Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters #2)(72)

“And gives to the poor? Is he a regular Robin Hood?”

“Not even close. Well, he gives to the poor only because he is the poor. He has nothing.”

“If he’s stealing expensive jewelry and using the money to live on, he has to have something,” I point out.

“Maybe he uses the money to finance his lifestyle. You have to admit, he certainly knows how to look rich. And act rich.”

He doesn’t really dress expensively. His shoes are average; he doesn’t own an expensive watch or … anything, really. Yes, he came to the UK on a jet, but his friend is the owner of said jet, not Caden. “He’s not overly excessive.”

“Right. Because he’s using you right now.” The look on Violet’s face is nothing short of smug. I sorta want to smack it right off of her. “Who’s paying for the hotel bill, hmm? Who’s paid for meals and entertainment? You?”

There hasn’t been much entertainment beyond the naked variety and that’s free. When we’ve gone out for meals, usually Caden has paid. But we haven’t gone out much. The hotel is my expense—well, Daddy’s. He told me to put it on the company credit card, so I did. We’ve ordered plenty of room service and the bill is probably the furthest thing from cheap. I gave myself a month to stay there and my time is almost up. I either need to go back home or stay with Violet and Ryder.

I really had no plan beyond getting back to the States and trying to continue seeing Caden. I haven’t been thinking about the future. It’s been freeing to let go and just live in the here and now. But maybe I should have questioned him more. Then I’d know what was really going on in Caden’s life rather than have Violet so gleefully tell me all the dirty details.

Everything he’s told me is a lie.

But has he really told me anything? No, not beyond the story of his father’s death. I really know nothing else about the man. I know he has a way with words. I know I tremble every time he touches me. I know I love the way he says my name every time he first enters me.

“I’m just … worried about you, Rose,” Violet says, her voice soft, her gaze full of concern. I know she means well, but it doesn’t stop me from being angry at her for butting in where she’s not wanted. “I don’t want you to get hurt. I want you to be aware of what you’re dealing with. Who you’re dealing with.”

“I know who I’m dealing with,” I say, fighting the unease that wants to sink its sharp grip in me. “He won’t hurt me. This isn’t some grand love affair. It’s a little fun while I’m in London, nothing else.”

The look Violet shoots me is full of skepticism. I hate that look. She knows I’m lying. I know I’m lying, too.

I just don’t want to admit it.

“Have you spoken to Whitney lately?” My rapid change of subject makes Violet blink.

“We went to lunch yesterday,” Violet says. I can tell she didn’t want to admit that. Her friendship with Whitney almost feels like a betrayal. I know it’s stupid, but I can’t help it.

“Maybe she could shed some light on Caden.”

“Do you really think that’s a good idea, you talking to Whitney about Caden? Considering their shared history …” Her voice drifts off.

Yeah. I’m more determined than ever to talk to Whitney about Caden. “Could you give me her number?”

“You’ll only stir up trouble,” Violet says, her voice firm in that I’m your substitute mother and what I say goes way of hers. “You should keep her out of this, Rose. You’ll only get mad if you talk to her. She might tell you things you don’t want to hear.”

“That’s for me to decide. Besides.” I shrug, trying for nonchalance. Hoping I don’t fail. “I’m not getting her involved in anything. I just want to talk to her.”

Liar.

“Uh-huh.” Violet grabs her iPhone and starts texting.

“What are you doing?”

“Texting Whitney.” She shoots me a look. “Telling her not to talk to you.”

“God, you’re a witch.” I won’t call her the B-word. That would start a fight of epic proportions. I did it once when I was sixteen and I still regret it.

“I’m doing this for your own good.”

“You’re telling her to avoid me. How is that for my own good?”

“I’m trying to protect you.” Violet sets her phone down on the desk. It dings and she glances at the message. “Great. Now she’s curious.”

“Of course she’s curious. If you told me I shouldn’t talk to someone, I’d want to talk to them even more.”

“Kind of like how I’m telling you to stay away from Caden and you want to go run to him now?” Violet asks pointedly. “Because I know you. He’s like forbidden fruit. All you want is another taste.”

“You did the same exact thing with Ryder.”

Her expression flickers. She can’t deny it because I’m speaking the truth. “A different situation,” she says hurriedly.

“How? You’re being a total hypocrite right now. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Her phone dings again and she glances at it. “Oh my God,” she whispers.

“What?”