The Pleasure of Sin Read Online Free Page A

accepting the fact that the only man who had ever made her feel reckless was the one man she could never have.
    Up until now, she had done a good job of accepting exactly that. Now, everything had changed. Now, she needed answers about Ruby’s life.
    And unfortunately, he was the only informant who was willing.
     

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 4
     
    Clay picked her up at exactly seven o’ clock, wearing a white polo shirt and khaki pants. His eyes traveled over her, taking in the black sundress she wore with strappy sandals. Heat pooled in forbidden places.
    “We should get going,” he muttered, leading her out onto the street.
    The Court of Two Sisters was ablaze with light when they entered. Clay quickly led her to a table in the courtyard. Tree branches decorated with lights created a twinkling canopy overhead. After taking a seat, she took the menu from the waiter.
    “So, how long will you be in town?” he inquired casually.
    “I’m not sure,” she replied, trying not to think about the strong thighs that occasionally bumped hers under the table.
    “If you need help packing her things…” he offered.
    “No, I want to do it.”
    “Have you decided?” The waiter asked as he appeared at their side.
    She quickly ordered the duck, while Clay followed with the crab soufflé. Their eyes met across the table, but she quickly looked away. This unease seemed to be a terminal illness they were forced to bear since that long-ago night. Still, she had to remember she was here for one reason and one reason only—she needed information.
    “I need to ask you something,” she ventured.
    He brought his wine glass to his lips, his gaze meeting hers over the rim. When he returned it to the table, he answered. “Ask me anything.”
    A fluttering began in her stomach at the implication of his low tone, but she quickly dismissed it. “When was the last time you saw Ruby?”
    He shifted in his chair before replying. “I guess it was maybe two weeks before…” he trailed off, his expression grim.
    “Did she say anything? Anything about someone she might be dating?”
    “No. We didn’t exactly talk about who we were dating. For obvious reasons.”
    “Did she say anything that might provide a clue as to what happened to her?”
    He shook his head. “No. Like I told the police, I don’t have any idea what happened or why.”
    The waiter appeared with their plates before disappearing again.
    “After the split, we still met every couple of weeks for lunch. You know, just to keep in touch,” he elaborated.
    “Wasn’t that awkward? Especially when you were dating someone else?” she prodded.
    He leaned back in his chair, a curious smile forming. “Oddly, no. Things were never awkward with Ruby. I always thought it was because she loved life so much, nothing could bring her down,” he reminisced.
    “Until someone did,” she reminded him absently.
    He leaned across the table, his hand covering hers. His thumb trailed lazy circles over the back of her hand, causing her to flinch.
    “I know it’s been hard for you,” he observed cautiously.
    She sighed heavily. “It’s been hard for all of us.”
    “That’s not what I mean. I know that you felt like Ruby was your responsibility, that it was up to you to protect her,” he began slowly. Tears hovered in the corners of her eyes, threatening to fall. “It wasn’t your fault, Jade,” he assured her.
    She pulled her hand away, clearing her throat. “So, what did you two talk about when you met for lunch?”
    The look in his eyes told her that he wanted to press the issue, but didn’t. For now, he would give her the polite conversation she needed to keep it together. “Lots of things. Work, life, family. Whatever seemed important at the moment. You know Ruby—she could talk about anything.”
    Jade took a tentative sip of wine, savoring the flavor as it slid down her throat. “And she never mentioned whom she was seeing?”
    He shook his head. “No. She said