Chapter 63 Danger in the Guest Room
DAVID
I was halfway up the stairs when I saw Lizzy standing near Bella’s door. My chest tightened, anger rising in waves. She wasn’t supposed to be here.
Her hand hovered over the doorknob, and I cleared my throat sharply. Her head whipped around, her eyes wide with guilt.
“What the hell are you doing?” My voice was low, but the venom in it was unmistakable as I stepped closer.
Lizzy straightened, smoothing the front of her dress as though that would erase her trespass. “Relax, David. I’m not here to hurt her,” she said, her voice almost pleading.
I stopped just inches from her. “I don’t care what you’re here for. I told you to stay in the guest room.” My tone hardened as I loomed over her. “Stay away from Bella. Stay away from my son. Do I make myself clear?”
She swallowed hard, her bravado faltering under my glare. “Crystal,” she whispered, stepping back and retreating down the hall.
I watched her until she disappeared around the corner. My fists clenched at my sides. Something about her presence reeked of trouble, and I wasn’t about to let her drag us into her mess.
Grabbing my phone, I dialed my assistant.
“Sir?” he answered on the first ring.
“Keep an eye on Lizzy. Discreetly. I want to know everything she does, everywhere she goes. Daily updates.” My voice was cold, calculated.
“Yes, sir,” he said.
I ended the call and turned back to Bella’s door, taking a deep breath to steady myself before knocking.
LIZZY
I practically ran to my room, slamming the door shut behind me. My heart was racing, not from fear but from excitement.
“Oh, David,” I muttered under my breath, a wicked grin spreading across my face. “You’re such a fool.”
I crossed the room, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor, and grabbed my phone from the dresser. My fingers flew over the screen as I read the message from Vivian.
Here’s my ex-boyfriend’s number: 364XXXXX. Call him. He’ll help. He wants Bella back as much as you want David.
Poor Vivian. She really thought I was her ally. I had fed her lies about helping her win back her ex, promising some ridiculous love potion. She didn’t realize she was just a pawn in my game.
I dialed the number.
“Hello?” a deep male voice answered after the second ring.
“Michael,” I said, my voice syrupy sweet as I perched on the edge of the bed.
“Who’s this?” he asked, suspicion lacing his words.
“Calm down. I’m a friend,” I said, twirling a lock of my hair. “Let’s just say we have a common goal. You want Bella back, and I want David.”
The silence on the other end told me I had his attention.
“What are you talking about?”
“I have information that could help you get Bella back. But I need your help too.” My words dripped with confidence, like a spider luring its prey into a web.
He hesitated, then asked, “What kind of help?”
“All in good time,” I said, my grin widening. “Meet me tomorrow morning at six. I’ll text you the address.”
“Fine,” he said, his voice laced with curiosity and desperation.
I hung up and leaned back on the bed, laughing softly to myself. “Soon, David. Very soon, you’ll be mine again.”