Page 147 of Forbidden Harmony

“I’m on my way out,” she said. “And I havenothing left to say to you.”

“Are you going to see Preacher?”

“That’s none of your business,” she said.

“You need to get over this Preacher thing,”he said. “Look, I made a mistake all right? I know I did. I should neverhave been involved with Crystal, but it’s over now, and I know that it’s you Iwant. So, let’s get married, babe. Let’s start our lives together.”

“Are you seriously that arrogant?” shesaid. “We’re finished, Harrison. I want nothing to do with you. You’re ahorrible person. You’re selfish and cruel, and the way you treat other peoplewho you think are below you is awful. I’m glad we’re not together anymore. Ihated that I ever put up with your behaviour.”

His laugh was bitter and angry. “Is thatwhy you fucked Preacher, Addison? Because you knew it would piss me off?”

“It’s none of your business why I slept withhim, and Preacher is a way better man than you’ll ever be.”

“I told Preacher that you only slept withhim because I said to sleep with a random guy. He knows you only did it to getback at me.”

“You asshole.” She wanted to shove him inthe chest and stuck her hands behind her back instead. “What is wrong with you?”

“What? Does the truth hurt? Admit it,Addie. You only slept with him because you knew he wanted you and you thoughtit would be the perfect way to get back at me. Sleeping with someone like him,lowering yourself like that, you knew I’d hate it. You’re right, you know. Ido hate it. I hate that you let any part of that loser touch you. But youknow what? I’m willing to forgive you because that’s how much I love you.”

The laughter came spilling out of her, loudand harsh and unstoppable. “Are you fucking kidding me? Preacher is twice theman you are. He’s kind and sweet and generous and everything you’re not. Ihave sex with him because he is amazing in bed and he can make me come. Every singletime, Harrison. I finally know what good sex is, because of him.”

His face turned bright red and a vein poppedout at his temple. “You stupid little bitch. You’re the fucking cold fish butyou’re gonna blame me for our sex problems?”

Feeling both exhilarated and sick to herstomach, she said, “I’m not bad or cold in bed. The problem was never me. Ijust needed a man who knew what he was doing. A man like Preacher.”

“Are you in love with him?” The shock in Harrison’svoice made her urge to punch him even stronger.

“Get out of my apartment,” she said.

“He’s a convict, Addison.”

Shock infused her system, making her spinerigid, and her legs quiver. But beneath the initial surprise, she wasn’treally surprised at all, was she?

You’re not that shocked because deep downyou knew. Didn’t you, Addie? The years he skipped over, the way he avoidscertain topics or questions. A man like Preacher, a man who grew up the way hedid, would have a past and that past wouldn’t be all sunshine and roses.

“How do you know that?” she said.

“Does it matter? It’s true. His real nameis Simon Wells and he was a prisoner at New Cassel Correctional Center forarmed robbery. He’s a felon and a dangerous one. Is that the guy you want tobe with?”

“Get out,” she said. “Leave, Harrison.”

“Your parents are back tomorrow, aren’t they?”Harrison said. “What do you think they’ll say when they find out theirprecious baby girl has been sleeping with a convicted criminal? You think they’llbe proud of you? You think they’ll just welcome him into the family with openarms? Think, Addison! This little crush you have on him will destroy yourlife. Do the right thing and marry me. I love you and -”

“I don’t love you,” she said. “I don’tlove you and I never will again. Leave right now or I swear to God, I’ll callthe cops.”

“Addison -”

“Leave! Right now!” she shrieked.

He winced and backed out of her apartment.“We’ll talk later when you’re not so upset.”

“No, we won’t,” she said. “I hate you. Ifyou come near me again, if you ever speak to me again, I’ll tell everyone inthis fucking town about how you let Crystal leash you like a dog and spank you.Do you hear me? Do you think you’ll still make partner at the firm when everyonein town knows all the dirty details of your sex life?”

“You wouldn’t,” he breathed.

“Yes, I fucking would,” she said. “You don’twant to fuck with me, Harrison. I will destroy you and your career.”

She slammed the door in his face, leaningup against the cool wood and trying not to cry as she listened to Harrison’sfootsteps fade down the hallway.

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