Page 250 of The Bonus

“All I’m saying is…”

“What are you saying?”

“He always said that you were his one that got away, you were the girl he was supposed to live happily ever after with.”

I get a lump in my throat as I listen.

“Pride ruins a lot of relationships, Grace.”

“You think I’m going to ruin this?” I whisper.

“Look…it’s…” He shrugs. “He deserves to be happy.” He gives me a stifled smile. “And so do you and the kids.”

“Mark.” My eyes search his. “What if… He terrifies me.”

“Yeah, well…” He smiles sadly. “Grand love always does.”

“That sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

“Mine didn’t work out so good.”

“Why not?”

“Pride.”

“Yours?” I frown.

The back door opens and we look up to see Gabriel standing on the porch, he’s on phone and looking down at us. He holds his hand up in question at the two of us sitting together by the pool.

“What’s he doing?” I ask.

“Being a jealous prick.” He stands. “Got to go before I get my head ripped off.”

I giggle and watch him walk into the house. Gabriel says something as he passes him by and pretends to swing a punch, Mark laughs and keeps walking.

I sit alone by the pool…just me and my confused thoughts.

Four hours later, I lie on the couch, channel surfing as I listen to Gabriel rule the world through Zoom. He’s demanding and bossy, cantankerous and angry. I’ve come to the conclusion that he hasn’t changed at work at all since I left as his PA.

Still the biggest bastard in New York.

Weird.

He’s so mellow with the kids…and even me now.

A text pops in.

Do you need to go to the bathroom?

I reply.

Only if you have time

I listen to him wrap up his meeting, and he appears. “You okay?”

“Uh-huh.” I smile.

“Bathroom?”

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