Page 2 of Sinful Addiction
“Lacey,” I warn again.
I don’t want her to walk out of here with this situation unresolved, but who am I to stop her.
“I’ve warned you for months.”
“Warned me that I’d run?Well, congratu-fucking-lations, you’ve finally gotten what you’ve always wanted.I’m leaving.”She pushes past me, snatching her clothes from the floor to finish dressing.
I clench my fists at my side, knife still in hand, but I don’t react past that.I can’t.I don’t want to see the hurt I put on her face as she walks out of my home.
“By the way, you are as much of an asshole as Alexander.You can rot in Hell where you clearly belong!”
The door slams leaving her words echoing in the air.
“I’m already there.”
A thunderous roar leaves my throat as I throw the knife across the room and its handle protrudes from the sofa.Only then do I take my first proper breath since Lacey slapped me and head for the bathroom.I need a shower to smother the rage.
After standing under the stream of water for longer than intended, I dress in one of my pristine suits ready to head to work for the night.
I need to get my head back in the game if I’m to regain my focus, otherwise boss lady will be the one to have my balls in a different vice, threatening to castrate me.
It’s quite ironic.Two different women want my balls for two different reasons.
Knox is waiting for me in the parking garage when the elevator door opens.Ever since we came back from California, he’s been posted as my shadow twenty-four seven.We get along well.I have a hunch he’s got demons of his own in his closet.He gets my life choices and often knows what I’m going to do before I do.Like right now.
I walk toward him with purpose, ready to get to work.My Range Rover door is open ready for me to get in, but I ignore it and walk toward my Audi.
The urge to regain control is strong.
Knox understands and is ready to follow me by the time I’m in the driver’s seat.
Having this time to myself is important.Especially when I’ve replaced my normal stress release strategy with my little pixie, and now I’ve gone and fucked that up.
Ever since Lacey fell on my lap, I’ve not been able to focus on anyone but her, which means my demons are on the surface.
Pressing my foot heavily on the accelerator, the purr of the engine vibrates through my body, cooling my thoughts.No matter what I do, though, they always come back toher.
It takes mere minutes before I’m pulling into the underground car park behind the club.Once I’ve shut the engine off, I wait in the car for Knox to catch up.He’ll be spitting bullets when he arrives but losing him in traffic was worth it.Besides, the guy should know better than to dawdle.
Speak of the devil and he’ll appear.“You and that damn car.”They’re the only words spoken from him until we’re inside the building and in the presence of Xander and boss lady.
“What did you do this time?”She’s fast to call me out.My left nut says she’s been talking to Lacey already.
“What makes you think I did something wrong?”
“Cut the crap.It’s always you.So, tell me, how many more times are you going to fuck this up before I get to intervene?Because I’ll happily cause bodily harm from where I stand.”
“Shit, boss lady, you really are upset with me.For the record, she asked for it, so I gave it to her.Maybe get your facts straight first.”
“Enough!You’ll respect my wife, Antonio.”Xander looks at Ava, jaw set, eyes still hard but his tone softens for her.“Treasure, how about you go and see your friend.Take all the time you need.Tony will take over here.”
“Thanks, baby.I definitely need to do damage control…again.”She looks at me with evil eyes, which kind of scare me.
“Just remember, whatever she tells you, she literally asked for it.”The slap on the back of my head makes me feel like I’m a teenager again.“I mean, thanks, Ava.I appreciate it.”I focus on Xander, hoping that’s what he wanted to hear because I’m sick of being slapped today.The only difference is he understands my dislike of being stricken across the face compared to the back of the head.
I fight to forgive Lacey.She doesn’t understand what that simple action means and the memories that come with it.Memories that must stay buried.
“She’ll come around.She always does.”