~ERICA~
"Well, you got your scarf. Out. Now," Axel said sharply, gesturing toward the door.
"I’ll leave soon, I promise," I said, hesitating on purpose, letting my eyes calculate the situation. "J-just need a minute to use the bathroom. Long drive, you know?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. The exhaustion was clear on his face. "Fine. But make it quick."
"Of course."
I quietly entered the guest room, my heart pounding. I could feel Axel’s suspicion, but I had to push those thoughts aside for now.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind , I pulled out my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I dialled Cassandra.
She answered on the second ring. "Well?"
"Axel’s back early," I whispered, keeping my voice low. "I wasn’t expecting him. I thought he was coming back tomorrow."
"Shit." Cassandra’s voice was sharp with irritation. "Did you plant the devices? Did he catch or suspect you?"
"Yes, all five. Study, living room, kitchen, bedroom, and one in the foyer. Hidden well, exactly where you told to put them. And no, he didn’t see ."
"Good. Don’t screw this up, Erica. We need everything on Layla’s plans—business etings, legal strategies, everything."
I paused for a mont as I looked at my reflection in the mirror above the dresser. What stared back was filled with resentnt and jealousy; it was almost like a stranger was looking back at .
Why was I doing this?
The answer ca easily, like it always did. Charles Watson had ruined my father’s business years ago, forcing us to flee town in disgrace. Crushing us with lawsuits and backroom deals until Dad had nothing left.
My family never recovered: Dad drank himself to death within two years, and Mom was left barely scraping by, working three jobs just to keep a roof over our heads.
And Layla? She knew. She had to have known what her family was doing to mine. But she did nothing. She just stood by and watched while we lost everything.
Now she had it all: the business success, the glamorous life, the perfect marriage. And Axel. God, Axel. The man I’d wanted since I first laid eyes on him in the business magazine two years ago. Before Layla ca into the picture.
Jealousy rose in my chest. I deserved him, not her. I deserved everything she had.
"I won’t screw it up," I said finally.
Cassandra paused. "What else? You sound distracted."
"I’m trying to get closer to Axel. Seduce him, maybe. If I can get him to sleep with and record it, it would destroy Layla."
"No! Erica, that’s too risky. If he rejects you, you blow your cover."
"But if I succeed, think about it. It would ruin Layla even more when she finds out. The betrayal by her best friend and her husband? She’d be completely destroyed."
"I don’t know, Erica..."
I could hear the hesitation in her voice, but I knew Cassandra well enough by now. She couldn’t resist a good opportunity to hurt Layla. That’s what made us such good partners.
"Trust ," I pressed. "You know . I can do this. When have I ever let you down?"
There was a long pause. Then, "Fine. Do it. But be careful, Erica. Don’t blow your cover. If this goes wrong, you’re on your own."
"I understand."
"And make sure those bugs keep transmitting. That’s our priority."
"They will. I’ll call you later."
I hung up and put my phone in my pocket. My hands were calr now; I felt a sense of purpose instead of the earlier anxiety. I’d thought everything through before I arrived, with each detail planned out in my mind.
Even though I had anticipated Axel’s coming till tomorrow, I had intended to stay the night... so things are still in place.
In the kitchen, I got right to it. I had so powder with , tucked away in my purse. It was a strong aphrodisiac I had bought from a discreet source. Just enough to make him open up and relax without him suspecting anything.
I made a pot of stew, sothing simple that wouldn’t take long, and stirred in the powder carefully, watching it dissolve completely.
Then I changed into my flimsy nightgown, the one that left almost nothing to the imagination. The fabric was sheer, clinging to every curve.
I positioned myself at the stove, stirring slowly, preparing to serve the food when I heard footsteps approaching.
This is it.
"What the fuck are you still doing here?" Axel demanded in an icy tone, making my heart skip a beat.
I turned, making sure to lean forward just enough that the neckline slipped dangerously low. "Cooking for you, Axel. Layla’s gone, and I thought you might be hungry. Let take care of you."
"I don’t need company. I need you to leave."
I moved closer, letting my hand brush his arm. "Don’t be like that. We’re both adults here. We could have so fun while she’s away."
He stepped back sharply, and the disgust on his face made my heart sink. "Get out."
"Co on, Axel." I closed the gap between us again, refusing to give up. "Don’t tell you haven’t noticed . I’ve seen how you look at sotis."
"I look at you the sa way I’d look at a snake in my house... with suspicion and disgust."
His words stung, but I pressed on, trailing my fingers up his chest. "You’re so tense. Let help you relax. I can make you feel good. Better than she does."
His patience snapped. He grabbed my wrist, not hard enough to hurt but firm enough to stop completely.
"Are you insane?" he growled, shoving my hand away. "You claim to be Layla’s best friend, and here you are, trying to seduce her husband? Get out before I call the police for trespassing."
For a mont, I thought he was joking or just trying to scare , but the look on his face said it all. I’m fucked.
Reviews
All reviews (0)