Free Night Call (Night Fever Serial Book 2) by Jessica Hawkins Page B

each other for such a short time. She must not have known much if she didn’t even know where he lived. It hit her that maybe he wanted it that way. Why else would he bring her to a hotel when he had a home nearby?
    Lola turned away to avoid Beau’s inquisitive look. The pearl-colored living room had matching drapes that framed long, French doors. Gold molding trimmed the room, complementing the gold accents in the lamps, vases and side tables. The walls were lined with simple, elegant artwork that continued into the hallways and up the spiral staircase. A large vase of white and purple Calla lilies sat center on the entryway table.
    She’d done a complete turn and now found Brigitte with her arms surrounding Beau’s neck. Her eyes were large with admiration for him, and there was lip-gloss grease on his cheek. “Did you miss your baby sister?” she asked.
    “Come on, Brigitte,” he said. “I saw you two days ago. Let me go check with Louis.”
    She dropped her arms with a huff. “Yes, he’s in the study. I’ll keep Lily company.”
    “Lola,” he corrected.
    “Right.”
    Beau leaned over and kissed Lola’s cheek. “Will you be all right?”
    She nodded. “Go ahead.”
    “A few minutes, ma chatte.”
    Brigitte scoffed just loud enough to be heard.
    He ignored her, winking at Lola before disappearing behind double doors.
    Brigitte turned to her. “So, have you known my brother long?”
    “A couple weeks.”
    “Oh. That is long.”
    Lola smiled thinly. “Not for most people.”
    “Beau isn’t most people. But I’m sure you’ve figured that out.”
    “I have,” Lola said. “He’s certainly unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”
    “Don’t worry if you’re flustered by him. That’s normal. My brother isn’t easy to read unless you know him like I do.” She arched one thin, black eyebrow and looked from Lola’s feet to her face. “You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure.”
    “Sorry?”
    “My brother’s money gets many admirers. He has a good nose for bullshit, except when it comes to particularly studied actresses. That’s where he needs my help.”
    Lola crossed her arms. “That isn’t me.”
    “No?”
    “No. And my relationship with Beau isn’t anyone’s business but ours. He knows exactly what I want from him.”
    Brigitte circled Lola, watching her the entire time. “You aren’t Beau’s usual type.”
    “If you’re trying to intimidate me, it won’t work.”
    Brigitte came to a stop in front of her. “My, my. You truly aren’t his type.” Her knuckles brushed along Lola’s arm. “I can see why he’s attracted to you.”
    Lola glanced at Brigitte’s hand and smiled faintly. “Are you coming on to me, Brigitte?”
    “If it’s money you’re after, I’m no pauper myself.”
    “As if you have the slightest clue what I’m after.”
    Brigitte cooed and fluttered like a little bird. “I see you’re not worried about making a good impression on me.”
    “I have no delusions about my relationship with Beau. It’s temporary, and he knows that. Therefore I have no reason to impress you.”
    “Temporary,” Brigitte repeated. “You flinched at the word.”
    Lola had hoped Brigitte wouldn’t catch that. She narrowed her eyes. “And you have a vivid imagination.”
    “Do you love him?” she asked.
    The question flustered Lola, but this time she was ready for it. Her face remained smooth. “If I do or don’t, it isn’t your business. You aren’t your brother’s keeper—or are you?”
    Brigitte’s eye twitched noticeably. “What was that he called you? Ma chatte?” She said the endearment so sharply, venom might’ve sprayed off her tongue. “Do you even know what it means?”
    “His cat,” Lola answered.
    “Close. More like his pussy ,” Brigitte said.
    Lola leaned in. “Well, it is.”
    “I can smell him on you.”
    “That’s because we fucked on the way over.”
    Brigitte’s lips paled with a tight smile. “Beau,” she called loudly over Lola’s