Sinful Desires Vol. 1(11)

I climbed out of the bed, still keeping myself covered. Suddenly, I didn't feel like being naked in front of him. I swallowed hard and asked the question I needed answered.

“What about you?”

He didn't look at me and that was enough to tell me it had all been a lie. I grabbed my dress and pulled it on, snatching up my underwear as he answered.

“I usually fly to LA every couple weeks for business, and most of the time I stop in Vegas for a lay-over. Adding an extra day or two won't rouse any suspicions.”

Suspicions. I felt the urge to throw up. How could I have been so stupid?

“You're still getting married.” I picked up my shoes and told the tears burning against my eyelids that they weren't allowed to fall. “You lying, cheating bastard.” I spit the last words through clenched teeth and then stormed out, not caring if anyone saw me. I heard Reed say my name, but kept walking. I let my anger take control, knowing the alternative would be to cry. I wished I'd never gone to that stupid reunion  . My crush could've stayed sweet and innocent instead of being destroyed by finding out what a true asshole Reed Stirling really was.

I was still fuming when I got off the elevator and started through the lobby, so much so I almost walked right into a solid wall of muscle. I stopped abruptly and looked up into a pair of pale blue eyes.

“Piper?”

I crossed my arms. I was so not in the mood to deal with Reed's soon-to-be brother-in-law. “What?” I snapped.

“I just wanted to apologize for what happened the other night.” Brock's handsome face was sincere and I studied it for a moment, almost missing that he was holding out an envelope.

A new flare of anger went through me. What was it with these rich people thinking they could just buy people off? I folded my arms more tightly. “You were drunk. It's not like I don't deal with that every night at work. I don't want anything from you.”

I started to step around him, but he took the step with me, still blocking my way.

“Look, I feel bad. Just take it, please.” He gave me one of those expressions I was sure had gotten him out of a lot of trouble growing up and, despite my anger, I found myself softening. “I wrote you a note.”

I sighed. What the hell. It wasn't like I was at a place financially where I could afford to refuse a tip. I told myself that's all it was when I took the envelope.

“Don't open it yet.” Brock smiled. His eyes flicked over my head and then back down again. “I have to get going, but I hope you'll accept my apology and maybe I'll see you later.”

I almost told him not to count on it, but then I saw Reed walking through the lobby with the rest of his groomsmen. He stared straight ahead, not even glancing at Brock when the other man fell in step at his side.

I watched them walk out, my fingers tightening around the letter until the paper crinkled. I let out a slow breath as the men got into a limo and drove away. I'd take Brock's money, put the rest of the weekend behind me and get on with my life. I'd survived taking care of my dying mother, survived losing her, survived Las Vegas by myself for two years. I'd survive this too, and I'd never be this foolish again.

After making that promise to myself, I opened the envelope. The first thing I saw was six crisp one hundred dollar bills paper-clipped together with a note saying, “For your ticket.”

I frowned. What the fuck did that mean? I pulled out a folded sheet of paper and read it. Then I re-read it because I was sure it had to be a mistake, but no, there it was, in sloppy masculine hand-writing.

“Piper, I would like the chance to prove to you that I'm not the man I seemed to be the first time we met. Please agree to be my date to my sister's wedding. The cash enclosed is for a plane ticket if you agree, but please keep it even if you decide not to come. Should you agree to be my date, you'll receive ten thousand dollars for your services. Sincerely, Brock Michaels.”

Ten thousand dollars to watch Reed marry a woman he claimed not to love.

Fuck.