Page 63 of The Grand Duel

He throws the pen at me.

FOURTEEN

Charlie

Iavoid Lissie for the majority of the next week, only having to touch base with her briefly when needing the files she’s worked on. Edna has kept her busy for the most part after my request to take her off Hannah’s case. I don’t know why I did that, but she’s seemed much happier, laughing with Edna, and spending the majority of her lunch breaks in with the dogs.

I wish I could say that I’ve been equally as happy.

It’s been nearly two weeks since I last went to the club. Since I last had sex.

For most, that wouldn’t be a problem. It’s not a problem for me—yet. But when you go ten years of your life only having sex at one establishment, the prospect of what my current predicament means is a dull one.

I can’t go back there at the risk of her spotting me.

It’s nearing six when I notice the time and realise Lissie would’ve left for the day.

Like I do every night, I head for Luna and Daisy’s room to let them out. They always run free for the final few hours I spend at the office.

I push open the door and unlatch their dog gate. “Girls.”

Luna clears the gate before it’s fully open. I roll my eyes and carry on towards the reception to switch out the lights.

On my way back to my office, I notice the soft glow of a light still on in Ed’s office. Which is strange because she wasn’t in today.

I presume it’s because Lissie has been in and out whilst organising the rooms.

I push on the door and find the room empty, Edna’s desk cleared of its usual clutter. I reach for the light to switch it off, but my eyes catch on the cream cardigan hanging half off the chair, lying mostly on the carpet.

Ed called to say she was sick last night, something she hasn’t done in years. I told her to take the day off regardless of how she was feeling this morning.

I was shocked when she actually messaged to say she wouldn’t be in.

With all good intentions, I slip into the office and pick up the cardigan from the floor.

With all good intentions, and the knowing I felt the second I saw Lissie’s cardigan, I let my fingers sink into the soft fabric.

It’s soft, warm, rich.

Veryher.

I lift it, bringing it to my nose, not being able to help it.

I inhale, my eyes drifting closed at the reminder. Of that night in the club and every moment since.

“Is that my cardigan?”

I fist it and turn. “Lissie, you’re still here.”

“Were you…sniffing it?”

“No.” I look at the fabric in my hands. “Yes.”Fuck. “I wasn’t sure who it belonged to.”

I hold it out to her, dumping it in her hands as I walk past her and down the corridor.

Fuck.

Fuck.