It’s all he says before he turns and walks out.
I listen for the front door to shut before I get up. Searching for my cell, I find it on my bedroom floor, and it’s almost dead. Picking it up, I see I have a message from Nicholas. I smile as I read it.
Coffee today? Cannot wait to see you.
My smile drops as I think of the man who just brought me coffee.
But I told him, didn’t I?
That I don’t like him, and what we have is nothing.
So why can’t I have coffee with someone who I met through him?
I write back, ‘yes,’ and he tells me to meet him in one hour.
Fuck! Jumping around, I quickly get changed to make my appearance worthy, and not looking like a call girl for Atlas Hyde. Oh gosh, how many women does he have? Probably more than I want to know about.
Fixing my makeup, I go to meet Nicholas at the local coffee shop. When I arrive, he’s easy to spot. I see his blond hair and tall frame sitting down in a booth, a paper in hand, as he flicks through the pages. Hardly anyone reads newspapers anymore, but I secretly love them.
“Nicholas.”
He looks up as I approach and stands, leaning over to give me a kiss on either cheek before pulling out my chair for me to sit.
This is the kind of man I should be interested in. Nicholas is attractive in every way possible. But why when I do sit, and Nicholas looks at me, I clench my legs thinking about who was between them last night.
“You look good.” He eyes me up and down.
I’m not dressed up like I was every time I saw him on the island. Today, I am wearing a pair of jeans and a pink shirt with my handbag crossed over my chest, my blonde hair down and sunglasses on my face.
“Thanks.”
Two coffees are brought to our table, and I smile at him. “You ordered?”
“I did. I hope that’s okay.”
When Atlas does it, it doesn’t feel as if I have to thank him; it’s like a natural reaction for Atlas. Where this feels different.
“Yes, it’s great. Thank you.” I smile, putting the drink to my lips and taking a small sip. “I have to talk about that money—”
Nicholas starts shaking his head, effectively interrupting me. “No can do. It’s yours.”
“I can’t accept your money,” I tell him. “It’s too much. Really it is.”
“We have to tip the girls on that island. For one night it’s 50K. Trust me when I say it’s not enough for the company you provided me with for just a few hours.” My eyes bulge as I stare at him, blinking a few times. “You look shocked. How did you not know this?”
“No. I didn’t know at all.”
He scrunches his eyebrows together. “How didn’t you know? Did you come for free?”
“Not really, I had a debt to pay.”
Nicholas watches me like he’s trying to work it out, but that tilting of his head in concern is only fleeting. “A debt?”
“Yes, to Atlas.”
“You call him by his first name?” I bite my lip but don’t answer. “Does he allow that?” He pauses when I don’t answer again. “We all call him sir or Mr. Hyde, especially on his island. Mr. Hyde is a powerful man,” he claims categorically while looking at me. “I guess you are a prize.”
I don’t like that he says that about me. Prize? I am a fucking woman, not someone’s object to be unwrapped and thrown to one side.
“I would have never gone to that island if I didn’t owe a debt,” I tell him honestly. “And if I knew where I was going, I more than likely wouldn’t have gone anyway.” I place my coffee down as he nods at my words.
“Fair enough. I’m guessing you won’t be telling me about the debt you owe?”
“Sorry, no.” I put the coffee cup to my mouth.
“Keep the money. I’m serious. Honestly, it’s a thank you for keeping me company and saving me money.” He smiles, it is infectious, and I smile back at him.
“I could never.”
“Are you still looking for work?” Nicholas asks, folding the newspaper in front of him.
“No. I got my old job back, it seems.”
“Oh.” He raises an eyebrow. “How did that happen?”
“Atlas.”
“Uh-huh.” He nods. “I see.”
“I don’t. I don’t understand him.”
“You are a beautiful woman. He sees that in you.”
“Atlas sees many beautiful women.”
“That he does, but no one like you.”
We stay and talk a