Killean frowned at his retreating back. “What’s going on between you two?”
“Nothing.”
“She dropped her purse, so I brought it back.”
They both spun at the sound of Katherine’s voice. She held up her red velvet clutch.
“Hello, Killean.”
“Katherine.”
He left the room, and Lila nodded to the stairwell. They went to the library, and Lila decided to leave the door open so she could hear any approaching footsteps.
“Have you told him yet?” Katherine whispered.
“No!”
She handed Lila her clutch and pursed her lips. “I made a copy of the recording.”
Lila nodded.
“When will you tell him?”
“Not sure.”
“But you have told him about the fall. About his lunatic ex-wife trying to murder you?”
“Are you mad?” Lila asked. “Killean doesn’t have to know about this. He’s already handling so much at the moment. Jasmine shoving me down the stairs is a trivial matter. It’s not important.”
“The fuck it isn’t.”
Both of them froze. Killean stood outside the door and regarded them with pure wrath. He stepped into the room menacingly and gave both women punishing glares. Katherine cleared her throat and looked down. Lila knew that was a sort of defense mechanism for her. Killean did intimidate her as much as he did Lila.
“I decided to eavesdrop because you two are up to something. I never really fell for your sudden friendship. You came home last night and decided to lie to me, Lila. Why?”
His dark gaze was on Lila, his features savage.
“Killean—” Lila began.
“I phrased that as a question, but I meant it as a statement. Jasmine shoved you down the stairs and you think it’s a trivial matter? What the fuck’s wrong with you, Lila?”
“I think I’ll go,” Katherine murmured.
“You aren’t going anywhere,” he said brusquely. “Why didn’t you tell me this? Aren’t we friends?”
“Friends?” Katherine laughed dubiously. “I thought you shoved me out of your life for good.”
“Don’t play games with me, Katherine. You accompanied her to a party and something like this happens to her and you think I don’t have the right to know? To take action against those responsible?”
Katherine remained silent.
“Killean, don’t. It’s not her fault. I asked her not to say anything. I didn’t want to get you stirred up and worried. You already have so much going on now. One less baggage…”
“When have you started making all the decisions in our relationship? You accuse me of keeping secrets and you go on and do the exact same thing. Katherine, you can let yourself out when you two are done sharing secrets. I’ve a mentally unstable ex-wife on the loose. And you.” His intense eyes bored through Lila. “You aren’t going anywhere.” He pulled out his phone and dialed a number on his way out. “Ron, get hold of Greg on a secured line.”
“I’m sorry you had to take all that,” Lila said to Katherine.
“It’s fine.”
But Lila knew better. She saw the hurt and resentment in Katherine’s eyes. Suddenly it dawned on Lila. She loved Killean wholeheartedly, would do anything for him, and it was a constant pain to watch him with someone else. And she didn’t blame Jasmine or Claudia. Women would literally lose their minds if they couldn’t get him.
“I still apologize,” she said.
Lila decided to go out. The apartment was suffocating, and a short walk in the city would help her. Said walk turned out to be useless. She glanced down at her watch and decided to return to the penthouse. She was stepping through the entrance into the living room when she froze.
“Perfect timing. My errant girlfriend is here.”
Killean sat with his laptop on the coffee table.
“I thought you were at work.”
“No, I was busy getting surveillance footage of the party.”
Fear coursed through her blood. “Why?”
“So I could see what else you kept from me. I know you’re the one who sent Russell an invitation.”
***
Lila wished the ground would just swallow her up. She could withstand that because she’d find a way out. The look on Killean’s face, however, it was the same look he gave her on the night they’d met at the Fantasy Hub.
“Killean—”
“No more fucking bullshit this time, Lila. Why were you talking to him at the bar?”
“Look, I just wanted to hear him say he did it.”
“And did he?” he asked dubiously.
“Fortunately, for our sake, he did. He confessed.”
“And how is that helping me?”
“Please, have some faith in me. I might not be a detective, but at least I know how to handle a criminal. I used mind games on him, Killean, and then I flipped the conversation around. I’m studying Psychology, remember?”
“Why was he so close to you?”
“He was confessing then. You know it’s insulting, your lack of faith and confidence in me. You should be glad I put my life on the line to try to help you and instead you’re shouting at me.”
“You could’ve died!” he thundered.
“But I didn’t.” She swallowed harshly, her throat suddenly parched. She could feel his anger toward her.
“I went to Jasmine’s apartment and she’d moved. I found out that when Katherine contacted her, she was at a rehab center.”
“Rehab? For what?”
“Mental issues. She came back here to get me back. And now she’s out to get you. How many lunatics can I manage in a day? And Katherine, always dabbling in my affairs. Then I find you two are friends. Do you happen to know she drew Jasmine here to provoke you?”
“She apologized for her transgressions, and I won’t hold it against her.”
He swore and ran his hands through his hair harshly. “Then you’re an even bigger fool, Lila. Katherine may be my friend, but I know her for what she is, vindictive, and she adores mind games.”
She lifted her chin defiantly even when she felt her eyes become glassy. His words had hurt her.
“Then I’ll gladly be a fool, Killean. Thanks for the heartfelt compliment. I’m not sorry I lied to you,” she murmured. “It was the only way I could’ve done it right. If I’d told you my plan you wouldn’t have let me go, would you?”
“What the fuck do you think? I want you safe and I find out you’re out taunting murderers. How do you expect me to react? Laugh and be happy about my ex-wife’s homicidal attempts on your life?”
He began pacing. “And how are you so relaxed? She shoved you down the stairwell less than twelve hours ago.”
“I got what I wanted from Wesley, so I’m happy. It makes me feel safe, Killean. And I know I’ve thrown him off his next move. He’ll be watching his back. He wants Marisa dead and you in prison for it. You should do something.”
“I will not stoop to his levels, Lila.”
“I don’t want you to.”
“Jasmine is on her own out there somewhere. And until I’ve tracked her down, I want you to remain here. She was an unpredictable woman when we were together. If she’s in rehab for her mental state, she’s even more dangerous.”
“What? Killean, I’ve a job to go to.”
“I don’t care, Lila. Your safely is my priority, not your job.”
“But yours is?”
“That’s different.”
“Why? Because you’re a man?” she snapped, eyes bulging, fist formed.
He opened his mouth to speak but closed it.
“I’m not some damsel in distress, Killean. I will not stay here and that’s final.”
His eyes narrowed and he took a step closer.
“Don’t tempt me, Lila. I’m already pissed at your reckless behavior; don’t draw out my dark side.”
Lila thought she knew his dark side. Apparently she didn’t. “Scaring me wo
n’t work this time, Killean. I’ve been taking care of my safety before I met you and I will continue to do so. So don’t threaten me, you asshole!”
Killean laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound. He was telling her to bring it on. She strode away seething.
***
“Where do you think you’re going?” Killean’s voice was cool and calm, deceivingly so.
Lila was dressed and ready Monday morning. She glanced up and saw him ready too, filling the doorway. When she didn’t reply, he made a meaningful stride to her.
“Class,” she said finally.
His jaws clenched, and his eyes darkened violently. “I thought we had an agreement,” he said coolly.
“You, not we. I didn’t agree to your preposterous terms, Killean.”
She closed her bag and turned to leave the living room. Breakfast smelled delicious. Martha had come over the weekend to work. Killean had followed her.
“Oh, Martha, this smells delicious!”
“Martha, can you give us a moment?” Killean asked.
“Sure, Mr. Knight.” She abandoned her coffee pouring and left the room. Lila knew she was in big trouble. Killean grabbed her arm and spun her around so she was directly under his nose.
“Why are you defying me?”
“What? It’s not the sixteenth century, Killean. You can do whatever you want to me in the bedroom, not outside of it. This isn’t going to turn into a hostage situation. I’ve got to go to my internship. I can’t stay here or I’ll lose my mind. You have to understand that. I’m hungry; I need to eat, if you don’t mind.”
“You will listen to me and stay here,” he said tersely.
“I don’t have to do as you say or run to your beck or call. Last time I checked, I’m not your wife.”
***
Lila felt victorious as she made her way through the doors of Dunbar & Wades, where she’d decided to do her internship. She’d gotten her way today, but something told her that she wouldn’t be celebrating for long. Killean had driven her instead and insisted she call him if the need arose. Paranoia had taken over his head, and she couldn’t blame him.
He had also handed her the key to his very brand new BMW too.
Though she had given him the evidence to give the police, Russell was still on the run, and it made him very anxious. At twelve Aiden called to ask if she wanted to have lunch close by the school.
“Okay, talk to me. What’s nagging you? You’ve barely said two words and you haven’t eaten anything.”
“I’m fine, trust me.”
Aiden cocked a brow. “Trust you? Do I look dim-witted to you, sweet cheeks? When did you start keeping secrets?”
He was right. She could tell him anything because they had a mantra: We don’t judge. No matter how bad.
He pulled his chair next to her, and she leaned into him.
“Killean has secrets, terrible secrets, I assume.”
“He’s as rich as sin, sweet cheeks. Of course he has secrets. So tell me?”
She began to tell Aiden about the situation and the coincidence.
“You always followed your instincts, Lila, and most times they always proved to be right. I personally think you were nuts for going to that party but…”
“I know.”
“You are not GI Jane.”
Lila chuckled.
“Maybe Knight is just trying to keep you safe.”
“But I don’t want to lose him, A.”
“I know.” He ran his hand down her hair. “Just relax. You get distant when you’re suspicious. Don’t sleep too close to the edge of the bed.”
“What?”
“Yes, you do. I remember clearly when we’d just met in the tenth grade. At the sports camp when we’d ended up sharing space…you hated me, and being the guy, I teased you all night. You got no sleep.”
“Yeah, you were an ass, but I love you.”
“And Knight? Do you love Killean, Lila?”
His stroking hand paused over her hair as he regarded her intently.
“Killean knows I love him, trust me. He’s not mistaken about that.”
“I see. So how’s the research?”
“So far interesting, except when your boyfriend’s ex-best friend is out to get revenge and his ex-wife shoves me down a stairwell.”
Aiden’s expression was dark. “What an animal.”
Lila shook her head.
“Do you remember that pendant locket your dad gave to you? The one you lost. I went to the jeweler and he was able to make a replica. I tell you, this guy is a genius. He’s from Mumbai, so you know he’s good and I’m not blabbering. Here.”
He passed a long, flat, velvet-wrapped box to her. She opened it and smiled down at the chain. There was a diamond in the center of the pendant. It was also a locket that had two tiny photographs of her and Aiden from years ago. They were grinning and goofing around in the tiny photo.
“Thank you, it’s priceless.”
“Not really.”
Lila shoved him playfully. “I’ve got to get back.”
“Nice ride.”
“Don’t mention it.” She kissed his jaw. “Tell Bianca I said hello.”
“Will do. Oh, you should call her when you’re free. She wants to bond.”
“Bye.”
As Lila moved toward her car, she glanced up and saw a man dressed all in black across the cobblestone street, making eye contact with her. She shook her head and got into her car. Fixing her rearview mirror, she watched him get into his car too, and as she pulled out, a few seconds later he was behind her. This could only be the work of one billionaire Killean Knight. Or maybe it was Russell. But something told her Russell wasn’t that sophisticated. The man was too sloppy for this. Lila slammed her hands on the steering wheel.
At five, she saw the black Bentley parked outside. Michael was waiting and she gave him the keys to the borrowed BMW before she climbed into the back of the Bentley where Killean was waiting.
“Where do you get off making me uncomfortable?” Lila ordered. “You had a guy I had no knowledge about tailing me. Do you know how insanely creepy that is?”
“You had your own way coming here today after I asked you not to, and now this is the only way I can relax when I don’t have to worry about your safety.”
“Killean don’t tell me about—”
“It was broad daylight when Marisa almost lost her life!” he shouted.
“Don’t you dare shout at me,” Lila said. “You’re the one who’s at fault here.”
He cursed and dropped his head against the leather.
“Why can’t you understand?” he asked. “This reassures me!”
“By making me uncomfortable in one of the places I spend half my days? Oh, that’s one helluva reassurance, Killean.”
“I need to look after you and I will whether you like it or not.”
“And I have no say in it?” she spat.
His eyes were cruel, but his smile was satanic. “None, baby,” he said gruffly. “It’s sad you should be thinking otherwise.”
She opened her mouth to fire a comeback but her tongue felt heavy. Her heart was racing, the palpitations turning painfully because the rage she had inside was bottling up and she had no way to channel it and punch his face in.
Lila kept her eyes on the city as Ron moved the car through the traffic. She was so upset she couldn’t even look at Killean. He needed to know that his coping mechanism sucked, that she was a big girl who could take care of herself. She didn’t want him spying on her eight hours a day. He should be using his newfound stalker tendency to find Jasmine. Lila wasn’t the issue for debate here, she was.
Who knew where she was now? Probably planning to shove me off the top of a building. But she was alert too. She was looking for her. Just the thought depressed Lila. But a voice in her head told her she was being selfish and biased. But there were other ways of keeping her safe. Give her a security detail she was comfortable with if he was too worried.
>
Lila realized they were on the opposite side of town.
“Why are we here?” she asked, confusedly.
“This is where Russell rented a loft. He knows I know. The landlord hasn’t seen him since you sweet, careless girl decided to let him know we’re onto him.”
Ron slipped out of the car and dashed across the street into the building. A few minutes later he was back, and as he slipped into the car he passed Killean an envelope which he quickly pulled apart.
There were photos of the inside of Russell’s loft. He had newspaper articles on Killean, as well as personal information about his adoption and the Knight Family.
But what froze Lila’s blood were the candid photographs of her. Photos taken outside of Killean’s Fifth Avenue penthouse as well as outside Columbia and her condominium. He had photos of Marisa too, tracking her all over Manhattan to where she lived.
He even had a photo map on the wall with red cords linking the women Killean had once been involved with to his photo. Lila was one of those women. She examined the photos carefully and saw an unfamiliar face. A dark-haired woman who had Latin features. She knew because her mother had Mexican heritage.
“Who’s this?” she asked Killean.
He looked at the woman she had her thumb against. He frowned.
“That’s Alette. We spend some time together. It was intense.”
“Intense?”
“Yes. She’s Mexican-Italian, hardly ever in the country. I met her at a gala last year, and we became close.”
His smile was smug at the pointed look she gave him.
“It’s not what you think, Lila. I can spend time with attractive women without turning it sexual.”
Lila wrinkled her nose. “Oh, we all know how true that is. Katherine is the perfect example.”
“You jealous, love?”
She snorted before turning back to the pictures.
“This man is obsessed with you. But I don’t understand. He just leaves his company in Arizona to come here to destroy you?”
“I found out that he lost his position as CEO due to an anonymous vote by the board. The board felt that he wasn’t leading the company in the right direction and they wanted to take the company public. They had majority shares, so you know how that goes.”
Wicked Dirty Games (Dirty Billionaire Series Book 1) Page 25