Chapter 40
Fiona
Looking down at the gorgeous navy–blue gown Isla picked out for me, I wonder how she talked me into going to this promotion party.
48%
Originally, I told her I wouldn’t go, but since then I’ve thought a lot, I told Isla I didn’t really feel like celebrating Jack or anything he does, but she argued that it would be a fun night out.
I do have an ulterior motive though. I’ve been working with Ethan and Mr. Adair on a new set of divorce papers. It seems like tonight would be a good time to give them to Jack and let all his coworkers know just how much of a snake he is.
It also helps that Ethan will be at the party too. As the owner of Silverclaw Law Firm, he was invited, so I’m sure he’ll have many businessmen and women there to speak with.
(+23)
When I first decided to go, I wanted to go with Ethan, but I didn’t mention it. I’m not sure how he would feel about that, and I had made the rule that I didn’t want people to know about our relationship, so I’m going with Isla.
“Stop touching your hair,” she snaps, swatting at my hand.
“Sorry, I’m just not used to looking…”
“Hot? Gorgeous? Stunning?” She asks, striking a pose after each word. I giggle. The dress is nicer than any I own, with a high slit in the floor–length skirt. If I move too much, it could expose everything.
However, Isla did do an amazing job picking the dress. I love the high neckline and single sleeve going down my left arm. I didn’t have to worry about shoving my cast through a sleeve since there was no right sleeve.
“Don’t put yourself down, Fiona. You’re gorgeous, and I know at least one man who will want to steal you away and have his dirty way with you tonight,” she says with a wiggle of her eyebrows. I shove at her as we enter the venue, but inside, I hope she’s right.
This week started off rocky with the arguments between me and Ethan, but after our talk and the amazing sex the other night, we’ve been really good.
Little touches here and there.
Lunch dates every day.
Kisses snuck between meetings.
Hot moments in the office after everyone leaves.
We haven’t had sex since the other night, but damn. Ehtan is so good with his hands that he has me anticipating our next night together.
Heat rolls through my core, and I have to squeeze my legs together and shake myself out of the thoughts. I’m not here to be with Ethan, though that would be a nice ending to the night. I’m here for two reasons.
Serve the divorce papers and make Jack regret stabbing me in the back.
“Here we go,” Isla says, sliding her arm into mine and pulling me into the ballroom.
My nerves kick into gear at the sheer amount of people, but somehow, my eyes immediately land on Jack. He’s at the front of the room, greeting a line of people. And who is standing right next to him with her boobs plastered to his side?
It’s Jessica.
1/4
22:39 MON, TAPE CAA
Chapter 40
She smiles at the people Jack is talking to, perfectly playing the roll of the wife, she jan’t It’s funny. They look good together, and the fact that they’ve both backstabbing Hars only makes them right for each other.
i
Some of the people he talks with look familiar, and I realize that I have seen them at work.
“Look at them.” Isla spits, disgust coating her tone. I nod and let my eyes run over the rear of the room:
Then, my eyes land on Ethan. I smile when Isda nudges me. He’s wearing a well–fitting navy suit with his hair perfectly done The smile on his face is a little tighter than his natural one, telling me he’s not fully enjoying the conversation with the couple he’s talking to. However, his shoulders are relaxed, and his hands move with ease as he talke
“He looks hot, but not as hot as you,” Isla says, and I smack her arm
“Stop it?” I whisper yell, and when I look back toward Ethan, he’s already looking at me.
I swallow the gasp that threatens to break free from me when his eyes darken, roaming over my body. The beat from earlier turns to a roaring fire as he stares at me. My mind screams all kinds of filthy things at me, but I try to push them away.
Ethan makes no move to walk toward me, but he also doesn’t take his eyes off me as he talks with the couple. Happiness flickers in my chest, warming me up in a whole different way when he runs his eyes over my body again then smiles a genuine, relaxed smile.
“Holy moly,” Isla mutters, fanning herself. “You two should get a room. The sexual tension between you two might just suffocate me.”
The couple he’s talking to finally walks away, and I want to walk over to him, but then a group of three men stop Ethan. They’re all wearing suits and look important, so I point to the bar to let him know I’ll be over there when he’s done.
I don’t want to interrupt him, so I take Isla by the arm and drag her to the bar.
“Is it always that heated between you two?”
“Well, it’s been a bit more heated since he came back from his trip, I admit, stepping up to the bar,
“What can I get for you two lovely ladies?” The bar tender asks, eyeing me and Isla. I step slightly behind Isla as he focuses on my chest.
“Two French Martinis and your eyes,” Isla says, curling her lip up at the man and sneering.
His eyes widen as he stammers, “E–Excuse me?”
Isla leans against he bar, getting close to his face and narrowing her eyes. “Since you think it’s your place to stare at my friend’s chest, I want your eyes.”
Surprise filters through me, and clearly her words terrify the bartender because he shoots up, his back straightening.
“I apologize,” he says to me, then adds, “I’ll get your two Martinis, on the house.”
Isla nods like that’s the only correct answer, and I bite back a smile.
“Good choice,” she tells him, but before he can get away, she grabs him by the tie. “And next time you think you can violate a woman like that, think again.”
He nods quickly and scurries away. I stare at Isla. I’ve never seen her act so violent. Usually, she’s the calm one while I’m the one who runs around like I’ve lost my head. Well, not really, but she’s typically very peaceful.
When she turns to look at me, Isla rolls her eyes, shrugs, and links our arms again.
“What? I’m tired of men thinking they can take advantage of you because you look innocent,” she says with another shrug.
2/4
Chapter 40
“Thanks, but that wasn’t necessary,” I tell her.
She scoffs in disagreement, turning and looking out at the crowd again. People mingle and talk, keeping their conversations polite and business related. I would have a hard time believing any of these people are friends.
“He wouldn’t have leered if Ethan was standing next to you,” Isla grumbles.
“Two French Martinis,” a feminine voice calls, and we turn. A pretty blonde woman in a serving uniform stands on the other side of the bar with our drinks. Isla raises her hand and takes the drinks, thanking the lady. I guess the guy didn’t want to come back, but it makes me wonder.
What would Ethan do if he’d been with me and caught that man staring? Would he get defensive like Isla or would he let it go like me?
I chuckle.
“He definitely wouldn’t ignore it,” I mumble.
“Would ignore what?” A deep voice asks just as a warm hand settles on my lower back.
I jump, startled.
“Ethan. When did—”
“Ignore the bartender staring at Fiona’s tits like they were his,” Isla speaks up. I spin on her, glaring. He didn’t need to know about it.
A familiar growl rumbles behind me, and Isla smirks. I swat at her, but she dodges and makes some excuse to slip away with her drink. That snake.
“Which one?” Ethan asks, eyeing the three bartenders.
“It doesn’t matter, Ethan. It’s taken care of,” I tell him, laying a calming hand on his chest. The fast thump of his heart pounds against my hand, and surprised, I look up at him. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
His eyes flicker between the two male bartenders, and I fear he’ll go for them, so I slide my hands up his chest and around his neck, gently pulling him toward me. I don’t need him attacking either of the workers, so I tug him until our faces are less than an inch apart.
Green eyes lock onto mine, and before I can say anything, his lips find mine. I gasp and pull away.
“One more,” he demands, grabbing me by the hips and slamming his lips to mine. This time, I forget about the people surrounding us and surrender myself to Ethan. His hands hold me firmly, sending waves of warmth through my body as his lips move with mine.
But just as I move closer, he pulls away, panting heavily.
“Damn. I can’t leave yet,” he mutters, pulling at his tie and adjusting himself.
I open my mouth to reply, but an announcement plays over the speaker.
“Mr. Jack Aldridge, please make your way to the stage.”
Clearing my throat, I look back up at Ethan who is now scowling.
“I’ve got to find Isla, but save me a seat?” I ask.
3/4
(+23)
Chapter 40
Immediately, he turns and nods before walking back into the crowd. I watch him go for a moment and then I make my own exit. I need to calm myself down, and I won’t be able to do that unless I take a minute to be away from Ethan.
However, my plans get sidetracked when I notice Jessica and Angela walking several feet in front of me. They’re whispering suspiciously and when they turn toward the bathrooms, I decide to see what mischief they’re up to.
With those two together, it can’t be anything good.
4/4
