saying you’re breaking your promise or going against the
terms of that agreement. I know you would never seduce
someone to hurt them. Not someone you hated, and you don’t
hate Haley. I know you think she’s too innocent and naïve, and
she is. I’ve been watching her here and there, and the way she
looks at you…I’m pretty sure she thinks she’s in love with
you. That kind of emotion can turn into a mess that I can’t
protect you from, and it’s my job to keep you safe.”
Even though Claire expected it, she was still a little
surprised. And more touched than she wanted to admit. This
wasn’t just Jenny doing her job, as she’d stated. She was
looking out for her like a friend, and she had so few of those.
“Thank you for your advice,” Claire said evenly. “I let things
get out of hand.”
Jenny was clearly surprised by the admission. Her brows
shot up before they returned to normal. “You have to stop.
Make her understand. She can’t walk around looking like that,
with her feelings written all over her face.”
“I know.”
“Go to the club or something. I’ll come with you. I’ll make
sure it’s safe for you.”
The club. Claire hadn’t been there in months. She was so
consumed with her plot against Robert coming to fruition and
she’d been busy with work. The world didn’t stop for her
personal vendetta. She had a whole business to run, a family
name to protect. She had her mom to worry about, her sister’s
wild streak. The thought of going now to a place that had
given her so much relief, so much healing, so much fulfillment
when she thought she’d be empty on the inside forever, made
her feel slightly sick. A lump formed in her throat that she