patted the empty

ity. He was sitting directly diagonally from K

the table. "And that..." She pointed a manicured finge

p. She forced a smile that felt li

k. He looked at her like he had n

id. The word w

going to expose her. He was going to pretend they were strangers. It

instantly. "Mr.

," Gus sai

Gus." She leaned into him, her

ok a long drink, his eyes fixed on the tablecloth. He look

was massive, obscene. Katherine pick

ention. "I heard rumors about the new film. A

lopment," Gus

ischief. "Well, she's trying to be... again. She's been back

pped her fork so hard he

water glass down. He loo

e was smooth, silky, and laced w

Beth and Trixie exch

ard. "It's a tough in

g her. "Or maybe you just haven't found the right... conne

g in the air

ctly what he meant. He was referencing that night. He w

en doors for me," Katherin

eryone has a price, Kat. Maybe the market ju

"Oh my god, Gus, you're so savage. But

her eyes. She stared at her pl

way her chin trembled. He

ack of cigarettes. He tapped one out, bringin

he s

the lighter. His eye

c. Even the smell of it made her

muscle in his jaw jumped. He looked a

tion, he tossed the unlit

d. He tugged at the collar of

oth. He remembered. After four years, after all th

h

, dizzying and confusing, clashi