Chapter 9: I missed her

As I put on a final coat of lipstick, my phone buzzed on the table with a text message, probably from Brandon.

'Your chariot awaits.'

I couldn't help but smile at his charm. I was a mess of nerves but his banter had managed to calm me down just a little bit--like he already knew I would be anxious and was trying to lighten me up.

At some point last night, after a few glasses of wine and some serious sleep deprivation, I had let him convince me to come to dinner at his parents' tonight. Right now, I was kicking myself for agreeing to such a thing. What was wrong with me? What happened to not getting involved? I had every intention of coming here, doing my job, and leaving as soon as possible, and yet here I was, heading to dinner at the Avenetti Estate. It was easy to play my part in the bar, but this was a whole different stage. I was walking into the King's castle and although I was coming with the crown prince, I wasn't exactly sure the King would welcome me back as easily as his sons had.

I sent Brandon a quick text letting him know that I was on my way down and grabbed my high heels from the bedroom. This was the fourth outfit I had tried on, and it still didn't feel exactly right. It wasn't like me to be so nervous, but then again, I had never done anything quite like this before. I fastened my shoe buckle right as there was a knock at the door.

Of course, Mr. Impatience couldn't wait for me. I laughed as I opened it. "I told you I was..."

I snapped my mouth shut quickly, realizing it wasn't Brandon in front of me, but Detective Herrera. This time he was dressed as an appliance delivery man. Damn, the man had bad timing.

"Expecting someone else?" He arched his eyebrow at me.

"I'm... I'm actually meeting Brandon. To get some more intel." I stuttered, backing away slightly as he walked into my apartment.

Herrera looked me up and down, his eyes lingering on my legs as he did so. "Interesting."

"I thought you wanted me to get close to him." I shut the door, setting my purse back down on the counter. I needed to get him out of here, and fast. Brandon could come upstairs at any second and it would be a hell of a lot harder for him to sneak out the fire escape in broad daylight than it had been last night.

"I do." He eyed me carefully. "I'm just beginning to think that there is more to your past relationship with him than you let on."

"You asked me if I knew him, not the details of our relationship." I quipped, clenching my jaw. If he thought he was going to intimate me, he had another thing coming.

Herrera chuckled. "So, you've fucked him."

"With all due respect, that's a little personal." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"With all due respect," He mocked, leaning in just inches from my face. "I'm the only reason your ass isn't in a jail cell, so there is no such thing as personal between you and I. Am I clear?"

A small part of me wished Brandon would come upstairs right now and give him exactly what he deserved.

He grabbed my arm roughly and jerked me towards him when I didn't respond immediately. "I said, am I clear?"

I nodded quickly, squirming myself out of his grip as he chuckled, amused with himself. Herrera had tried to play the nice guy with me at first, like he was helping me out, but his true colors were starting to show through.

"That's a good girl." He smirked. "Actually, I'm glad we had this talk. You've given me an idea. Working as a bartender is all fine and dandy, but getting into bed with the future Don, now that might speed the process up a little bit."

"No." I shook my head firmly. "That's not what I agreed to."

"The terms have changed. If you want to keep yourself and your brother out of prison, you'll pretend to date Brandon."

"You can't do this. Please." This changed everything. If I had to betray Brandon in that way... I'd never be able to forgive myself. Not to mention what would happen if he ever found out. I had already broken him once.

"I don't see what the problem is. He was here most of the night last night, you're going out with him again. For all I know, you're already fucking him again." Herrera shrugged.

I winced at his words. I had always hated the way people used that word to describe sex. Fuck. That wasn't what Brandon I did--not ever. It was never reduced to something so harsh and cruel. It had always been passionate and connected and even though I hadn't felt it in years, having sex with Brandon was one of the realest and purest things I had ever experienced.

"It's not negotiable, Sadie. Make him fall in love with you and spill his secrets. Then you're done." He didn't wait for a response, just grabbed an apple out of my fruit bowl and headed out the front door.

I let out a heavy sigh of relief when I was finally alone again. Herrera had my hands tied behind my back and was forcing me into a dangerous situation. He had no idea what he was asking of me. It was one thing to spill the secrets of the business, but this was too personal. I had to figure out a way out of this.

Another text from Brandon came through:

'Everything okay?'

My hands were shaky as I texted him I would be right down. I quickly composed myself, and prayed to God Brandon wouldn't see right through me.

When I got outside, Brandon was standing outside of a sleek black sports car, leaning against it. He had his arms crossed over his chest and his brow furrowed as he glanced at his phone. He looked up and our eyes met, and he broke into a dazzling grin.

"There she is!" He leaned down to give me a hug, but quickly backed away. I could tell he was trying to respect what I had said last night, and was showing restraint. His eyes locked on the red marks on my arm where Herrera had grabbed me, and I quickly started walking to the other side.

"Sorry, I'm running late. I can't believe I let you talk me into it in the first place."

He eyed me carefully, but didn't press for details. "It's going to be fun, I promise. My mother is going to be thrilled to see you. She's been cooking all day."

"And your father?" I asked as Brandon started his car and we were off.

He gave me a sympathetic smile. "He's excited to see you, too, Sadie. I know you think we're all horrible people but..."

"Can we not get into this right now, please?" I snapped, staring out the window.

"Right. My mistake." Brandon clenched his jaw. "How was your day?"

"It was okay. I got to the grocery store so I don't have to survive off of cardboard pizza any longer. I softened, teasing him slightly.

"Thank god. The only thing that could kill you faster would be straight poison." Brandon winked. "I'm sure my mom is going to send you home with a month's worth of leftovers too."

"She is so sweet. I've really missed her." I smiled thinking of how many times I could have used her guidance over the last few years. She had always been like a second mother to me, and I could tell her almost anything, sometimes even more than my own mother.

"She's missed you too." Brandon smiled reaching over and squeezing my hand in a show of support. I could tell he was still skeptical of me, and it was killing him that he didn't know what was going on. It was only a matter of time before he found out, but if I played my cards right, I would be long gone before he did. I hated myself for even having that thought, or considering doing what Herrera had ordered. I was out of options though. I could tell Brandon the truth and risk Adam and I both going to prison, not to mention face Brandon's wrath, or I could play nice for a little while longer until Herrera cut me loose.