Cunning (Infidelity #2) by Aleatha Romig Page B

knees grew weak as I wondered why he appeared to be leaving while she was staying.
    “Charli?” he asked again, narrowing his pale gaze.
    “Yes, I remember.”
    “Thank you, Deloris. I’m sure you can explain everything better than I.” With that he reached for the door handle and disappeared.
    As I turned back, Deloris Witt was smiling my direction.
    “Mrs. Witt, I mean Deloris, I’m apparently at a disadvantage. What are you supposed to explain to me?”
    “Alex, please sit down. We need to talk.”
    Securing my robe, I asked, “Would you like some coffee?”
    She shook her head. “No, I can’t stay. I just thought that perhaps Mr. Demetri might not have told you everything.”
    I sat back on the sofa. “I’m sorry. I’m confused, and you’re right, he hasn’t told me much. What do you know and why are you the one talking to me? I apologize if my forwardness is rude. I’ve had quite a week and my filter is obviously not working.”
    “It’s not rude at all. As you may remember, I work for Lennox. I have for a long time. He mentioned that you assumed I was his housekeeper.” Her smile broadened. “I’m not. Alexandria… I mean, Alex, am I to assume that you’ll be with Lennox for the foreseeable future?”
    “We’re… dating.”
    “I realize it’s against the rules. However, I am fully aware of the origin of your new agreement.”
    My pulse kicked up a notch or two. “We met in Del Mar, as you know. We planned on one week, but there was more. We decided not to fight it any longer.” It was the story I’d conspired to tell Chelsea. For the first time from my lips, I thought it sounded plausible.
    “Yes. That does sound good. Is that the story the two of you have agreed upon?”
    “We haven’t really discussed it.”
    Mrs. Witt nodded. “That’s why I’m here. No one, not even Demetri Enterprises’ public relations can know the truth. Your stories must be the same. I like it so far; however, there may be questions. The best policy is not to answer them. No comment is your friend.”
    “Questions? Who will ask questions?”
    “Everyone. Anyone.”
    When I didn’t answer, she continued, “It only takes a tweet or a picture posted on Instagram or Facebook to start the world talking. Lennox hasn’t dated anyone with any regularity since… well, for years. We were able to keep Del Mar off of social media and away from the reporters. That was one week. This will be a year. We won’t be able to keep it hidden. Not that we’re trying. As soon as you two appear together on a regular basis, the world will start talking.”
    The world?
    My stomach twisted. My family was part of the world. Bryce was part of the world. Before I could comment, she went on.
    “I’ve read your profile.”
    I couldn’t hide my shock. “What? Why?”
    “Lennox has not. He didn’t want to learn about you from a file. He wants to learn about you from you.”
    Blood rushed to my cheeks. If there was one thing Lennox Demetri was good at doing—and there was definitely more than one thing—it was getting to know me.
    “You were rather evasive about your family on your profile.”
    I sat taller. “I’d rather not discuss my family.”
    “So you do have one?”
    “I wasn’t found in a cabbage patch, if that’s what you mean. We’re not close.”
    “Alex, I run Mr. Demetri’s personal security as well as the security for Demetri Enterprises. I’m Lennox’s eyes and ears. I’ll be perfectly frank. I knew your last name in Del Mar. My top priority is Lennox and that won’t change. He wants you to be safe; therefore, you will. Today you’ll have Isaac at your disposal. He’s more than a driver. Isaac is fully capable of protecting you under all circumstances.
    “Since he is usually with Lennox, I’m currently working to fill the position of your driver and bodyguard.”
    “I don’t want any of this,” I said, my voice as determined as I could make it. I remembered Nox’s lecture earlier this