Page 47 of The Way You Hurt Me

He laughs. "It’s not a secret, but some people judge. Anyway, it was always clear you knew and even clearer that you wanted that sort of lifestyle too. I figured you’d find your way to the Heritage eventually. But you never did."

I think about theHadorning my sister's necklace, and Camden's ring, and Rhys's bracelet.My friend Nadia has the exact same necklace as my sister, and earrings, too.Almost everyone I know has one. Dimitri's is on some of his cufflinks. He doesn't wear them all the time, though; sometimes, he just wears his wolf.

I figured out a long time ago theHwas proof that they all belong to a club, and as they're all swingers, it was logical that the Heritage was how they met.

"I thought I'd be invited eventually, too," I admit, hiding my frustration. "But it’s not exactly an open club, is it. No one has ever offered to take me, although plenty of my classmates are with you guys."

I sigh. Maybe it's because I was younger than Nadia and the rest. Maybe I'm just not the kind of girl they went there.

Dimitri nods once. "I’m guessing it has something to do with your confidence. You appear unavailable."

"Unavailable?" That's ridiculous.

"Kids your age are insecure hormonal messes. You’re likely the only one with the poise that says, I know my place. I know my worth."

"I see." At least, I think I see. "And that’s not attractive, I'm guessing."

"It’s fucking hot, Willow," he assures me. "But it’s not what young guys’ egos can handle.I will let you into the Heritage, petal. The only thing I want in exchange is the promise that you're done with Ruby Red Heart."

"I'm done. I don't need anything in exchange. I…didn't realize how foolish it was, to believe I could be safe. You don't need to extend a pity invite," I assure him.

I've already embarrassed myself enough for five lifetimes where he's concerned.The last thing I need is for Dimitri to pity me.

He looks like he's about to say something when someone knocks. I expect Doctor Palmer, but instead, the door opens in front of another blonde.

She's tall. Incredibly tall, and that's without counting the added four inches of Louboutin heels. And slender. And put together in a way I could never be. She's dressed all in white, in a tailored suit, the fabric a little shiny. The jacket's descending into a V between her tits. I don't think she's wearing anything underneath. I could never wear something like that; my boobs would just spill out of it.

In short, the pictures didn't do her justice.

Dimitri stands, and she rushes to join him kissing both of his cheeks. "Dima. Stevens said you were up here. What a coincidence. I didn't think I'd catch you."

"Irina. Lovely to see you. This is Willow."

I hate how good they look together, how familiar they seem around each other.

"Of course. Aren't you adorable?" she says, withthatsmile.

We all know it. Ninety-nine percent sweet, one percent condescending. It's the one percent that matters. We women pick up on it, while it passes way, way above most men's heads.

"I’ve heard so much about you, Willow. Dima is so very fond of you."

"Is he now?" I have never smiled so hard in my entire existence.

"Well, yes. I remember, at our wedding, when your sister said you couldn't come, I was devastated. I'd really hope to meet you. Now, Dima, since I caught you here, do you mind looking at the documents I sent through a couple of hours ago? It's just so much easier to discuss in person."

"Not tonight, Irina. I'll look in the morning."

She sighs. "Fine. Have your fun. I'll call tomorrow night, yes?"

She sends me an air kiss, and is out as fast as she came in.

I've never let myself feel any sort of way about that woman before.

His wife.

Now, I've met her, and I know exactly what to think.

I hate her fucking guts.

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