Page 84 of Hook Up

Ryder thrusts out his hand, his face curled into an angry snarl. “Don’t do that again.”

“Or what? You’ll ignore me? Spout more lies? Treat me with disdain? I’m getting used to it, Ryder. Do your worst.”

He pulls the shirt from his body, tossing it on the bed. “You expect me to feel sorry for you? That’s rich, Greer.”

My mobile buzzes in my pocket just as I’m about to release a verbal tirade on my husband. Pulling it out, I groan at the caller ID.

Here we go again. Normally, I take any calls away from Ryder, but I’m done tiptoeing around his wildly vacillating emotions.

“Hello, Mr. Givens. What can I do for you?”

Ryder turns his head toward me, his expression curious.

“Ms. Hammond, I hate to bother you, but we really need to sit down and talk.”

Releasing a deep sigh, I realize there’s no point in fighting it anymore. The decision has been made. “I’m giving Ryder his lunch and a shower. Can I call you in an hour to set up an appointment?”

“That’s fine. Send Ryder my best.”

Clicking off the call, I turn back toward my husband, noting the confused look crossing his features. I shake my head in disgust as I glance over at his disheveled appearance. Don’t get me wrong, the man is still gorgeous, but he needs a date with some soap and a shower head.

As soon as possible.

“Was that my lawyer?”

Oh, boy, here we go. Round two, and this time, I’m out of ice. “Yep.”

“What did he want?”

A scoff flies from my mouth. “What do you think?”

“Just ignore him.”

“Do you want your lunch before or after your shower?”

“Didn’t I just get a shower?” Ryder snorts, and I have to bite back a laugh. This situation is ridiculous, and now I’m knee-deep in the muck with him.

“I can get some more ice if you like.”

“Pass.” He fumbles to the armchair, reaching for the tray.

“Your chicken is at twelve o’clock. Pasta is at six.” Taking a step back, I watch as he spears a noodle, making it to his mouth.

Hey, it’s progress.

Now, the real question is, do I proceed with our current conversation? I’ve already poked the bear once today. Why would I continue down this path?

One good answer—because I’m damn aggravated with said bear.

“Why would you want me to ignore your lawyer?”

“It’s not important to me,” Ryder mumbles, a noodle falling back to the plate.

“Seems our annulment isreallyimportant to him,” I fire off, my sauciness at the ready. I’ve been a modest mouse for the last week. Today, I’m swinging back.

Ryder turns in my direction, his brow furrowing. “Our what? You had Mr. Givens draw up annulment papers?”

With that question, the gloves come off as I pace brisk strides around his room. “You can stop pretending, Ryder. At least now I know why you refused to wear your ring and didn’t want to announce our marriage. It makes perfect sense when you see it from a distance.”

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