Page 26 of Full Throttle 2

“Why would I? I love my wife.”

Carrington’s eyes almost rolled out of his head. “Men are not monogamous beings. You being the lone exception.”

“That’s bullshit. Like anything else, it’s about discipline and commitment. I love my wife, and I’m careful with her heart.”

“Of course, you are because you’re a pussy. The bottom line is I have unfinished business with Lila. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll get to handle two problems at once.”

Philip’s curiosity was genuine as he asked, “Two problems? Second time you’ve mentioned that. I’m the CFO, and I’m not aware of any problems that would require Lila James’s involvement. What pray tell are they?”

“After the past year, our company could use some good PR. I want to Sponsor Colby James and Lockwood Racing.”

“Sheeet!” Philip ran a hand through his hair. “You thinkthatwill make all the gossip about your lawsuits disappear?”

“Hear me out. Sponsoring Colby James would give us just that. It would show I support women.”

“And where does Lila fit into all of this?”

Carrington shrugged. “She might need to convince me I’m doing the right thing.” His smile was pure evil. “The way I understand it, Lockwood is broke. They need cash fast. If I get to exact my revenge at the same time, then that’s a bonus.”

Philip shook his head. “This is a bad idea, and you need to get over your bruised ego before it causes more damage than it already has.”

“Bruised ego? My ego is just fine.”

“Then leave Lila alone.” Philip punctuated each word.

Carrington pushed his chair back forcefully against the wall. “I don’t lose.”

“If this is just a game, then you should definitely let it go.”

“Did you not hear me?”

“I heard you. I just can’t believe you’re still letting your dick rule your head. If you can’t leave well enough alone after all this time, maybe Lila meant more to you than you’re willing to admit, and that’s an even bigger problem.”

Philip’s words hit too close to home. Carrington grunted. “Your degree is in finance, not psychology. If I wanted a therapy session, I’d go to a professional.”

“You’ve always been your own worst enemy, and I’m trying to help save our company and you from yourself.”

Carrington waved him off.

Not dissuaded, Philip continued. “It’s never a good idea to mix business and pleasure. You, of all people, should know that.” Philip alluded to the hush money Kelly’s father had paid law enforcement to bury theincidentand make it go away. “For the moment, we’ve quieted down the rumblings of our board, but in today’s world, NDAs don’t always guarantee silence. Don’t poke the bear.”

“So, I’m just supposed to act like Lila didn’t leave a mountain of destruction behind?!”

“If I recall, that was your wife,” Philip reminded him. “Shedestroyed that apartment. Not Lila. If the cops hadn’t shown up, Kelly might have killed her. How much did it cost you to make those charges go away?”

“Lila held her own and a pretty penny.” There was a hint of a smile on Carrington’s face as he recalled the incident. “Anyway...Kelly had no business at the apartment, and Lila left before I could explain.”

“Explain what? You were married.Aremarried. Not separated. Not divorced.Married.” Carrington was always a spoiled little shit, even when they were kids. It wasn’t enough that he had everything; he still wanted what everyone else had. And if someone told him no, he would run to his mommy and daddy, and they wouldfix it.Uncle Edward couldn’t protect him anymore, God rest his soul, and Carrington’s excess had almost ruined the company his father spent a lifetime building.

“She left me!”

Philip felt Carrington was on the borderline of a temper tantrum but couldn’t catch the words before they left his mouth. “How on earth can you be mad at Lila for leaving? How do you blame her for that?”

“Damn!” Carrington snarled. “Why are you on her side? You must want to fuck her.”

Carrington’s words felt like a slap in the face. It took all Philip’s willpower not to throat punch Carrington. “How about I’m just a decent guy?! The bottom line is you were the one that lied to Lila. She had no idea you were married and had children until Kelly arrived at the apartment.”

“Yeah. You definitely want her for yourself.” Carrington plastered a smug, all-knowing smile on his face.

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