Before she even saw him, Heather could smell the pricey cologne.
As if he owned the hotel bar, Edward Reed swirled a glass of bourbon while leaning against the marble pillar. His smile was as dangerous as ever, and his designer suit was immaculate.
Heather felt sick to her stomach.
With his eyes scanning her, he said smoothly, "I was starting to think you'd forgotten me." "Or perhaps you hoped I would vanish."
Stiffly, Heather walked over, adjusting the strap of her handbag. "You mentioned that it was urgent."
Edward sighed fictitiously. When people have secrets, it's always that way. particularly those involving their former fiancés.
She squinted. "I'm done playing games," I said.
He laughed. "Heather, you can't stop playing the game. You still owe me money, so no.
"You owe me?" Her voice was low but fierce as she snapped. "I gave you what I owed you. I am no longer your pawn.
Edward lowered his voice to a lethal whisper as he leaned closer. Nevertheless, you are meeting me by yourself right now. That indicates to me that you still stand to lose something.
Heart pounding, Heather winced.
"Edward, I'm warning you. Keep Michael and me out of whatever plot you're hatching," she said. "I've changed since I allowed you to pull the strings."
Edward's eyes glistened with icy laughter. "You may not be. Michael, though? He still doesn't know, does he? still believes that you were merely a scared bride who fled.
She tightened her jaw.
She steadied her voice and said, "You're forgetting something." Michael is a strong individual. If you exert too much force—
In a cold tone, he interrupted her. "He may be strong, but strength does not equate to safety. Not me.
Even though Heather's heart was racing in her ears, she refused to back down. You're not giving him enough credit. as well as myself.
Her heels clicked defiantly as she turned on her heel and left.
Behind her, Edward's smile faded into something much darker.