Chapter 66

It’s almost dark that evening when I pull up to the gates to Kent’s estate. I spent the day with Janeen, planning my next steps, letting the sound of her laugher and warm advice wash over me like a healing balm. I also let her curl my hair into sexy waves and exchange my slouchy sweater and leggings for a pair of tight jeans and a turtleneck, all black. She spent some time doing my makeup too, transforming me into the smokey-eyed femme fatale I felt I needed to be to take this next step.

The gates slide open without hesitation and I pull the car through. Instead of heading around the back of the house to the garages, though, I curve around the driveway and park directly before the front door. I take a moment to steel myself and then step out, looking towards the guard I know will be standing by the door at the top of the steps.

I don’t let my surprise register when I see that it’s Jerome standing there. Instead, I keep my face blank as I walk slowly up to the door and calmly hand him the keys to the Prius I borrowed that morning. “Next time,” I say softly, holding his eye. “I’m taking the Lexus.”

He blinks at me, shock and confusion on his face, but I brush past, opening the door myself and leaving it ajar as I walk calmly into the house.

I head directly for Kent’s office, knowing he’ll be there. I don’t bother to knock before I open the door.

He turns his head, glaring, opening his mouth to admonish whoever is interrupting him, but he goes silent when he sees me standing there, my arms crossed over my chest, a set of papers folded in my hand.