Everything He Risks (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #4)(7)
Author: Thalia Frost

Rock gave me a tight smile. “That’s no excuse for what happened. Lolita and I were inside the club partying when she got jealous. I’d been chatting up another girl. I brushed her off and assumed she’d left.”

“What a jerk.” I listened to the soothing sound of oars through the water.

“Yeah, I was. So, I went to leave, still high as a kite.”

I bit my nails. I sensed something terrible was coming in the story.

“And I backed over Lolita and killed her. It was an accident. She was apparently behind the car, half out of her mind herself. She didn’t see me come out. She’d been waiting for me. She might have fallen asleep. She’s dead now.”

I nodded. “I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry. For her I hope. Not for me.” He let out a mirthless chuckle.

The flesh rose on my arms at the expression on his face, as if he were dead inside. “Rock—”

He shook his head. “That’s not all. Here’s the part you don’t want to hear. John was with me that night. John Weldon. We were and are closer than brothers. Through all the foster homes, John and I stayed close.”

“Okay.” My breath came in gasps now.

“John took the rap for me. John said he was driving. No one else saw me out there in the car. He told me to go back inside through the back entrance. I did, and it worked. No one even questioned whether I was there. People were too busy partying to notice I’d left since we’d gone out of a side entrance anyhow.”

“Oh my God.” My hand trembled when I covered my mouth.

“So, you see. I’m not the man you think I am. John took the rap for me. He spent months in a Venetian jail, even though they ruled it an accident. He was charged for the coke they found on him.”

“Oh, Rock.” Pity swept through me.

“I wish to God I’d gone to jail. I wish I could bring her back. I see her face every day—in my dreams and in my nightmares. She didn’t do anything wrong, and I killed her.” His voice broke, and I sat in stunned silence.

We glided to the point of disembarkment, near the villa and climbed out without another word. I walked beside him up to the door of the villa.

“I need to rest now. Wear something smashing for tonight. My people have already invited everyone who’s anyone to dinner and have said there will be a big announcement. We’ll leave the villa in two hours.” Rock’s mouth was set in a grim line. “Now you see why this is so important to me. I just can’t believe it’s John who would do this. I won’t lose him as my friend if I can help it, not when he was a friend to me.”

“But Rock, what’s the cost to the company? I understand your personal concerns, but it seems even bigger than that.” My hand went to the wall to steady myself.

His face tightened as he stared at me in the dim light from the wall sconces in the foyer. “That Walter Marsh will become CEO. I don’t want that…not for the people who work and invest with Regal Enterprises, and if my past comes out, I’m not sure I can keep it from happening. I’ve made too many bad decisions, Lacey. I’m not sure they can be redeemed.” He glided up the stairs without another word, his head hanging.

I stood there for a moment and then made my way to my own room, my heart heavy.

* * * *

So, whoever called me and whoever is Lucifer knows Rock’s secret, or the person he works for does.

I lay down on the bed for a while, despondent. What Rock had revealed didn’t change my feelings for him one bit. It only helped me understand him better and see what a good man he really was. But his words about John worried me.

I’m not sure that he’ll find him guilty even if he is. I sensed the rift that could open between us. Forcing myself to snap to it, I got up and rifled through the closet. A gold floor-length number should do nicely for wowing everyone.

“Even if I don’t feel good, I’ll look like I do. Here’s to the future Mrs. Rock Weldon.” I held the dress before me in the mirror as a single tear traveled down my face.

* * * *

“You…are stunning.” Rock stumbled over his words as he took my arm and led me down the staircase some time later.

“Thank you. You’re pretty amazing yourself.”

He wore a full tux with tails and sparkling gold cuff links. The length of the tux suited his height. The crisp white stood out against his closely shaven skin. I wanted to take him right then and there and forget the engagement party.

“How’s your arm feeling?”

He winced. “A bit better. The painkillers help.”

“Good. So, what’s my role tonight?” I asked as Luigi smiled and ushered me into the limo.

Rock slid in beside me. “Looking beautiful and demure, honestly.” He pursed his lips. “Defer questions to me. I don’t mean to sound like the typical alpha male, but in this case, it’s for the best. No interviews. They’ll be trying to get them. Your cell phone will start ringing almost immediately.” He grinned.

“Wow. Sounds intimidating, but I can handle it.” I took a deep breath, studying his strong profile in the dusk.

“I know you can. I knew it the moment I saw you.” He leaned close to me, cupping my chin in his hand as he kissed me. His tongue met mine in an intricate and tender dance that sent fire through my veins.

He kissed me like he truly loves me, like I’m more to him than just a bookkeeper or a fiancée for hire.

When he released me from the kiss, he hugged me close, one arm around my shoulders.

I cleared my throat, emotion clogging it. “Rock, I want you to know, I don’t think any differently of you because of what you told me. I only feel…so sorry you had to go through that.”

“I don’t know how you can…” He trailed off and sighed. “I just can’t forget it. My whole life is like a drive to make amends.”

“It was an accident,” I whispered, taking his hand and squeezing it.

“Maybe, but that won’t bring her back. I’ve never touched drugs since then.” He grimaced.

“But you can live your life as a legacy of good. I think you are now.” My voice shook.

“I’m trying.” He smiled, and I noticed the shadows beneath his eyes, how tired he looked.

“Do you really think it’s John?”

“I don’t know.”

A wall went up between us with his words. I felt him pull away from me emotionally, even as he shifted his h*ps slightly.

“I’m sor—”

“We’re here.” He cut me off and we climbed out of the limo. “Game time. I love the thrill of the kill. Always have, and I hope this will save the company and out whoever is doing this to me so I can fix things.”