Cunning

  “Mrs. Witt,” I said, waving toward the suite. “It’s nice to see you again. Come in.”

  In her closed-lip smile, I read the judgment she wasn’t voicing. In her eyes I was taking the walk of shame, even though I hadn’t left the suite.

  “Miss Collins, nice to see you again.”

  I reached for the bag she was carrying. “Would you like me to take that? I assume it’s for No—Mr. Demetri?”

  Her lips turned upward as she presented the handles of the paper bag my direction and looked toward Nox. “Yes, I was told there was an unfortunate mishap with his shoes.”

  “Yes,” his deep voice came from behind me as his warm breath tickled my neck. “I believe it was a puddle or something.”

  “Oh,” Mrs. Witt replied. “I don’t remember it raining.”

  I craned my neck backward. In Nox’s pale eyes was the smirk of amusement I’d missed. I didn’t know who Mrs. Witt was or why he referred to this woman as security, but whoever she was, it was clear they shared a comfortable relationship.

  I took a step back as Mrs. Witt came farther into the suite, and Nox shut the door.

  “If you two will excuse me, I need to—” I began as I handed Nox the bag, ready to make my way back to the bedroom. A shower was in order.

  “No,” Nox interrupted.

  I tilted my head. “No?”

  He sat on the sofa, opened the bag, and removed a shoebox.

  Where and how did she buy him new shoes at six-thirty in the morning?

  As I pondered that question, Mrs. Witt sat on the edge of one of the chairs, and Nox spoke, “I’m on my way out. Charli, you remember Mrs. Witt?”

  His perceptiveness was astounding. I just decided not to point that out once again. Instead, I nodded and smiled her direction. “Yes.”

  “Deloris,” she corrected. “Call me Deloris. Now, is it Alexandria, Alex, or Charli?”

  I narrowed my eyes, wondering how she knew so much about me. “My legal name is Alexandria. However, I prefer Alex. Charli is… well, it’s a nickname.” Though I’d only been Charli for one week of my life, even now I liked hearing it from Nox. I preferred it to Miss Collins.

  Nox stood, his shiny new loafers in place. “Deloris, I’ll speak to you later. Charli, remember everything we discussed.”

  Still standing, my knees grew weak as I wondered why he appeared to be leaving while she was staying.

  “Charli?” he asked again, narrowing his pale gaze.

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “Thank you, Deloris. I’m sure you can explain everything better than I.” With that he reached for the door handle and disappeared.

  As I turned back, Deloris Witt was smiling my direction.

  “Mrs. Witt, I mean Deloris, I’m apparently at a disadvantage. What are you supposed to explain to me?”

  “Alex, please sit down. We need to talk.”

  Securing my robe, I asked, “Would you like some coffee?”

  She shook her head. “No, I can’t stay. I just thought that perhaps Mr. Demetri might not have told you everything.”

  I sat back on the sofa. “I’m sorry. I’m confused, and you’re right, he hasn’t told me much. What do you know and why are you the one talking to me? I apologize if my forwardness is rude. I’ve had quite a week and my filter is obviously not working.”

  “It’s not rude at all. As you may remember, I work for Lennox. I have for a long time. He mentioned that you assumed I was his housekeeper.” Her smile broadened. “I’m not. Alexandria… I mean, Alex, am I to assume that you’ll be with Lennox for the foreseeable future?”

  “We’re… dating.”

  “I realize it’s against the rules. However, I am fully aware of the origin of your new agreement.”

  My pulse kicked up a notch or two. “We met in Del Mar, as you know. We planned on one week, but there was more. We decided not to fight it any longer.” It was the story I’d conspired to tell Chelsea. For the first time from my lips, I thought it sounded plausible.

  “Yes. That does sound good. Is that the story the two of you have agreed upon?”

  “We haven’t really discussed it.”

  Mrs. Witt nodded. “That’s why I’m here. No one, not even Demetri Enterprises’ public relations can know the truth. Your stories must be the same. I like it so far; however, there may be questions. The best policy is not to answer them. No comment is your friend.”

  “Questions? Who will ask questions?”

  “Everyone. Anyone.”

  When I didn’t answer, she continued, “It only takes a tweet or a picture posted on Instagram or Facebook to start the world talking. Lennox hasn’t dated anyone with any regularity since… well, for years. We were able to keep Del Mar off of social media and away from the reporters. That was one week. This will be a year. We won’t be able to keep it hidden. Not that we’re trying. As soon as you two appear together on a regular basis, the world will start talking.”

  The world?

  My stomach twisted. My family was part of the world. Bryce was part of the world. Before I could comment, she went on.

  “I’ve read your profile.”

  I couldn’t hide my shock. “What? Why?”

  “Lennox has not. He didn’t want to learn about you from a file. He wants to learn about you from you.”

  Blood rushed to my cheeks. If there was one thing Lennox Demetri was good at doing—and there was definitely more than one thing—it was getting to know me.

  “You were rather evasive about your family on your profile.”

  I sat taller. “I’d rather not discuss my family.”

  “So you do have one?”

  “I wasn’t found in a cabbage patch, if that’s what you mean. We’re not close.”

  “Alex, I run Mr. Demetri’s personal security as well as the security for Demetri Enterprises. I’m Lennox’s eyes and ears. I’ll be perfectly frank. I knew your last name in Del Mar. My top priority is Lennox and that won’t change. He wants you to be safe; therefore, you will. Today you’ll have Isaac at your disposal. He’s more than a driver. Isaac is fully capable of protecting you under all circumstances.

  “Since he is usually with Lennox, I’m currently working to fill the position of your driver and bodyguard.”

  “I don’t want any of this,” I said, my voice as determined as I could make it. I remembered Nox’s lecture earlier this morning; however, the thought of having someone watching me all the time made me physically ill.

  “Demetri Enterprises is an umbrella.” Her eyes narrowed. “Do you know what that means?”

  “It has a wide range of subsidiaries?”

  “Very good. There’s no reason for you to be any more familiar with Demetri Enterprises than Lennox chooses to make you. That said, some of the people in some of the rather diversified affiliations have been known to be less than savory. Don’t fight this, Miss Collins. You agreed to this year. Know that there are certain things with Lennox Demetri that are non-negotiable. Your safety is one.”

  As I tried to comprehend, she continued, “I also have things that I consider non-negotiable. I will not mention your family to Lennox unless he asks. I also will not tolerate anyone getting close to Lennox in order to cause harm to him or Demetri Enterprises. If I have reason to suspect that, I won’t hesitate to rectify the decision I made in Del Mar when I allowed you to enter the presidential suite.”

  My head moved from side to side. “Why would you think…? I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

  “I believe you. I also think you should be honest with Lennox about who you are.”

  “I’m not being dishonest. I’m Alexandria Collins. I don’t understand why anything else is relevant.”

  She stood and smoothed the material of her slacks. “A few other things. Your income will be deposited into your bank account from an overseas account. Your interview and signing bonus will arrive today. Monthly payments will arrive on the fifteenth of each month, beginning next month. There w
on’t be any way to track these back to Infidelity.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Also, if you’d like, I’d be willing to investigate the sudden loss of your trust fund. At first glance, it seems at the least questionable and at the most fraudulent, perhaps illegal.”

  “How do you know so much?”

  “It’s my job. I’m very good at my job.”

  “You care about him, don’t you?” I asked.

  “I do.” Her expression softened. “In Del Mar, Lennox was someone I hadn’t seen in years. He smiled more and worried less about business. He took time to relax, time to be… a man. If you can do that for him, then you have my full and unwavering support. If you hurt him, I’ll be your worst nightmare.” Deloris scoffed. “I realize I don’t look like much, but power isn’t all about appearances.”

  She was right. From appearances alone, I’d never imagine her to be anyone’s nightmare. Yet there was something in her voice.

  “I know all about power,” I said. “I believe it’s mostly about conviction. I believe you too. But let’s be honest. There’s no way to know what will happen between Nox and me. I know that Del Mar was the best week of my life, and the last week has been one of the worst. I know the man I met at the resort was a prince who took my breath away, and the man I met yesterday was not. I can’t promise you that neither one of us will get hurt. I can promise you that who I am and who my family is have nothing to do with my meeting Lennox Demetri. I’d never heard his full name until yesterday.

  “I want to go to law school. I want to succeed in life on my own merit. If anything beyond this year is meant to be with Nox, then so be it. If it’s not…” I shrugged. “I’ve been disappointed before.”

  Deloris opened her purse and laid a business card on the coffee table. “Don’t contact Karen Flores again. If you have any questions or concerns, call me.”

  I wanted to believe this was good. Yet for some reason it felt like a safety net had been pulled out from under me.

  “Thank you.”

  “Good luck to you, Alex. I hope this works out well for everyone. Your trust fund?” she asked.

  “You’ll look into it without telling Nox?”

  “Yes.”

  I nodded as tears prickled my eyes. “I never wanted to sign… If you’re the reason Nox found me, thank you.”

  “I’ll be in touch.” Deloris took two steps toward the door and turned back around. “Give him some time. He’s more complicated than you can imagine. That man from Del Mar cares about you. Don’t rush him, and be patient. You awakened something in him that he forgot existed. For that reason, I’m here for you.”

  I nodded. “Thank you.”

  FRESH AIR FILLED my lungs as I walked the sidewalk along Central Park West and made my way back to the hotel. I wasn’t purposely setting out to disobey Nox as I’d done the night before. This was different. I’d walked through Central Park only a few days ago. Walking along its perimeter with thousands of people wasn’t any different.

  When I left the hotel, I called Isaac and had him take me to Columbia. I needed to talk to the bursar’s office and confirm that Alton hadn’t gone back on his word. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that everything was a go for orientation in less than two weeks.

  Then I walked from the campus to my new apartment, met with the broker, and acquired the keys. When I initially contacted the broker earlier in the day, I intended to follow Nox’s suggestion and break the lease. When the broker told me it was empty and I could take immediate possession, I changed my mind. I’d made too many rash decisions in the last four days to make one more. Besides, my furniture was scheduled to be delivered, and seeing the deposit that Deloris mentioned earlier appear in my checking account convinced me I could afford the one-bedroom apartment. Besides, after a year I’d need someplace to live. From my perspective the apartment was my guarantee of next year’s housing.

  Although I hadn’t seen Nox’s apartment on West 77th, I was certain my little one-bedroom couldn’t compare to it or to Patrick and to Cy’s on the Upper East Side. Nevertheless, I liked it. With its wood floors, white walls, and a galley kitchen, it wasn’t pretentious. It was cozy. From its large old windows, I couldn’t see the park. Instead, they looked out onto a tree-lined street, and just down the block was Tom’s Restaurant on the corner.

  I planned to tell Nox—eventually.

  Maybe once I had the keys and was ready to head back to the Mandarin, I should have called Isaac. But the sun was shining and I wanted to think. Deciding to enjoy the summer day, I chose to walk. Every now and then, I had the sensation of being watched. I probably was. Undoubtedly, Nox was receiving up-to-the-minute reports of my rogue behavior.

  The entire scenario was suffocating.

  Pausing, I sat on a park bench and checked my phone again. I was waiting for something from Chelsea. I’d sent her a couple of text messages, but I hadn’t heard anything since the text I found this morning. Today was the day the movers were picking up my things. I even tried repeatedly to call her, but after three rings it went straight to voicemail.

  I knew she didn’t forget. Her text said she was ready. I just wanted to touch base. I wanted to hear her voice. Now that I had my story, I wanted to tell her about Nox.

  Sighing, I got up and moved south along Central Park West. The energy of the city filled the warm air with excitement and anticipation. I’d been nervous about moving here, but Patrick was right. I smiled as his rendition of New York New York played in my head.

  If I could make it there…

  My thoughts went to Nox and his directions for tonight. I’d do it all, even the drink. We had a year. Baiting him at every move wasn’t a wise decision. Up until now, Nox was my fantasy. Del Mar had been that. Now we had reality, and it was a new road for both of us. If I wanted to be sure he was the one who would want this to go past a year, then I needed to play his game.

  I also contemplated calling Jane. Though I shouldn’t, I worried about my mother. She hadn’t tried to reach out to me since the confrontation in the sitting room. Unless Patrick told Aunt Gwen that I was here, my mother and Alton didn’t even know I was in New York.

  They could think I was back in California. That was the gist I caught from Bryce’s last text. He said something about the time difference, wondering if that was why I hadn’t responded. It wasn’t the reason, and I still hadn’t responded.

  I didn’t want to hear from Bryce or talk to him. When I did, I’d need to let him know about Nox and that I was in a relationship. Maybe I could just change that Facebook status after all.

  Pulling me from my thoughts, my phone rang, the melody reaching my ears moments after the vibration alerted me of its approach. I stopped and looked at the screen. I didn’t recognize the number, but I did know it was a California area code.

  “Hello,” I said. “This is Alex Collins.” I stepped back against the fence separating the sidewalk from the park and allowed other pedestrians to pass.

  “Ms. Collins,” the unfamiliar voice said. “I’m Felix. Me and my partner are supposed to move your things today.”

  “Yes?”

  “There ain’t nobody here.”

  “I’m sorry. What do you mean?”

  “I mean. We’re here, at your apartment. We knock. Nobody answered. Ma’am, are you gonna be here soon? If not, we need to reschedule and there’s a fee.”

  No, I’m not.

  “Felix, I arranged everything with your company. You’re not supposed to contact me. You’re supposed to contact my roommate, Chelsea Moore.”

  “Yeah. We tried that. I called her. I hear her phone ringing. She ain’t answering. If we don’t get in your apartment, we’re going to need to reschedule.”

  My pulse increased as his words echoed in my ear. “Wait. Please don’t reschedule. Let me call the manager of the complex. She’ll let you in. I’m sure there’s just been some misunderstanding.”

  “We can wait a few more minutes. Then I need to call my supervis
or.”

  I nodded, though he obviously couldn’t see me. “I understand. Please don’t leave before talking to me again. I’ll call you back.”

  About ten blocks from the Mandarin Hotel, my heart raced. I could see the south end of the park. It was after one in the afternoon. That meant it was after ten o’clock in California. I knew Chelsea liked to sleep in, but she wouldn’t still be asleep, not after her text. Speeding my steps, I called Chelsea again. Three rings and it went to voicemail. Instead of leaving a message, I scrolled my contacts and called our apartment complex’s main office. When someone answered, I hurriedly explained my situation. My words were breathy as my pace increased.

  “Please just wake her. I know she’s there. The mover said he could hear her phone ringing.”

  The woman on the line began to lecture me on her responsibilities and how waking up tenants wasn’t one of them.

  Before she could go on, I interrupted, “I’ll pay. I just need the movers to get in.”

  “Fine,” she replied. “I’ll call you as soon as we have your apartment opened.”

  This wasn’t like Chelsea. She had her faults, but never in four years had she let me down when it was important. I tried her phone again. Voicemail.

  Just as I was about to cross the street to the Mandarin, my phone rang.

  “Miss Collins?” It was the same lady from the complex’s office, except her tone was different.

  “Yes. Did you open my apartment?”

  “Your roommate…”

  Oh my God.

  My stomach dropped.

  “What?”

  “We’ve called an ambulance.”

  I STOOD AT the tall windows overlooking the Financial District, completely oblivious to the scene before me. From fifty-eight stories up, I had a prestigious view of some of the most expensive real estate in the country, and none of it mattered. My mind was with Charli. If I weren’t careful, my body would follow. Not exactly the best state of affairs for conducting business.

  I’d managed to do that, but between each phone call or report, I’d slip back to the beautiful redhead and rehash her reasoning for Infidelity. I also wondered about her conversation this morning with Deloris. At least I’d know about that since I’d have my report soon. What I couldn’t comprehend was Charli’s reasoning.