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“I— thanks.” I fought down a stammer. “Thanks for everything. I really appreciate the help with the job, and last summer, and, uh, the check at Christmas. I got my mom a couch.”
“Glad to help.” Richard smiled. “That check was just a little thank-you for entertaining our boy last summer. Rose and I know how much he enjoyed your company.”
Sudden anger flushed my cheeks. There were so many things I could have said. “He’s a grown man. Not a boy.”
Richard regarded me more closely. His dark eyes sharpened, pinning me in place. “What do you know about grown men, Andrea?” His voice was softer now. My shoulders tensed. “Because you didn’t learn about them from my son.”
I swallowed. “Look, I think—“
“Has Will ever told you how much you look like Rose when she was younger?” Richard asked, conversationally.
Sweat broke out on my forehead. I tugged at the hem of my rucked-up dress, trying to move it discreetly down my thighs. “I’ve noticed the resemblance.”
“It’s certainly there.” Deliberately, like he was checking just to make sure, my uncle’s eyes moved over the ginger waves I’d pinned up, messy now and falling over my bare freckled shoulders, then down to my small breasts and slim hips, hugged by black satin. My face burned. “Though Rose would agree you look more innocent than she ever did.” He chuckled. “I’ve always wanted a more innocent version of my wife.”
A chill ran through my body. Your son took most of my innocence, I thought. Because I gave it to him.
“I need to go. Now.” Why weren't my feet moving? I was frozen. “And I haven't seen Will in awhile.”
“I’m aware of that. Are you enjoying your job, Andrea?”
I blinked. “Very much.”
“I understand you’re doing quite well there. I’m sure you’d like some security in your position. There’s a lot of turnover in publishing.”
I remembered all the confusion, the arousal, that I’d felt with Will at the beginning of last summer. There was no confusion here. I knew exactly what was going on. Richard’s body filled the doorway.
“I’m not worried.” My throat was dry.
“Good.” Richard leaned against the doorframe, unmoving. “Rose is hoping Will and the Platt girl will get married, but someone like Will— Well, he has his whole life ahead of him. He ought to take a few years to enjoy himself. In all the right ways, of course. Don’t you think?”
“I don’t have an opinion,” I said coolly.
“Now, I can’t believe that. You’re quiet, Andrea, but you’re smarter than you let on.” Richard’s tone was soft and friendly, as casual as if we were talking about the weather. “I think you know what a shame it would be if everyone found out Will’s been enjoying himself with you. Your parents would be devastated. A shame for Will, too. Very embarrassing for you both. And you seem to care.”
“I’m not embarrassed,” I snapped. My face flamed bright red, giving the lie to my words. “I don’t have anything to be embarrassed about. Will, on the other hand—“
Will had a lot to be embarrassed about, from the beginning of last summer. A lot to be ashamed of. But I’d seen that shame since then, in the way his skin had flushed when he’d apologized to me. The way he’d looked when I’d told him to leave my apartment. The violet shadows under his eyes tonight.
“He could stand to have someone who cares,” was what came out of my mouth. “No one else does.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve given that boy everything he wants. You have no idea.”
“It’s not enough.” I stalked to the door, too angry to be intimidated now. “Thank you, it’s been a pleasure, but we’re done here.”
Richard dropped a firm hand on my bare shoulder. “I don’t think you understand, Andrea.”
“I do. And no.” I tried to push past him. Richard’s hand tightened. He leaned close, blocking my way, his bulk filling the doorway. My uncle smelled expensive, musky, sleek. His other hand settled on my waist.
“Was my son your first, Andrea?” he asked softly. I gasped and tried to twist free. “He was impatient, wasn’t he?”
“Don’t,” I whispered.
“You’ll have to excuse him.” Richard was holding me in place. Watching me closely. His cold eyes held a spark of lust — lust and calm, predatory power. It chilled me. “Like I said, he’s used to getting everything he wants. Rose and I have probably spoiled him. But if you’d asked my advice, I would have told you not to care.” Warm breath met my ear. I shuddered, remembering Will’s dirty whispers, the way they’d made me moan and shake. “Will certainly isn’t capable of it.”
Fear. Real fear. I’d never felt it before, not with Will, not with anyone.
“No.” My voice came more loudly than I'd hoped. “No. Just get me fired. Tell everyone about Will and me. It's over anyway. My parents won’t even notice. They’re going through worse.” I was shaking in Richard’s grip. “It’s not my fault I look like your wife used to, or that you hate each other, or that neither of you gives a shit about your son. Excuse me.”
