Page 97 of Sweet Wicked Vows

“He didn’t have to bring you, though,” she countered. “All I am saying is that maybe he is like this because he’s never had to express his emotions before with a woman.”

“I’m not asking for much, just a little communication like normal married couples.”

“You’re not an ordinary married couple, though. You said it yourself. Your marriage is a business transaction.”

Ouch.

I wasn’t sure if it stung because it was the truth or because I no longer looked at us that way.

“Unless something has changed?”

For me? Everything had changed. The same I wasn’t sure could be said for Jaxon.

“I thought as much,” Lola said after a few minutes of silence.“Look, we both know I am not the best for relationship advice. We’ve all seen my love life. It’s a complete fiery car wreck.” A hint of sadness crept into her laugh. “But, I guess what you need to decide is whether or not this thing between you is worth fighting for.”

“And if it isn’t?”

She scratched under Bell’s chin. “Then, in six months, you get to walk away, no strings attached. Kick his stubborn ass to the curb and file for divorce.”

I swallowed hard. Could I truly just walk away in six months and never look back? Move on with my life and pretend that the last year never happened?

“However,” Lola continued. “If it is worth fighting for, then you grab that beautiful French bastard and you tell him how you feel. You make him listen and lay it all out for him.”

“What if he doesn’t feel the same way?”

“Then fuck him. It’s his loss big time,” she said. “You can walk away without always wondering what if. So, the real question is what doyouwant from this?”

“I…”

The chime of the front doorbell cut me off.

I drained my wine glass and padded barefoot down to the door. Opening it, I expected to find the pizza delivery guy with dinner, instead, I found myself staring at a waking nightmare.

Laurence Larkin.

Chapter Thirty

At this point, I was certain the world was purposely trying to screw me over.

Laurence stood on the porch, dressed in his usual attire. Cream jumper, brown trousers, and a charming smile that no longer made me swoon on my feet.

Months ago, even thinking about him, let alone seeing him, tore my lungs into shreds and brought hot, painful tears to my eyes.

Now, I felt nothing.

Not a single damn thing.

“Evelyn,” he drew my name out. It sounded wrong coming from his mouth after months of being with Jaxon. “You’re looking as lovely as ever.”

That was a plain-faced lie.

Standing in old pajama bottoms, make-up long gone, hair bundled atop my head, and Jaxon’s plain black top hanging near my knees, I knew I looked anything butlovely.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “How did you get this address?”

“Aren’t you going to invite me in? Show me around your new home?”

My day was exhausting enough without dealing with Laurence and his mind games. Irritation and impatience told me to closethe door in his face. “Answer the questions.”

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