Page 87 of Negotiating Tactics

“Quit while he was ahead, huh?” I said.

He nodded, narrowing his eyes as he studied my face. “Yes. Why do you look so upset?”

“You paid my father to stay away from me,” I said.

“Yes. And he took the money. He only asked for a fraction of what I would have given him.” His eyes sparked with anger now, the hints of amber brightening the dark brown, and I couldn’t tell if that was directed at me or my father. “And can I tell you something else?”

“What’s that, Noah?” I asked, my voice an even quieter whisper.

“I would have given him so much more. In fact, I can’t think of an amount that I wouldn’t have given for you. And he was willing to toss you away for fifteen thousand fucking dollars.”

I turned away, trying to hide my tears because the shock of pain made it impossible for me to stop them

Noah didn’t stand for it. He grabbed my shoulders and then turned me to face him.

His expression was a twisted scowl. “You’re about to cry? Because of him?”

“Not because of him.” My voice was timid, heartbroken, but I didn’t look at Noah to see his reaction.

I rushed to the door, and Noah grabbed my arm.

I wrenched away from his hold and whirled to face him.

“Don’t touch me,” I said, the tone of my voice clearly taking him aback. “I don’t ever want to see you again.”

I rushed out the door before he could respond.

As I moved down the street, I grabbed my phone, wildly dialing my father’s number.

The call went directly to voicemail.

I called again and got the same result.

Got voicemail again on the third call.

Logged into my internet phone account and called from the burner number that I used when I wanted to shield my main phone number.

Dialed my father’s phone.

He answered on the first ring.

I hung up without saying anything.

And went to the only place I could imagine being now, trying to ignore the fact that my life was in shambles.

I didn’t have my building.

I didn’t have my father.

I didn’t have Noah.

“Alex, what’s wrong?” Birdie asked when she pulled open her penthouse door.

Before I could speak, I burst into tears.

Twenty-Three

Noah

---