Chapter 18
609words
She got him home like it was nothing.
The second the door shut, a shadow loomed over her.
Fingers hooked under her chin, lifting her face to his.
His eyes were glazed but weirdly sharp.
The reek of alcohol made her temples pound.
"I never gave you this address. How'd you find me?"
There it was—that flash of danger in his eyes.
Without flinching, she pulled out her phone. The call was still going.
Peter's voice came through: "Ms. Quinn, did you get Mr. Thorne home? Ms. Quinn?"
It had been muted the whole time.
Nolan's hand dropped, and so did his guard.
She unmuted. "He's home."
She knew it—Nolan was always cautious.
Hailey ended the call, grabbed her purse, and turned to leave.
But Nolan yanked her back.
"Let me go."
He only held her tighter, chin sinking onto her shoulder. "I'm sorry."
She froze. An apology? From him?
Nolan never admitted he was wrong. Ever.
And now—this?
Just because she looked like her old self?
When she didn't answer, he gripped her tighter.
She frowned, tried to pull free.
"Don't move," he whispered. "I just want to hold you."
Drunk or faking, didn't matter. She wasn't buying it.
Sure enough, his hand slid lower.
She shoved him off.
Nice try.
All part of the act. She was never going there again.
"Sit down. I'll get you some water."
Hailey headed to the kitchen, grabbed the packet she'd hidden, and dumped it into his cup.
She stirred until it disappeared, then brought it over.
Nolan drank it, and within minutes, his eyes glazed over.
Hailey stepped away and made a call.
A few minutes later—knock at the door.
Serena had already lined up a call girl.
To keep Nolan fooled, Hailey had to go all in. She wasn't touching Nolan—but someone else would.
Lisa walked in, heels clicking. They exchanged a quick look.
Then she disappeared into the bedroom.
Hailey stayed in the living room. Quiet. Still.
It didn't take long—moans started rolling out. Loud and over the top.
Lisa was seriously extra.
Hailey reached for her earbuds.
Phone buzzed before she could grab them.
She saw the name, and her lips lifted.
"Had dinner? Why're you calling now?"
A soft breath answered. "I have. Just checking in."
That voice—steady, gentle—wrapped around her like a hug.
She curled up on the couch.
"Kayden, I miss you."
***
Lisa came out looking dazed, lips parted in a smug little smile.
She glanced back at the bedroom, impressed.
Then eyed Hailey, confused.
"You're passing on that? Guy's loaded. What are you even after?"
Hailey didn't blink. Ice-cold. "The worst guys know how to fake it. If you're smart, you'll know when to speak—and when to shut up."
She tossed the check.
Lisa lit up—brighter than she had in bed.
Money still ruled.
"Got it. The other lady explained. Tonight never happened. But if you've got more like this—hit me up."
Hailey didn't answer.
Just shut the door.
***
Nolan didn't wake till noon.
His eyes hit the bloodstained sheets—and froze.
Then Hailey walked in with a bowl of seafood risotto. His whole face shifted, ice melting into something softer.
She knew all about his virgin obsession. So she faked it.
"You're up? Eat before it gets cold."
His eyes locked on the bowl, stunned.
Seafood risotto. Hailey's old specialty.
It yanked him straight into the past.
But every memory burned—sharp, ugly, crawling under his skin like fire ants.
Still, his hand moved, slow and shaky, reaching for the bowl.
Hailey watched, satisfied.
Nolan was sinking right into her trap.
