Trust Me

By Clara Bayard

"I thought I was willing to do anything to find my sister. Risk anything. Everything. But this..?"

Amanda's search for her sister in a glitzy but shadow-filled world of sex and money grows ever more dangerous. As the attraction between her and Trey deepens, and the mystery expands, she has to figure out if there really is anyone she can trust...including herself.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Clara Bayard presents the next installment of her steamy and thrilling new adult romantic suspense novella serial.

***** To see where it all started, grab a copy of Help Me *****

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rising Books
• Release date: Mar 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498925280

Book preview

Chapter One

My mouth dropped open and I stared at Trey. A hundred things were happening inside my mind and body, all of them confusing. Warmth filled me, stoked by the butterflies in my stomach. But through the haze, my brain rioted and won the battle. Instead of stripping and ignoring the consequences, I spoke.

"And why am I taking my dress off?"

He smirked, his dark eyes flashing playfully. Two reasons. One, it will make sure we don’t get murdered and dumped in an alley in the Northeast when Peter comes back in here, and the other…well, let’s just say I’m wondering if the reality is as fantastic as what I’m imagining.

I started to smile but then stopped myself. As much as Trey’s playfulness comforted and excited me, I couldn’t forget why I was here. What had brought be to the Eden Club in the first place.

What’s wrong? He hurried over and took my hand. I was kidding about the murder thing. Nothing bad is going to happen to us.

No, I whispered. It wasn’t that. I was just thinking about my sister.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be making jokes and flirting. I just thought if I could take your mind off of things…

Don’t apologize, Trey. You’re the only thing that’s keeping me from falling apart completely right now.

He grinned. That’s nice to hear. I’m not used to being the helpful one.

I don’t believe that.

He laughed harshly. You should. Shit, Amanda. I’m not good for anything.

I shook my head. You’ve been good to me. Good for me.

Can I quote you on that? Actually, hold on. Let me call my father and you can tell him yourself. It’s the only way he’d believe it.

I smiled, but could see the pain behind his eyes, and I realized in a very short time I’d really begun to care about Trey. It made me sad to think of him in pain. Without really thinking, I took his hand in mine and squeezed lightly, trying to comfort him.

He stammered a bit when he spoke again. If-if this is going to work, we need to work together. I can cover you being here, and only seeing me, but you’ve got to sell it too.

I know.

Most of the girls here like me but they’ll talk about things with each other that they never would with a member.

That makes sense. So how do I get them to trust me enough?

He shrugged and licked his lips. I’m not sure, honestly. This isn’t a business that easily lends itself to being open with others.

I guess I just have to talk to them, see who seems like a good shot.

Yeah. Trey paused, looking down at our entwined fingers. Let me just ask you this once and I’ll leave it alone. Are you sure you want to do this? There are other ways. My family knows people. We could get a private investigator, or something. Your sister didn’t disappear off the face of the earth and I’m sure she wouldn’t want you here, doing this, to find her.

I shook my head and took my hand back, hugging myself. It doesn’t matter. She needs my help and I’m going to give it. And I can’t count on anyone else to find her. Anyone you hire isn’t going to be able to do this. I’m here. Inside. Someone here knows something. I’m going to find them, make them tell me and bring Kat home.

That’s very brave, but I don’t know if you realize what you’re getting into.

I blew out a puff of air, annoyed. I’m not a child, Trey.

That’s not what I mean.

Look, I might not know much about this world. But I know one thing. Kat worked here because of me. To support me. To protect me. To give me a chance to live the life our parents would have wanted. And that means I’m responsible. I have to find her. I have to save her from whatever is happening. We’re sisters. All we have is each other. So she needs me to do this.

Trey nodded but didn’t say anything for a while, just stared at me. Okay.

What?

Nothing. I was thinking I wish someone in my life cared for me that much.

You keep acting like you’re a bad guy. I haven’t known you that long, but you’ve been amazing to me. If other people can’t see that, it’s their loss.

He grinned and then looked towards the door. Someone’s coming.

My heart began to beat faster. What do we do?

No time to get your dress off, sadly. But come here. He opened his arms and I climbed back into his lap.

Put your head against my neck, Trey murmured as the door opened. He slid his hand down my back, tugging at my hair and then over bare skin.

With my face hidden, I closed my eyes and inhaled the scent of his skin. Peter’s voice filled the room, but I kept hiding, safe and warm in Trey’s arms.

Sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with you for a moment, Mr. Heller.

Trey drew small circles on my back with one finger and shifted his hips to put our bodies in perfect alignment for…other things. Kinda busy right now.

Yes, of course. But I’m afraid I must insist. I’m sure the girl will be happy to wait for you.

Something in his voice frightened me. I sat up and looked over, remembering the game I was supposed to be playing. Being so close to Trey almost made me forget. Sure, guys. Talk all you want. I’ll leave the meter running.

Trey tensed under me and I wondered if I’d said the wrong thing. The line sounded saucy and clever in my head, but I wasn’t sure how it seemed to them.

Won’t be a moment, he said before lifting me off of his lap and setting me down on the sofa. He took a long moment to trace his gaze over my whole body from my legs up, and smirked. This better be important.

Peter adjusted the cuffs of his shirt and I noticed a dark swirl of ink on his skin, barely peeking out. I wondered briefly what his tattoo was as the two men left the room, shutting the door behind them.

I kicked off my shoes and padded over to find out if I could hear what they were talking about, but the door was solid and almost soundproof. Not wanting to get caught, I hurried over to the window and faced away from the room, hoping to look bored when they came back.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I trailed my fingers lightly up my arm. It reminded me of Trey’s gentle but firm touch. I shook my head. This isn’t the time to be mooning over a guy, Amanda, I chided myself. But even in such a strange and precarious situation, it was hard to resist. I’d never met anyone like him. So sexy and sweet and funny. And so different from what I would have expected from a Heller. I still wasn’t sure why