The Perfect Ruin

by Shanora Williams

  “What do you mean? What happened, Lola?” I walked closer to her and picked up her hands in mine, giving them a squeeze.

  She sniffled, and her nose was red now. “I . . . I don’t know. It was all so sudden. So scary.” She took a moment to collect herself, and then she used her fingers to wipe the tears from under her eyes. “Okay . . . um, do me a favor. Tell Tonia to get a quick snack ready—maybe some fresh-cut fruit and yogurt for parfaits. I’ll get the door.”

  This wasn’t like her. She never answered the door, but a cop was knocking, and she looked sick with worry.

  I followed her orders and went to the chef’s kitchen, where Tonia was just walking in with groceries. I told her to get some parfaits going and that it was urgent, and then I left the kitchen, following the sound of Lola’s voice.

  I stopped in the hallway near the front den as I heard Lola say, “It truly was an accident and I can’t have this on my hands.”

  “What are you saying?” the cop asked.

  “My reputation is important to me. This would tarnish all I’ve built. If people find out about this, it will ruin me, you get that, right? They’ll blame me and look at me in a different way. I was—I was visiting my doctor for an emergency appointment. The weather wasn’t on my side, and then . . . well, things happened, you know? I felt some pain and I lost control.”

  It was quiet. My heart pounded. What the hell was going on?

  Lola said in a quieter voice, “I would like my name to be off the record for this. I don’t want any journalists getting hold of the information from this accident and using this to spark a scandal. My lawyer already came to you to discuss this incident. He said you told him my name would remain anonymous when the story was reported—that this wouldn’t jeopardize my reputation just yet because you’re still investigating.”

  “Whether it was an accident or not, Mrs. Maxwell, two people are dead. You got off last night with your lawyer and the whole distress thing, but this is you and me. One-on-one.”

  “I called my lawyer right after you called and he’s on his way right now. He knows you’re here. Until he gets here, I’m not discussing anything one-on-one with you.”

  “If it weren’t for the health risk you were under yesterday, I would be having you arrested for manslaughter right now, Mrs. Maxwell. And not for just one count but two. We don’t need him here. Like I said, this is between you and me.”

  “What is it that you want?” she demanded. “What will it take for you to let this go? You’re obviously here to get something out of this because you didn’t instantly arrest me yesterday, there were no witnesses, and you drove over three and a half hours to get here, so don’t hang that manslaughter bullshit over my head. What is it that you want, Detective Shaw?”

  I took a step forward with bated breath.

  The detective remained quiet for some time. I almost thought he’d left, until he spoke up again. “You know, I looked into you after you and your lawyer skipped off to your doctor’s appointment. From the look of things, you make a pretty penny.”

  Lola sniffled. “Okay?”

  Silence again.

  Shaw cleared his throat. He sounded like a smoker. “Now, I don’t ask for much, but for my family, I’ll do anything, the same as you would for your sparkly clean reputation. My daughter needs to go to college,” Shaw said in a low, serious voice. “There’s nothing I can do about the two people who died at this point. They’re gone, and as you stated, you were under distress during the accident, so I suppose I can rule this as just that—an accident—so long as I get what I need for my little girl.”

  “Okay,” Lola breathed.

  “We both know college is expensive . . . and we also know that if you live in a place like this, and drive cars like the one you were driving last night, you have the money to cover tuition. So, you’re going to write me a check for five-hundred-thousand dollars and I’ll make sure your name doesn’t appear in the file. You’ll remain anonymous and no one will know you were ever part of this.”

  Lola was silent. “Fine. I can do that.”

  “You don’t sound so sure,” Shaw countered.

  “I’m sure I can manage that much. But before I do, I will need you to sign a nondisclosure about this with my lawyer. Guarantee confidentiality.”

  The detective chuckled and then said, “Fair is fair, I suppose.”

  “Okay, then. Let me just go get my checkbook and I’ll get the money to you right away.”

  I gasped as I heard instant footsteps, but there was no time for me to run off. Lola was already rounding the corner and coming my way. She noticed me first thing, and her damp, red eyes stretched two times wider.

  “Georgia!” she hissed, hurrying toward me. “What the fuck are you doing here? Go to my office!” She shoved me on the back and I sucked in a sharp breath. “Go!”

  I hurried up the stairs and made a right, Lola hot on my trail. Opening one of the double doors of her office, I stepped inside, and Lola came in after me, slamming the door behind her.

  “Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?” she demanded, grimacing.

  “I’m so sorry, Lola. I—I told Tonia about the parfaits and then I came to look for you to see—”

  “Bullshit!” she snapped, then walked around me to get to her desk. “What did you hear?”

  “Nothing,” I lied as I watched her shuffle through the top drawer of her desk. She took out her checkbook and grabbed a pen.

  “Well, whatever you heard, I’m doing this for your safety too. You still want this job, right? The only way you’ll keep it is if I write this check for that dirty-ass cop downstairs.”

  “What did you do?” I asked, my voice breaking.

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “You killed two people,” I said, my eyes stinging now. “I heard him say two people are dead.”

  She whirled around, pointing a finger in my face. “I didn’t fucking kill anybody!” she snarled. “And if you repeat those words to anyone—anyone, Georgia—I will fucking end you!”

  She glared daggers at me, and I worked hard to swallow the bile that was slowly creeping up my throat. “Does Corey know?” I whispered.

  “No. All he knows is that I lost the baby yesterday.” She sniffled then, wiping hard at her nose. I didn’t know what to say. All I could do was look at her. I had no idea she’d lost the baby. That explained the blood on her shirt.

  “Lola, I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t.” She held up a hand. “Don’t call me by my first name. It’s Mrs. Maxwell to you from now on.”

  Her words were like knife wounds. I blinked quickly to bat away the tears. The hurt. Why was she treating me like this over an accident? I wasn’t judging her. I just had questions and was concerned about her.

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  She turned away and marched to the door. “I want steak tonight. Tender and fresh. After the horrible night I had, I need meat, and for dessert I want fudge brownies and ice cream.”

  I bobbed my head as she snatched open the door. “And I meant what I said, Georgia. You tell anyone what you heard and I’ll fucking fire you and make your life a living hell. That goes for your husband too. As of this moment, what went on downstairs never fucking happened.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  IVY

  I couldn’t believe it was the weekend of the gala, Marriott! I’d been humming all day, imagining all the songs the DJ would be playing and the drinks that would be on the menu. There were going to be three signature drinks. I helped Noah pick the flavors. One had strawberries, another mint and lime, and the last peach. I was leaning toward choosing the peach.

  I’d been waiting months for the Passion Gala and now it was happening, and I had all the ins. For starters, I was flying to New York in a private jet with Lola, Corey, Olivia, and Noah.

  Don’t worry, I was keeping a safe distance from the sexy Dr. Maxwell. I kept busy with Noah and Olivia on final touches for the event, but every once
in a while, I’d give Corey the eye. His poker face sucked, so of course he tried to avoid looking at me altogether.

  When we landed, we went straight to the Mandarin Oriental, where Lola checked us all in with pride. Everyone had their own room. Lola and Corey would be sharing a presidential suite overlooking Central Park and with views of the city, while Noah, Olivia, and I had suites with views of the Park and the New York skyline.

  Walking into my room was like walking into a dream. The first thing I noticed were the picture windows and the way they revealed the skyline. The view was stunning.

  We’d arrived the night before the gala to settle in and get ready for the big event; now the sun was just setting. I stood in front of the window, taking in the steady blur of red and white lights from the cars driving by, even noticing people strolling through Central Park.

  For the first time I had a real taste of luxury. I’d looked up this hotel when Lola had mentioned where we would be staying during one of the meetings at work. The rooms she’d booked for us started at $2200 a night, while hers started at $14,000. That was a lot of money. I couldn’t even fathom having that much money to spare for hotel rooms. Her room alone was probably a third of my yearly salary.

  There was a bottle of champagne on ice on the table next to the window, along with a flute. I opened the bottle, and when the cork was out and the room sounded with a loud POP, I squealed and then giggled, pouring myself a glass.

  “A toast to you, Miss Hill. You did it. You’re here.” I sipped. Stared out of the window. Chuckled.

  There was a knock at my door, and I put down my glass, going for it. I checked the peephole and saw it was Noah. I stepped away from the door, rolling my eyes.

  Ugh. Couldn’t work wait? He’d mentioned finding me to discuss a few things tonight, but all I wanted to do now was revel in my suite, roll around on the Egyptian cotton, and put on the fluffy, expensive bathrobe that was hanging in the bathroom after taking a long, hot bath in the oversize tub.

  I cleared my throat and put on my best smile, swinging the door open. “Hey, Noah. What’s up?”

  “So, I was talking to Lola, and she told me she wants to take us out to dinner to one of her favorite restaurants tonight. You down?”

  “Sure. What time are we going?”

  “She said within the hour. We’re meeting in the lobby. Should be enough time to refresh, right?”

  “Yeah, more than enough. I’ll see you down there.”

  I closed the door and picked up my suitcase, laying it on the bed. I’d done some shopping before the trip. I’d decided to spend more of my paycheck over the weekend and shopped for tighter-fitting dresses and new shoes. This was New York City and I wanted to go all-out. Plus, Corey would be around more often than not, and I needed to quietly seduce him.

  After I was dressed and had done my makeup, I checked myself in the mirror. I had to admit I looked good. Black stockings, a leather skirt, a simple white blouse that hugged my body, and fuck-me heels.

  I was out the door in no time, pressing the button for the elevator. To my surprise, as the doors opened for me, Lola and Corey were already inside.

  “Hey, Ivy,” Lola greeted me as I walked in. “Don’t you look great!”

  I laughed. “You’re one to talk! Look at you!” As always, she looked dolled-up. A little black dress and petal-pink heels, with jewelry to match. “I figured because I was in a new city, I needed to look the part.” I don’t know why I was feeding her an explanation. I really didn’t care what she thought.

  “Well, you look amazing.” She winked at me.

  “I’m so glad we’re doing dinner. I’m starving,” I said as the elevator began going down.

  “Of course. I could use a bite too. I had my hands full this morning. Didn’t even get to eat.”

  “You probably already do this, but you should have your food prepped more. I like prepping when I’m too busy and it’s a lifesaver.” I couldn’t believe I was getting so good at making small talk, Marriott. You’d have been proud of me in that moment. Acting like a normal human being.

  “Yeah? Maybe I’ll tell Georgia to start prepping meals for me.”

  Three more floors until the lobby. I glanced at Corey. He was avoiding me completely.

  “Oh, babe, you’ll have to try the halibut tonight. It was my favorite thing on the menu when I came here last year with Arabel.”

  Corey nodded when Lola spoke, nothing more. Wasn’t Lola a vegan? Halibut was fish . . . gah, she was so full of shit. Only a vegan when she wanted to be.

  The elevator finally stopped and the doors spread apart. Corey was out first, with Lola trailing behind him. He was uncomfortable, that much was clear. The least he could do was try to play it cool.

  * * *

  Dinner was at an Italian restaurant with a view of the Hudson River. This particular restaurant was located on the rooftop of a building. Candlelight and jazz music made the restaurant feel warm and welcoming and slightly romantic. If it had been only Corey and me, it would have been romantic. But it wasn’t just us. It was us, his wife, and two other people who talked too damn much.

  Lola was chatting with Noah about the gala, and while she did, I brushed the tip of my foot across Corey’s upper thigh under the table. His eyes stretched, and then he cleared his throat, picking up his water, and chugging it down as a distraction.

  “Don’t worry, Corey,” Lola said to him as he adjusted in his seat. “The boring stuff will be over soon.” She laid a kiss on his cheek. I wanted to cut off her lips. That was my cheek. My man.

  After what had happened in the man cave, I was becoming more territorial with Corey. Anytime Lola talked about him, it angered me, but I smiled to push through it. Anytime she complained, I wanted to slap her across her face for being so ungrateful. She didn’t appreciate him at all, Marriott. Not one bit.

  Corey picked up his fork and cut into his halibut. I couldn’t believe he’d ordered it just to please Lola. He didn’t even seem to be enjoying it.

  Once dinner was over, we all walked back to the hotel, absorbing the city life. Cars and taxis zipped by, couples walked hand in hand, and people rushed into nearby bars or restaurants, dressed like superstars.

  I walked next to Olivia and listened to her go on about some novel she was reading, pretending to be interested. Noah was in front of us, checking things off his list for the gala—he was very organized that way—and Corey and Lola were ahead, arm in arm. Ugh.

  We’d have an early start in the morning, getting things organized, so as soon as we were inside the hotel, we parted ways to go to our rooms.

  Just after I’d kicked off my shoes, peeled out of my stockings, and poured myself another glass of champagne, someone knocked on my door.

  Hesitant, I took slow steps toward it. If it was Noah again, I was going to flip. I mean, how organized did he have to be? I checked the peephole, and my heart did a little flip.

  It wasn’t Noah at all.

  With haste, I snatched the door open. On the other side was Corey.

  The red tie he wore for dinner was gone, his white, button-down shirt unbuttoned at the collar. One of his forearms was pressed on the frame of the door, the other at his hip, as if he’d been standing there for a while.

  His eyes shot right up to mine. Then he dropped his arm and charged right in, cupping a hand around the back of my neck. I held back a gasp as his solid, warm body pressed mine and the door clicked shut behind him. His lips were instantly glued to mine and I ended up spilling my champagne on the floor.

  Then the glass hit the floor. Thank goodness it was covered in carpet.

  My back landed on the king-size bed and Corey climbed between my legs, still kissing me. Groaning as he palmed one of my breasts.

  When he finally broke the kiss, he looked me in the eye with his warm, brown irises and said, “All I could think about was your ass in that skirt.” His eyes ventured down to the black leather riding up my thighs.

  “Where is your wife?” I as
ked. I loved pretending I didn’t want him. The truth was, I wanted him more than anything.

  “She went to meet one of her donors for a drink.”

  “And you didn’t go with her?”

  “No. I was tired.”

  “And now you’re here.” I couldn’t fight my smile as I dragged my palm over his erection. My teeth sank into my bottom lip for a brief moment before I said, “You don’t feel so tired, Dr. Maxwell.”

  “Quiet,” he ordered, and then he somehow managed to shove the tight skirt up to my waist. I busied myself with unbuttoning and unzipping his pants, then shoving them down, and he wasted no time when his dick was free.

  He thrust his way inside me and let out a loud groan, like being inside me was the best feeling in the world.

  When was the last time he did anything with Lola? I was curious. The way he recklessly rocked into me, it seemed he hadn’t had any in weeks, and it had been about two weeks now since that night in his man cave.

  I was surprised Georgia hadn’t said anything, but I assumed he had spoken with her, making it clear to her that she had to be quiet when I filled him in.

  Corey took a moment to withdraw and lay on his back. I took the initiative and climbed on top of him, my palms flat on his chest, giving him the best ride of his life. His groans were like gold. His hands on my body were like winning an award.

  It didn’t take him very long to come. Corey was so sexy when he did, especially as his neck tensed and his muscles tightened beneath my hands, and I relished the fact that I’d caused him to. I didn’t care that I didn’t get pleased myself. Watching him let go because of what I had between my legs was enough for me. I felt powerful. In control. He was at my service, and my job was to please him.

  I rolled over after the final upward thrust of his hips and sighed as I lay on my back beside him. We both stared up at the ceiling, breathing through the moment. It was our first time having sex, and it was just as great as I’d imagined it would be.

  Quick. Passionate. Intense. Thoughtless.

  “I’m pretty sure Lola is cheating on me,” Corey finally said after a while.