Page 17 of The Woman

I look at Avery, catching her studying her food before taking a small bite.

“I needed her,” I tell him as he takes a seat across from me. “She served a purpose.”

Understanding immediately, Edison nods his head. “You needed to put on a show for Gramps?” After my curt nod, he glances over his shoulder at her again. “And how’d that go?”

“I think he bought it. I haven’t spoken to him or my father since, which is a good sign.”

When Edison looks at me again, there’s a sparkle in his eyes that a little part of me doesn’t like. “She’s quite pretty. I don’t know what your problem is.” I shrug in response. “So, were you serious the other day?”

I don’t need him to clarify what he’s talking about. The slight tilt of his lips and elevated sound of his voice are enough to tell me he’s asking if taking Avery off my hands for a night is still on the table. I ignore the odd twinge I get at the thought of it and answer, “Yes.”

“Tonight?”

I keep my focus on my food, chewing slowly before answering. “I need her for that gala tomorrow night and will need to take her for a dress during the day. Perhaps next week will be better.”

“I can take her right now and bring her back in the morning. I’m done for the day and don’t mind,” he says eagerly.

My eyes lift and slide to the side of him, where I see Avery has now put her fork down and is no longer eating but staring at the magazines on the table. I look back to Edison.

“Okay. Sure.”

Chapter 9

I feel the heat radiating off my scalp as I run my fingers through my hair, glancing at the clock for the fifth time within an hour. Why the fuck I’m feeling hot and agitated is anyone’s guess. But the fact that I haven’t been able to concentrate much on anything and definitely haven’t gotten as much work done as I had planned is probably a good reason. Not to mention, Anderson’s project is still not done.

Coming to a decision, I pick up my desk phone and press the page button.

“I’m leaving,” I mutter once Thomas picks up.

“Um, you have a phone conference in half an hour. Do you want me to change it?”

“Yes.” I put the papers scattered on my desk into a pile and slam my laptop closed. “See if they can do Monday.”

“Yes, sir,” he replies quickly. “And if they can’t?”

“Figure something out.” I hang up, grab my keys and cell phone, and head toward my elevator.

It’s a slow trip down to the underground parking, and I find myself standing in the middle with my arms crossed, watching the numbers get smaller. My muscles are tense, and I can’t even be sure why.

Once I’m settled into the sleek black leather seat of my Porsche, I smooth my hands over the steering wheel in front of me and start the engine before shifting into reverse. With my tires screeching, I pull out of my parking spot and speed up the ramp leading to the street.

I drive aimlessly for a while with no destination in mind, letting spontaneous turns guide me. But I know exactly what I’m doing when I find myself in a familiar neighborhood.

Coming to a halt in front of the building, I push my door open and burst through the apartment complex’s entrance, heading straight for the elevator. A minute later, I find myself pounding on Edison’s door, but I don’t even wait a second before I use my special code to open it and walk through.

As I step further into his apartment, the lack of sounds and conversation fills me with trepidation. After swinging my gaze to the left, my steps stutter to a stop after finally seeing them both, my blood boiling in my veins at the sight.

“Phoenix? What are you doing here?”

My eyes finally tear away from Avery, sitting on the kitchen counter with her top pulled up, breasts on full display, round eyes staring at me, over to Edison, who’s leaning against the opposite counter with his arms crossed.

“What the fuck is going on?” I bark out.

“What do you mean?” Edison asks, pushing off the counter and standing straight, looking at me like I’m the crazy one here, and I am. “I was curious, so I told her to pull her top up and show me.”

I stalk over to Avery and yank her tank top down before grabbing her arm and pulling her onto her feet. Hot blood whooshes through my veins, and I don’t even know why. I meet Edison’s gaze, and although he now looks slightly confused, he doesn’t appear surprised.

“I’m taking her home,” I huff, pulling her toward the front door.

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