Chapter 85

Serena’s displeasure at Paisley’s late arrival was unmistakable. It took Paisley an impromptu “evil witch” performance to soothe her enough for sleep. Maria, exhausted, followed quickly.

Finally alone, Paisley checked Lucy’s messages, just stepping from the shower, when the doorbell rang. Past 10:30. Who?

The video display showed Dominick. “Seriously?” she muttered, ignoring him.

Dominick, clearly seeing her, plastered himself against the doorbell. “Paisley, let me in!”

His handsome face filled the screen. Sighing, Paisley buzzed him in. He practically collapsed against her the moment the door opened.

“Are you drunk?” she asked, steadying him.

Dominick, eyes unfocused, mumbled, “Paisley… don’t teach him equestrian.”

Realizing he meant Nathaniel, Paisley bristled. “That’s my business.”

“You should go home,” she added, trying to guide him out.

“No, I’m…” He slumped onto the couch. His voice dropped to a whisper, “Paisley, I feel awful.”

Seeing his distress, Paisley found a hangover pill. “Here, drink this.”

He obediently took the water, his movements slow, the veins in his neck prominent under the warm light. He looked devastatingly wrecked.

He drained the glass, then licked his lips. “This flavor… I remember it.”

Of course. She'd formulated those pills for him years ago, during his early company days, when business dinners left him overwhelmed. She always carried them now.

“You need to leave,” Paisley said coldly.

He remained on the couch, his eyes welling, his vulnerability palpable. A manipulative player, she thought.

“Why do you keep pushing me away?” His eyes, glistening with tears, held hers.

Paisley froze. Puppy-dog eyes? Seriously?