Page 96 of Scandalous Secrets

“You’re early,” I called from the kitchen.

I checked my watch. Monica wasn’t supposed to be here for another hour. I wiped my hands on a dishtowel and walked out into the living room where I saw Veronica by the corner bar helping herself to a glass of bourbon.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked sharply.

She turned her head slightly, her strawberry-blonde hair covering half of her face as she took a sip of the amber liquid. Her lips curved into a smirk that made me uneasy.

“Nice to see you too, baby,” she purred.

“You need to leave.”

She ignored me as she went and sat in one of the large armchairs next to the couch, clutching the cream-colored trench coat she wore.

“Smells good in here,” she said. “Are you cooking?

“I’m not going to ask you again.” I crossed my arms.

“Oh, Troy,” she said, gazing at me as she slowly spread her legs, revealing she was wearing nothing underneath. She put her bare feet on the coffee table in front of her, angling herself toward me.

“Goddamn it, Veronica.” I averted my gaze. “Why are you like this?”

“You used tolikethis.” She moved her hand between her legs, watching for a reaction.

“Used to. But you can’t take a hint.”

“Touch me,” she whispered. “You know you want to.”

She dipped a finger slowly inside herself and laid her head back against the back of the chair. I felt sick to my stomach.

“I wouldn’t touch you again if my life depended on it,” I spat.

I pulled my phone out from my pocket and dialed down to the front desk.

“I need security up here. Stat,” I said urgently.

“Are you fucking serious?” asked Veronica, snapping her legs shut and clutching her coat.

“Maybe now you’ll get it. I want nothing to do with you.”

A moment later, the elevator doors opened and two security guards came rushing in.

“Get her out of here.” I nodded to Veronica.

They went and gently grabbed her arms, lifting her up from the armchair she sat in.

“Get the hell off me!” she screamed and began to fight. “Don’t touch me!”

They tightened their grip and began dragging her toward the elevator doors. She yelled obscenities at them before yelling at me.

“You’re going to regret this! You are going to regret turning me down!” Her voice was shrill, and soon cut off by the elevator doors closing.

I let out a deep breath through my lips as I plopped down on the couch and put my head in my hands. What a disaster. I couldn’t believe she had shown up here like that. She was starting to become more desperate. I don’t remember her ever being like this when we were together. She was not the woman I used to know.

I suddenly smelled smoke coming from the kitchen.

“Shit!” I said, standing up suddenly and running toward the gray smoke that was now trickling into the living room.

The pork chops were black on one side as I pulled the skillet from the burner, the handle of the pan burning my hand. I let out a cry of pain before throwing the pan in the sink and running water over the palm of my hand. Steam and smoke now filled the air. I could barely see.

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