Page 176 of The Bonus

“Ahh…” I look around for divine guidance, rip the Band-Aid off, don’t let this go on. “I’ve got a lot on at the moment,” I reply. “The twins are settling in with Gabriel and I need to be there for them.”

“He’s already won, hasn’t he?”

“No. He hasn’t, and I won’t be getting back with Gabriel. Not now, not ever. I’m sorry you had to deal with him today, that wasn’t fair.”

His eyes search mine and empathy wins, I can’t end it under these circumstances.

Not today, anyway.

I mean, not that we have anything to end, we haven’t even kissed.

“Let’s meet up for lunch through the week, shall we?”

“Okay.” He gives me a lopsided smile. “I really like you, Grace. I think we have a future.”

My heart sinks, how I only wish that were true.

“I’ll call you during the week?” I ask.

He nods, seemingly mollified for the moment, and with a wave I make my way back up to the grandstand.

“Oh my god,” I whisper as I sit down beside Deb.

“What was that about?”

“Gabriel is a literal nightmare.”

“Why?”

“He just told Jack that he’s in town to get his girl back.”

Deb’s eyes light up with excitement. “How very caveman.”

“This is not funny,” I whisper angrily.

“No, but it’s hot.”

“Shut up.” All of these years all I wanted was for him to fight for me and the kids, but now that he’s finally decided to, it’s the last thing I need or want.

I take out my phone and text Gabriel.

How dare you!

A reply bounces straight back.

Nobody gets in the way of what I want.

My eyes bulge as I fume.

You can’t have me!

His reply bounces in.

But I will.

“Ugh, this man is infuriating.” I show Deb the texts and she reads them.

“Seriously, can I watch you two have sex? It’s going to be fucking fire.” She smirks. “Open an OnlyFans account, you’ll make bank.”

---