Read Chapter One of CRUEL…

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CHAPTER ONE

Kay

As the music muffled the conversation in the Stella Hotel ballroom, Kay Havelin glanced at her phone. “Nothing. Not even a text,” she said, growing increasingly aggravated. “It’s getting where I don’t know why I expect more from him. He doesn’t have any idea how he makes me worry.”

“I’m sure he’s fine,” said her friend and assistant, Marnie Lamkin. She didn’t like Kay’s boyfriend, Casey, much, and while Kay was having doubts about their future, she had expected him to at least show up for the celebration.

After passing her bar exam and successfully landing a job with a firm, her partner, Scott LeBlanc Jr., whose father owned the office, had thrown a celebration in her honor. It wasn’t her style, but she had given in knowing that she might make a connection, and every contact was worth something in her line of work.

“The least he could do is show up and give his thanks and congratulations.” She took a deep breath and tried to shake off the sinking feeling.

“You should have fun and put him out of your mind,” said Marnie. “All he does is disappoint you. You deserve better.”

She glanced up and spotted Scott as he made his way across the crowded room to join her. He was a short young man with glasses who was already balding at age thirty. Aside from poor vision, he also had a massive crush on Kay. She didn’t feel the same, and that sometimes made things awkward. “Why the long face?” he asked, giving her a sideward look. “I really hoped you’d enjoy your party.” He turned his glass of wine up for a sip.

Kay knew it was time to show some gratitude. “I am, Scott. I’m so sorry. It’s just. Well, it’s Casey. He should have been here already. I told him the party was tonight, and instead of coming together, he insisted on meeting me here. I guess he forgot or got held up. I’m really sorry he’s spoiled my mood.”

“I’m not worried about him,” he said, waving the idea of Casey off as if he could do without him. “I only want you to enjoy yourself. You really should learn to do that without him.”

She forced a smile, knowing that she couldn’t argue with that. “It’s a lovely party, Scott. Thanks again. Everything is so beautiful.”

Marnie cleared her throat, and Scott laughed. “She did most of it,” he admitted. “But I couldn’t think of a better way to congratulate you on passing your bar and to welcome you to the family. I know my father wishes he could have been here tonight. He’s so proud of you, Kay. He always believed in you. You know that. We both do. But I’m afraid with his health failing, well, I told him you’d understand.”

“Of course,” said Kay, thinking of how the older LeBlanc’s health had diminished considerably since she started her final year of law school. With that already a month behind her, she was ready to kick off her career with a bang. By joining in the LeBlanc and LeBlanc attorneys at law family, she was well on her way.

“Would you like to dance?” asked Scott, offering his hand as the music changed.

She didn’t want to encourage him. “Could I get a raincheck? I really should go and try to call him. I’m just going to step out for a moment.”

“I’d like to dance,” said Marnie, doing nothing for the disappointment on Scott’s face. “That is if you think I’m a worthy substitute?”

Scott chuckled and offered his hand. “Come on, Marnie. Let’s show these people how it’s done.” Before he could lead her away, she turned and looked at Kay.

“If I don’t see you back in ten, I’m coming looking for you.”

“I’ll hurry,” said Kay, giving them both a look of reassurance.

She forced a smile and hurried out as soon as they hit the dancefloor. She walked out of the room and found a quiet spot in the hallway as she took out her phone.

“You had better pick up,” she said to her boyfriend as she hit the button to call him. “Pick up. Pick up.” She let out a sigh when he didn’t.

Giving up, she quickly turned around and ran right into a man. He was tall and handsome, with brown hair and grayish-blue eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking up at him as she tucked her phone into her clutch.

“It’s okay,” said the man, who looked her up and down. “I never mind contact from a sexy young woman.” He smiled big, flashing his perfect veneered teeth. “I’m Daniel Davenport.” He stuck out his hand.

She took it, giving him a firm shake. “Kay Havelin.”

“Could I buy you a drink and make up for it?” he asked. “I feel like such a klutz.”

“I bumped into you,” she said.

“Yes, but I was clearly in your way.” He let out a friendly chuckle. She could tell he was the kind of man who was sure of himself. The kind of man who didn’t like to take no for an answer.

“I should really get back to my party.”

“You’re celebrating?” he asked, looking toward the ballroom.

“Yes, it’s a party a friend of mine is throwing for me. You’re welcome to come if you like. There’s an open bar. I’m sure there’s something left, even at this hour. It’s the least I can do for bumping into you.”

“How could I say no to such a friendly offer?”

“Well, at least you’ll be there to keep me company. It seems my boyfriend isn’t interested.”

“Then he’s a damned fool,” said Daniel as he followed her back to the large double doors of the ballroom. “I’d be honored. But tell me, what are you celebrating?”

“My future. I passed my bar and landed a job with LeBlanc and LeBlanc. Soon to be LeBlanc, LeBlanc, and Havelin.”

“So, they threw you a ball?” He made a face as if it were an antiquated idea. 

“Yeah, it’s a little over the top, but it’s a good way to mingle and meet some of my partners’ friends and colleagues. I chose the venue. I really like this old hotel.”

“I like it too. It’s my escape. And the bar has the best drinks.”

“Why does a man like you need an escape?”

He held up his hand and wiggled his ring finger. “See that tan line. That’s reason enough.”

When the music stopped, she noticed Scott across the room trying his hardest to get away from Marnie and whatever conversation they were having. She knew he was going to want to dance and decided to take her chances with the stranger.

“Would you like to dance?” She took his hand as if she weren’t going to accept no as an answer.

“I’d love to if you don’t mind your toes getting bruised. I will admit, I’m not very good at it.”

“I’m a pretty tough girl. You’d be surprised what I can take.” She had surely taken enough from Casey. Things with them had gotten worse and worse lately. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do about it, but she had a few ideas. It just wasn’t right for her to have to try and live with him the way he was acting. She had expected more from him. And he had continued to let her down.

“So, tell me why a gorgeous girl like you can’t get her boyfriend to show up to her party?”

She thought of the best way to answer. But there was no excuse for Casey. “I guess something better came up. That’s what happens when you date a spoiled, entitled prick.”

“Well, if he’s such a prick, why are you with him?”

“I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “He was sweet. He can be sweet.” He wasn’t enough anymore. 

She had once thought Casey was a way into the right circles which she had wanted to be in. The only problem was, while she was busy wanting in those circles, Casey wanted out. His upbringing had made him grow tired of wealthy companionship, and his habits were the kind that were only looked down upon and never looked up to.

Now that she had finally made her own way, did she really need him? Was he worth putting up with for the constant letdowns? His parents had cut him off, and she barely saw them anymore. All of the old invites had been revoked, and now it was up to her to make her own way. Casey was useless to her career. And not only that but a threat to it in many ways.

“Sweet, huh? Sounds like he’s not being very sweet to you tonight. If I had a woman like you in my life, I’d take better care of you.”

“Says the man with a tan line on his finger. What happened to your wife?”

“She’s gone out with her sister. Sometimes I think she’d prefer anyone to me.”

“Does she know that you’re here? I mean, that you frequent hotel bars and dance with strange women?”

“You’re hardly strange.” He flashed her a wink.

As the music stopped, the band announced the final dance of the night. “Shall we continue?” she asked.

“I’m all yours. In fact, I don’t know what you have planned for the next few hours. But if you’re interested in some company, we could move the party upstairs. I have a room.”

“You have a room? I thought you were just having a few drinks?”

“Yeah, well, I planned on drinking a lot more. Besides, it’s a company room. We keep it on standby for when investors are in town. It’s a gorgeous suite. You’ll love it.”

“You keep a suite here?” She knew he must have a lot of money if he was able to do that. “What kind of business are you in?”

“The kind that makes money. Come on. Your party is obviously winding down. Your boyfriend never showed up. I can make the night much better if you let me.”

“As much as I’d like to take you up on that offer, I really shouldn’t. Not while I’m with Casey. But if you ever need a good lawyer, you should give me a call.”

“Kay Havelin. I sure will.” He took her hand, and she spun away from him and back before he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

When the music stopped again, Marnie came over from dancing with Scott to say hello.

Kay had known that it was only a matter of time before her nosy friend came to see who she was dancing with. “I see you found someone to dance with,” she said, making Kay feel a bit silly.

“Yes, this is Daniel. Daniel, this is my friend and assistant, Marnie. She works in my office.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Marnie.” He turned his attention back to Kay. “It was lovely to meet you, Kay. I guess I’ll leave you to it.”

“Have a drink before you leave,” Kay said. “Before they close the bar.”

“Thanks,” he said before heading over.

“Who was that?” Marnie asked, looking at Daniel as if he were a feast. “He’s attractive.”

“Isn’t he? I literally ran into him out in the hallway. I felt silly, so I invited him in.” Kay shrugged it off as if it were no big deal.

“Did you get in touch with Casey?”

Kay let out a breath. “No. I don’t know where he is, but all that matters is that he wasn’t here.”

“Have you ever considered he’s messing around?”

“You know I have. But this is different. I think his drug problem is way too out of hand.”

“Then you need to cut ties while you can. I told you when you caught him dealing that he wasn’t going to quit.”

“I just thought he’d grow up by now. I mean, we have our whole lives ahead of us. I’m finally out of school, I’ve landed my dream job. I just thought by now he’d have some dreams and goals too, you know?” And she thought he would have gotten her into a much better social circle.

“You better get out before he spends all of your money. You can’t have him around in your line of work. He could get you in a lot of trouble.”

“I know. I just—I love him, Marnie. I need to get him some help. Maybe it will be better?”

Marnie sighed, just as Kay assumed she would. She was a sigher, especially when she couldn’t do anything about a situation. “He’s the type who is going to learn the hard way.”

Kay sighed and looked across the room to the door, where Daniel disappeared with a drink in his hand. “I just want to go home.”

“Go on. You don’t have to stay. It won’t hurt my feelings.”

“Really?”

“Yes, go.”

“Thanks. I just want to go home and make sure that everything is okay. I mean, the last time he ghosted me, he overdosed. I just don’t want him to be lying on the floor needing help, and here I am, dancing with a stranger.”

“Go! I’ll cover for you with Scott. I’ll tell him you weren’t feeling well.”

“Thanks, Marnie. You’re the absolute best.” Kay gave her a hug and hurried out. She had to get home and see if she could salvage what was left of her failing relationship.