Elegant Sins (Dark Secret Society 1)

And he was giving me more and more responsibility in the business. He asked my opinions, and our conversations were more candid and even confidential in nature. We discussed his father a lot, and ways we could help counter and even fix situations that were caused by a greedy narcissist. Montgomery was smart… really fucking smart. But he had said several times that I was too. I felt valued, appreciated, and it seemed Montgomery actually benefitted from what I offered.

Then again, Montgomery always made me feel like I was more than my past.

As I watched him now, sunshine poured down on his messy blond bed-head locks. I’d personally arranged that hair myself—by dragging my fingers repeatedly through it and scratching his scalp while he plowed me this morning until I was screeching out my orgasms along with the chorusing morning birds.

A sudden knock on the door startled both of us. I looked to the clock over the door. It was only two in the afternoon. We already enjoyed our lazy lunch in the room and there were never usually visitors at this hour. Not until dinner.

Montgomery’s eyes met mine and then he rose swiftly from his chair. “Yes? Come in.”

Mrs. Hawthorne’s head peeked in the door. “Laddie, your father is here to see you.” Her eyes darted past Montgomery to me. “Alone.”

I held up my hands to show that I was staying where I was. Montgomery’s features went hard but he gave a swift nod. “Where is he waiting for me?”

“In the south dining hall.”

“Thanks Mrs. H. Tell him I’ll be right there.”

She nodded and backed out as quickly as she’d entered, closing the door behind her.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

Montgomery’s eyes were distant, looking out the window. “Huh? Oh, I’m sure everything’s fine.”

I froze where I sat. For the first time in weeks, Montgomery had just lied to me. Dread trickled through my chest, which had been light just moments ago.

But before I could confront him, he was at the closet door and whipping out a crisp white button up shirt. Because God forbid he talked to his father in just a T-shirt. No doubt the world would end if he did.

I wanted to press him but even in my limited experience with relationships, I knew guys hated clingy, intrusive women. And what if I asked and he just lied to me more?

And the thought hit me—oh my God, what if Montgomery was playing me? Was I so desperate, I’d believe anything just because I liked him and wanted to believe what he had to say? Hadn’t being with Kyle taught me that guys hung around while they got what they wanted but as soon as something more convenient or easier came along, they moved on?

No. Montgomery wasn’t like that…

Was exactly what a naive girl way in over her head would be saying defensively right now. Damn it, I didn’t know what to think. I’d always hated stupid girls who ignored signs that things weren’t right, and he’d just lied to my face.

If I stepped back for just a second, even I could see that I was easy and obvious tail right now. But when this trial ended? What then? Montgomery and I had specifically avoided ever talking about the subject.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Montgomery said, turning to me and pressing a swift kiss to my forehead.

Then, without another word, he was out the door and closing it solidly behind him. He was so smooth. Right from the beginning I’d thought he was too handsome to be kind. And just look at his father… what if the apple hadn’t fallen as far from the tree as I thought?

I stood, speechless, all alone in the room, for a whole five seconds.

And then I decided that was bullshit.

I was done with unseen forces directing the course of my life. I so hoped Montgomery was a good guy, but what was the harm in gathering a little proof?

I yanked on a soft yoga shirt but didn’t bother with shoes. Bare feet would probably serve me better anyway.

I turned the doorknob, eyes half shut, praying I wasn’t locked in. They didn’t usually lock the door, but then again, they were usually leaving the both of us alone.

But the doorknob turned easily. If Montgomery was supposed to lock it, either he’d forgotten or didn’t expect me to try to leave while he wasn’t there. Silly man. He should know better than to underestimate me at this point.

The south dining hall. Okay. I bit my lip as I traversed down the hallway. Taking the main central staircase would be a risk but heading down the servant stairway seemed like a surefire way of running into Mrs. Hawthorne.

Aside from Invitation events, the Manor was fairly empty.

I’d take my chances.

On my toes to make the least amount of noise, I sprinted down the hall and hurried down the central staircase, in full view of the entry area and infamous white ballroom downstairs. No one was in sight.