I rang the doorbell with a shaking hand as the cab driver sped away.
Whatever happened to waiting to make sure the patron was safely inside…
Although, in this situation, that might have been worse.
The door opened slowly. A young, pretty girl stood in front of me with large, luminous eyes and a heart-shaped mouth. She wore something like a French maid’s outfit, with a white apron overlaying a little black dress. The hem of the skirt portion came to her mid-thigh, revealing long legs encased in fishnet stockings. Her ample cleavage peeked out of her low-cut top.
I could barely prevent myself from shaking my head in disgust. She was probably no more than eighteen, and wearing a revealing outfit designed to show off for her employer. Based on what I knew of Rodge’s past, he not only looked, he sampled the merchandise. Disgusting.
“Miss Jonston?” the young woman asked in a sultry voice.
“Yes.” I took a step forward.
“Follow me.” She stepped to the side so that I might enter the house before closing the door behind me. She took her position as my guide, walking on high heels that couldn’t possibly be comfortable to wear for the whole day, and swinging her generous hips.
We walked through the hallway, past the stairs leading to the upper floor, and into a dimly lit den. Books lined the wall and couches took up the middle of the floor, facing each other. Soft music played in the background as candles sent flickering light up around the room.
“Olivia.” Rodge put down a snifter filled with an amber liquid before standing. His eyes glittered with arousal as a slow smile soaked up his features. “I’m so glad you could come.”
“Hi, Rodge,” I said, fighting to match his smile. It wasn’t easy. The man gave me the creeps.
“Stacy, honey, will you bring in the trays?” Rodge didn’t take his eyes from me as he spoke.
“Of course, Rod—Mr. Carlisle.” She curtsied, of all things, and bustled out of the room.
“A little young, hmm?” I asked as I took a seat across from him on the couch.
He sat back down slowly, his eyes roaming my body. “She has no complaints.”
“I bet not. I’m sure the money’s good. And whatever happened to…your girlfriend?”
He smiled without humor as the maid returned, carrying a tray laden with finger foods. “Would you care for something to drink?” she asked.
“A red wine would be great, thanks.”
“Stacy, honey…”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Carlisle.” She walked to the left, where a small bar was stationed. From the countertop she took a bottle, inspected the label, and then opened it. She poured two glasses.
“Are you worried I might spike your drink, Livy?”
Cold trickled down my spine with the familiar way he spoke to me. I hated that he’d used my nickname. He held the power here, or at least he thought he did, and it showed in his tone. He saw this as a victory over me, and over his son.
I composed my face, doing everything I could not to grit my teeth or grimace. “A little,” I replied honestly. “You’re the type of man who is not afraid to cheat to get what he wants.”
“Yes. I am.” He gave me that slimy smile as he took his glass of wine from Stacy. He waited until I took mine before raising his a little in a silent salute. After he took a sip, he crossed a leg over his knee and got comfortable. “I’ve backed my son into a corner. He has no choice but to part with you for a night. You see, he’s never been without more than enough money. Even though he’d be left with plenty of fortune for a normal man, he wouldn’t know how to function. He hasn’t had to scrape the bottom like I have. Add that to his lack of interest in those around him, and he’ll give his prize to his sworn enemy.”
“You have him all figured out.”
“He’s my son, after all.” Rodge took a slow sip of his wine, watching me over the rim of his glass. “And once I’ve had you, he won’t want you anymore. You do know that, right?”
I swallowed. I did know that. Even though I wouldn’t sleep with Rodge, me being here would be enough to signify my guilt to Hunter. He’d be hard-pressed to believe me when I said I didn’t touch his dad, and worse, he would have a hard time forgiving me, if he ever did. In Hunter’s eyes, all this would be betraying him, not saving him. Hopefully the video would lessen the sting.
I took a sip, trying to hide my hand shaking. Rodge gave me that slow smile again.
“I knew Hunter would give you up, but I must admit, I didn’t know if you would agree. You must really care for my son…”
“And by saying that, you’re saying I must really not like you…”