The Private Serials Box Set(23)

“Preston,” I whispered, simply unable to piece any more words together than that. He didn’t say another word, just slammed the rest of his scotch, got up, and walked out my door. I gaped after him, not sure what I was supposed to do. How does one recover from words like that?

Eventually I stood up, bringing both our empty glasses to the kitchen, placing the tumblers in the dishwasher. I walked to the foyer and punched in the passcode on the security panel, activating the alarm. I went upstairs and decided to take a long and very hot shower.

I spent most of my time in the shower replaying the entire evening, wondering how I’d gotten myself into such a strange situation. It might have been the longest shower I’d ever taken, and it took all the self-control I had not to slide my hand between my legs and replay the words he’d said to me over and over in my mind. I wasn’t stupid enough to deny the fact my body wanted him – badly. But when everything else was said and done, I was still a married woman, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to be a married woman who crossed those lines. And touching myself while thinking about another man wasn’t something I thought was right to do, even if I desperately wanted to.

When I finally made it to bed, I pulled the covers back, bracing myself for cold sheets, then went to the window to close the curtains. Right before they closed all the way, I noticed the black Lotus sitting on the street just a few houses down.





Chapter Eight


When I woke up the next morning, Preston’s car was gone. I tried not to think about him sitting in the Lotus all night keeping watch over my house because he cared about me. Nothing good could come from the warmth I felt in my chest when I thought about it, so I tried not to. It wasn’t easy, especially because he came back every night for the rest of the week and kept watch over me.

Derrek hardly came home at all, and when he did, it was only for a few moments. He’d grab something and leave again, or pick up some mail he’d been expecting. Once or twice, he said something to me, but mostly, he wasn’t even looking for me, only speaking to me if he happened to encounter me.

It took everything in me to not question him about Jessica, or let him know I knew what a scumbag he was, but I knew I had to bide my time. Eventually, I hoped I’d be able to tell him everything I wanted to. Right before I walked out the door forever.

On Thursday, after Derrek had come home and so brazenly packed an overnight bag, not even trying to convince me he was going away for business, I lost a little of my self-control and decided to call Preston for an update on the investigation. Surely, he’d have found something by then. I dialed his number and after a few rings, he answered with his deep voice, sending involuntary shivers up my spine.

“Reid,” he said in greeting, his voice clipped but still sexy.

“It’s me, Lena.”

There was a pause, but then he spoke. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes, of course. I was just wondering if you’ve made any progress on the case.” I heard a faint clicking in the background. “Are you in your car? Should I call you back?”

“No, it’s fine. Bluetooth.”

“Oh. Well? Any news?”

“Listen, Lena, I’ve been working on it, but another case has been taking up a lot of my time. It’ll be a few more days before I can really get anything to you.”

“Oh,” I said, with more disappointment than I intended. Surely, I couldn’t expect to be Preston’s main focus. Of course he had other jobs he was seeing to. Then I heard my phone beep and when I pulled it away, I saw a text message from Derrek. “Can you hold on one second, Preston? I just got a text.”

“Sure.”

I pulled the phone away from my ear again and activated the screen.

**We’re going to a Gala tomorrow night. One of the charities the company supports is throwing a fundraiser. Formal. I’ll be there at seven to pick you up.**

“Shit,” I said as I finished reading it. I put the phone back up to my ear just as Preston started speaking.

“Lena? Is everything all right?”

I sighed. “No, not really. Derrek says we have to go to a fundraiser tomorrow night. I hate those enough to begin with, but having to pretend to be his happy wife for an evening really doesn’t sound like my idea of a fun time.” I rubbed the little bundle of wrinkles between my eyebrows, the skin bunching there from the tension rolling through my body.

Preston was silent at the other end of the line, but the silence also allowed me to hear his car turning off, signaling he’d arrived wherever he was headed.

“Anyway, sorry to bother you. Take your time with the case. I’m just anxious to get out of here.”

“Lena,” he whispered my name like it hurt him to do so. His voice was pained and thick, soft but strained. “Don’t go.”

“What?” My reply was whispered, just like his voice.

“Don’t go. Don’t. Make up some excuse, but don’t go with him.”

My mouth opened to say something, but then closed again, my mind not coming up with a reply.

“Preston, I have to go. I’m his wife,” I finally uttered. I heard him inhale and I winced, feeling like I’d hurt him somehow with my words.

“You’re only his wife on paper,” he said, sounding angrier, harsher.