMENT VOL. 5

in a review!