A Debt Owed(15)

“Very smart, princess,” he says, cocking his head.

“Stop calling me that,” I spit. Constantly belittling me probably makes him feel powerful, bigger than he really is. But nothing he says can bring me down. Nothing. I won’t let it happen.

His brow lifts as if he’s amused by my outburst. “What? Spoiled little princess?”

I make a face. He thinks he knows me? “That’s not who I am. At all.”

He’s wrong. Dead wrong. And I will prove it when I escape his grasp and beat him at his own game.

“You don’t even know how lucky you are, how lucky you have been all your life,” he hisses. “But you’ll learn soon enough.” The seat belt sign illuminates above our heads, and he immediately moves into action. “Now buckle up, princess. We’re about to land.”





Chapter 6





Charlotte

1 Year Ago



After that painful dinner at my father’s house, I didn’t wanna go home and end the night crying my eyes out while watching Netflix and chugging down a whole bottle of wine, so instead, I got a cab and went out. The city lights have always managed to lift my mood. Besides, I could use a drink, and plenty of places have amazing cocktails.

Not only that, but I heard about a new place up ahead called Dutch Deviants. I’ve never been there before, but a lot of people are talking about it. It’s the place to be, I’ve heard, so I’m eager to see what’s happening.

When the cabbie drops me off, I open my purse and reapply my lipstick before going inside. It looks so luxurious with all the gold shimmer on the tables and walls, and the soft purple mesh hanging throughout the room, making it look like a sultan’s throne room. Not a lot of people are dancing; most of them are lounging on one of the many black couches and comfy-looking seats. I guess this place is more for relaxing and less about the loud music, which is a plus to me.

I go to the bar area and check their cocktail menu. The extensive list has a lot of weird combinations, like vodka and lime with a hint of rose petals or apple juice and Turkish fruit mixed with gin.

“I’d go for the Lotus Heaven.”

I turn my head and am pleasantly surprised by the familiar blue eyes staring back at me.

“Easton,” I mutter. In shock, I stare at his beautiful face, which hasn’t changed in years. Still the short, wavy dark hair, chin cleft, and thick, kissable lips. God, did I always mumble like this in front of him?

He reaches for me, and for a second there, I question whether he’s going to grab me and kiss me right then. Instead, he grabs the menu and holds it up in front of me, sliding his finger down toward the description of the Lotus Dream.

“Lotus flower and almonds mixed with rum,” he says. “An exquisite taste, if I say so myself.”

The charming smile that forms on his lips makes my heart flutter. “I can’t believe it.”

“What? The Lotus flower?”

“No … well, that too,” I stammer, “but more the fact that you’re—”

He places a finger on my lips, and says, “No need to explain.” He smiles again, this time with an obvious arrogance. “I must say I’m … pleasantly surprised to find you here.”

My cheeks flush, and I lower my eyes. I can’t even look at him without turning into a puddle of goo. What’s wrong with me? He never used to have this effect on me, right? Or maybe I just denied it.

He flicks his fingers at the bartender, and says, “Lotus Dream. Two. On the house.”

My lips part, but I don’t know quite what to say, especially when he winks.

“You look stunning,” he muses. Grabbing the drinks off the counter, he hands one to me. “There you go.”

“Thank you,” I say, a bit flabbergasted.

“Go on then,” he urges, so I take a sip.

Heavenly. Totally unlike what I expected. “Mmm …”

An arrogant smirk spreads across his face. “I know, right? It’s one of my favorites.”

I lick my lips and clutch my glass tight. “But … why are you …?”

“Here? Good question. I wasn’t planning to visit any of my venues tonight, but then I got bored and decided to have a drink.”

I narrow my eyes. “Wait … your venues?”

He nods. “We haven’t spoken in quite a while, have we?” he muses, then taps my glass with his, and says, “Cheers and enjoy.”

And then he walks off into the crowd.

I don’t want to be a stalker, but when the only guy who ever captured my interest walks away as though it means nothing, I need to know where he’s going. I wanna talk to him. What has he been up to all these years? The last time I saw him was at that restaurant where his father used to work … before my father hired him. My father forced me to ignore him back then, and if I didn’t do what he wanted, I’d face punishment. I was too afraid to speak up. But I regret it, and now that I have the chance to apologize, I want to take the opportunity to.

I chase after him through the busy crowd and up a flight of stairs to a giant balcony overlooking the city. He’s leaning down on the railing with his arms, staring out into the abyss below while sipping his drink.

When I walk toward the edge, I mutter, “Wow.”