Page 51 of Lust and Honor

“I wanted to talk to you about your things. I could’ve packed everything up and sent it over, but I didn’t feel right sending someone through your belongings without your permission. And since we haven’t seen each other lately, I thought maybe we could have lunch at the hotel first, then you can grab whatever you need afterward. What do you think?”

“I’d love that. Thanks for asking.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you around twelve?”

“Yeah, that works for me.”

I hang up the phone. Since it’s already eleven, I slip into a tight black spaghetti-strap dress that falls to my knees and head out of the room. If I’m not Emily’s employee anymore, there’s no reason to keep dressing like one.

After getting Aurora ready and clipping her hair back from her face, I tell Alex I’m meeting Emily for lunch. He immediately calls Maxim, and once permission is granted, we head to the hotel.

I have to admit, this hotel, the place that’s been home to me and my daughter for the past year, makes me feel strangely safe. I have good memories here, and I’ve always gotten along well with the staff.

Emily leaves Aurora with the boys, and the two of us head to the hotel restaurant. The second we sit down, she flashes me a warm smile.

“Ava, you look incredible.”

I smile back.

“Thanks, Emily. I know my makeup might be a little too much, but when you called, I was practicing looks for the birthday party we’re going to. Maxim was very clear that I need to look elegant.”

She picks up her glass of water, looking effortlessly put together as always.

“Then I’d say your practice paid off. You look stunning, honey.”

She takes a sip before we order our food, then asks casually,

“So… what’s life with Maxim like? Has he managed to drive you completely insane yet?”

I take a sip of the red wine in front of me and sigh.

“He’s definitely trying. Very hard.”

She laughs softly.

“That’s not hard to imagine. He’s one of the most irritating men I’ve ever met.”

“Trust me, not one of them. The most irritating.”

Another smile spreads across her face, but she doesn’t say anything else.

I take a deep breath, and for some reason, my mind drifts back to that night. The night we slept together.

Actually, the only night I’ve ever had sex.

Without thinking, I blurt out, “I wish he were a good man. Life would be easier if he were.”

“But you still don’t really know him. There’s a lot about him you don’t know.”

“I know he’s a criminal.”

The second the words leave my mouth, I realize what I just said. Sure, Maxim’s a criminal, but he still works for the man Emily’s married to.

I immediately shake my head.

“I’m sorry, Emily. I didn’t mean to insult your husband. It’s just… dealing with this world is hard for me.”

A faint smile touches her lips, but she stays quiet.