Page 41 of It's Not Home Without You

“I didn’t say you did. You jumped to that conclusion all on your own.”

“I don’t have all day.”

“How much for my land back?”

There was something feral about the way he smiled at me. My skin tingled, and my body vibrated with want, waiting for his response. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware it was ever your land.”

“You know what I mean,” I said through gritted teeth. Seriously, who was this guy and where did the Max who’d been nothing but docile go?

“The land isn’t for sale, nor will it be. Eugene and I have an arrangement. If you don’t agree with it, you are more than welcome to move out. Or leave, that shouldn’t be a problem for you. Now, if there’s anything else I can help you with, please make an appointment with my secretary.” He looked down at his papers, dismissing me. I stayed seated like a dumbass, unable to move, too shocked to comprehend that Maximilian had just kicked me out of his office.

“What happened to us?” I hadn’t meant for the words to come out, but when his head snapped back at me and he froze me with his glare, I regretted wishing he ever hated me. His green eyes weren’t vibrant; they were cold. I never thought I’d be grateful for Abigail, but she walked in before Max could give me an answer.

“Honey, I have the best news—”

She halted at the door when she saw me seated across from her fiancé. I had to admit, the look on her face made me feel a little better. I smiled and gave her a wave. I didn’t need to pretend to like her any more than she did.

“I didn’t realize you were doing charity work.” Abigail’s sweet voice didn’t match the look on her face. She strode over to Max, glaring at me as she did. I gripped the edge of the chair, sure I had ripped it with my nails digging into the leather. That was a better alternative to getting thrown in jail for slapping the shit out of Abigail.

Because I let no one walk over me, I replied, “I didn’trealize trying to buy the land my grandfather lives on counts as charity.”

Abigail laughed then rested her left hand on Max’s shoulder, the engagement ring mocking me. “Why don’t you start off by paying the rent he owes. Then maybe you can think about buying the lot… If you can afford it.”

Nothing made sense. What did she mean my grandpa was behind on rent? I sent him money every week, and he had his retirement fund. How could he not afford to pay rent? This wasn’t the time to think about it. Abigail didn’t get a front-row ticket to my family drama.

“How much does he owe you?” I was glad I was sitting when Abigail rattled off the amount. There was no way she pulled that number out of her ass. She had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to throw it in my face.

Dammit, there went most of my savings. Still, I said, “No problem.”

“Plus, interest.”

But of course.

“Give me an hour. Do you want cash, a check, or the money wired?” I was not getting a car anytimesoon,but at least I wouldn’t be indebted to them. I was wrong about Max and Abigail; they deserved each other.

“You don’t have to do that, Freya,” Max said, but all I saw was Abigail’s perfectly manicured hand resting on his shoulder.

“I said I’ll have the money to you in an hour.” I got up, grateful my legs weren’t shaking.

Abigail smirked at me. “I’m surprised you have that kindof money. What did you do,get a sugar daddy while you were away?”

Because it would besohard to imagine I made something of myself? So, I squared my shoulders, stood tall and proud, and gave them a sultry smile. “When you’re really good at something, you might as well get paid for it.” I gave Abigail a wink, refusing to look at Max’s face as I walked out of his office.

Once outside, I let myself feel. My legs finally gave up, and I shook uncontrollably.

Why did I keep making mistake after mistake?

One, my savings would take a hit because I was too prideful. Two, I told Abigail I was a whore—spur of the moment kind of thing. Three, I should have stayed home. I should have known Max would never sellto me.

I was so mad I didn’t notice where I was going until I bumped into Dex. “Ow.”

“Wow, Freya, you okay?” He steadied me before I could fall.

“No, I’m not okay. I swear it’s a miracle I didn’t kill that bitch.” Then I remembered I was talking to a cop, and it probably wasn’t wise to say the K-word in front of him. “Kidding, I wouldn’t hurt a fly.” I gave him my most innocent look.

“You ran over Lucky the cat,” he added dryly.

This was what self-snitching got me.

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