His mood changed. My heart pounded. “You disloyal slut. When I am through, you won’t even have the clothes on your back. You’ve been such a busy girl over the last few days. Freezing assets? I suppose that was Elle’s contribution.”

“Not half as busy as you. I can’t believe you took my money,” I said, moving from around the desk, fear and dread creeping around the corners of my heart. I eyed the door, moving closer to it.

“Is that all you have to say?”

“No. You owe me my fucking retainer. And I want it back now,” I demanded, my anger bursting free.

“Good luck with that. My attorneys are going to bury you. And if I can find a way, I am going to bury Griffin with you, bitch.” He grabbed the papers out of my hand and threw them across the room. He moved so close that I stopped breathing. But I stood my ground.

“And I want the money I gave you for the stove, which you never actually used for a stove.”

He was still moving toward me. I was shaking. But I wasn’t breaking.

I heard a familiar voice, but its tones were unfamiliar.

“Bae, that’s enough. Let’s go.” I turned to see Griffin. He pulled me out of the office, past customers, and into the night air where a car was waiting.

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Four

I looked at Griffin for a minute. My eyes were having a hard time believing he was standing in front of me. “You’re here. How?”

“Bad news travels fast. I drew the short stick. I lost.”

“I’m in really bad trouble.”

“I know,” he said just as seriously.

“Who told you?”

“Both Elle and Reggie called last night.”

“Elliott took my money.”

“I am aware of the situation, Bae. Jake Fein has called Larissa. Elle calls her the barracuda. Once we are back in Atlanta, we will meet Henry at Jake’s office, day after tomorrow. I’m going to take you to my hotel where you’ll be safe. You can get something to eat. The girls and I are going to meet Elliott at your apartment to get your stuff.” His tone was very businesslike.

Griffin’s hotel room was a junior suite with a small sitting room with a sofa bed and French doors to the bedroom. He gave me the bedroom. I put my tote down and looked at him. Pent-up emotions and apologies tumbled out.

“I am so sorry,” I started, but Griffin shook his head. I turned to the facts. “Be careful. I think Elliott is mixed up with some bad people.”

“Yes, I know. I wasn’t going to tell you, but we’re meeting Lady Jane.”

I stared at him. The news shocked me. “Lady Jane?” I asked.

“It’s a long story.”

I was suddenly very tired and very hungry. I hadn’t eaten all day.