Page 90 of Marriage and Malice

The cartel has given me a freedom I never thought I would have. I’m not about to let my mother take that from me just because she doesn’t like what I want to wear.

“I don’t know who you’ve become,” Mom says, letting go of the bustier and taking a step back.

She crosses her arms and glares at me. “Do you think now that you’re running with that criminal bastard that you can have everything that you want? Open your eyes, Zoe. A man like him is only going to use you for what you have between your legs. He is going to grow tired of you and move onto the next best thing, leaving you home alone while he runs around with his mistress.”

Ava’s mouth drops open as I stand there, completely speechless.

The tight hold I have on my anger snaps as I shove the shirt at my sister.

Mom smirks as I approach her.

“You know I’m right, Zoe. A man like that is only going to bring trouble into your life.”

“Fuck you.” Venom is in my voice as I stand inches from her.

My blood is boiling inside my veins and the steam needs to be released. Now.

“Fuck you and fuck this shit. I’m tired of dealing with it. You think that you can control my life, but that’s over. I’m moving on with everything. You’ve made it clear that you don’t want to be part of my life and that’s fine. You’re not going to stand here and insult my marriage or my husband. Not when has shown me more kindness and compassion and love than I have seen in an entire lifetime from you.”

As the words leave my mouth, I know they’re true. The relationship I have with Christian might not be the best, but it could be if I get out of my own way.

I spin on my heel and stride out of the store.

Ava jogs to catch up with me, a grin stretching from one side of her face to the other.

We say nothing as we make our way through the mall and back to the parking lot.

“I’m so proud of you,” Ava says as she pulls me into a hug. “I know how hard that must have been for you. What do you say we go back to your place for celebratory drinks and a swim in the pool?”

I laugh and hug her back before pulling away and heading to the car. “Sounds like a great idea.”

As we get in the car and leave my mother behind, I take a deep breath.

I owe Christian one hell of an apology.

23

CHRISTIAN

Zoe stands in the doorway of my office shortly after her sister left. She gives me a small smile before coming in and perching herself on the edge of my desk.

My gaze drags down her body, taking in every inch of exposed skin before I look back up at her.

“Couldn’t have bothered getting changed before dripping water all over the office?” I ask, my tone sharp as I look at the wet hair hanging down her back.

Her bikini strings cling to her body, begging to be pulled, but I resist the urge.

After our conversation this morning, I’m not in the mood to play nice. Not when a thousand different feelings have been coursing through me since then.

She’s falling for me.

I’m falling for her.

She doesn’t think it can work.

I don’t see how it can’t work.

We’re opposites in almost every sense of the word, but I know that this thing between us is built to last. It has to be. I wouldn’t consider changing my entire life if it wasn’t.

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