Page 28 of Shattered

So warnings would be ignored.I sought out Cameron with an agenda.

To make Alek jealous.

To make him feel the same way I did when I saw her rubbing against him.

It worked.

A little too well.

So…did I bring this on myself?

Apparently.

But I’m still not excusing his macho attitude toward me.“I’ve had my say and it’s finished.”We’ll see about that.

Mumbling to myself about what I should have said in response instead of simply walking away, I washed my hands and headed back out to the ballroom.Most of the people had already left, making it much easier for me to locate the obstinate man I’d come with.

Or so I thought.

Every step I took only reaffirmed how tired I’d become.It’d been a long-ass night.I’d done my best to support Alek, and I figured I’d accomplished what I’d set out to do.But between being ignored most of the night by everyone at the event, being verbally accosted by Jacinda, then getting into an argument with Alek, I was thoroughly exhausted.All I wanted to do was go home, grab a big glass of wine and relax with a long, hot bath before turning in for the evening.

I was willing to let bygones be bygones if he’d just take me home.I’d forgive him his overreaction to Cameron and me chatting.Hell, I’d even forgive him his arrogant comments if he’d simply whisk me away from there.

Searching for Alek, I’d walked around the perimeter of the grand ballroom then made my way through the crowds of remaining people.But I couldn’t find him.

When my efforts proved fruitless, I opened my clutch and pulled out my cell.I dialed his number but it went straight to voicemail.Where the hell is he?

Before making another round to search for him, I walked outside to take in some fresh air, hoping it would wake me up some.The cool air hit my skin and instantly made me shiver.Damn, it’s chilly out.Wrapping my arms around myself to save whatever body heat I had left, I paced back and forth in front of the building.When I’d turned around to start in the other direction, I was hit with a sight which made my stomach turn.

My heart sped up.

I’d suddenly become warm.

My anger flared inside me, heating me up until I was ready to blow.

Alek was standing to the far right of the building’s entrance, looking as if he was also starved for some fresh air.But he wasn’t alone.Jacinda was standing right next to him, her arm resting on his shoulder.

I’d always thought the sayingseeing redwas an exaggeration, but it totally happened.Red specks of rage clouded my vision.They danced in front of me as if beckoning me to take action.

Flabbergasted with the scene unfolding in front of me, I tried to calm myself before I went berserk.The feelings dancing inside me wanted an escape and although I wanted to give in, I knew it was wise to take a step back, take a deep breath and compose myself before I did or said something I’d never be able to take back.

In the midst of trying to calm myself, my eyes never leaving the two of them, I caught her attention.Before I could look away, she leaned up on her tippy toes, wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and pulled him down to meet her lips.

It was as if someone had ripped out my heart and stomped it into a million pieces.My breath escaped me and I’d felt as if I was going to drown in my own hurt if I didn’t leave right away.

Luckily, I located his driver with ease, shouting out my address as soon as I approached him.I knew he saw the look in my eye, thankfully never questioning where Alek was.

The whole drive home, I kept the tears at bay, chanting to myself over and over again that I’d deal with whatever happened.But not tonight.I can’t take any more shit tonight.I yearned for the comfort of my own space, to be surrounded by my things.My solace.

Flicking my phone off was certainly a wise decision because I knew eventually he’d try and call me.He hadn’t seen me there, watching the two of them together.For all he knew, I was still inside the event, waiting for him like a dutiful date.And when he finally went back to look for me, I wouldn’t be there.

I smiled at the thought of him frantically searching for me, worry and dread surely taking over his features.I knew how much he wanted to keep me safe, a trait which was both sweet and annoying at times.And the mere fact he’d have no idea where I was soothed my anger a little.

We arrived at my place rather quickly.I thanked the driver and practically ran up my front walk, eager to get inside.I was hoping Alexa was out for the evening because I didn’t feel like regaling my night’s experience with her.Not yet, at least.I was way too exhausted to even entertain my own thoughts, let alone explain everything in detail to someone else.

I made my way to the bathroom and started running a nice, hot bubble bath.While I was waiting for the tub to fill, I headed to the kitchen to grab some wine.Forget the glass, I took the whole bottle with me, taking a big swig before I even made it to my bedroom to undress.

Once my bath was ready, I lowered myself in gently, already feeling the night’s escapades slipping away.I drank quite a bit more of the chilled wine before closing my eyes and letting the water work its magic on my tense limbs.

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