Page 11 of Runaway Girl
“Why would you do that?”
“Well, you said you had a few things to say to him. Now that it’s done, I thought the ruse was over.”
“Oh, Burt. There is no ruse. You had an arrangement, and you kept to your part. He will too. Keep the money… for Imogen.”
His wife was sick—the type of sick that didn’t get better. He could use the extra funds—deserved them, actually.
Although Burt had a hard time accepting it. “But—”
“No buts. Ethan made that deal. Let him live up to it.”
He looked dazed but gave a shallow nod. “Um… I better get back to work.” I smiled, and his expression softened. “I’m proud of you, kid.”
“Oh, my dear Burt, I wish I could say the same. $50,000 for leverage onme? You should have asked for $100,000,” I said with a wink before closing the door.
Burt’s deep chuckle lingered behind, giving way to my own.
Chapter 7
ETHAN
I didn’t even make it through the front door, having it out in the communal hallway so her neighbours could eavesdrop and catch me in the most perilous position—with a fucking pink dildo shoved halfway up my shirt and a killer bruise forming on my cheekbone.
Fucking hell.My girl had a mean right hook… especially with a solid weapon in her hand.
I wasn’t fazed about her outburst. If anything, I was glad when she finally snapped and showed me some of that emotion—even if it did involve Alicia knocking some sense into me.Who knew a plastic dick could be more useful than my actual dick? Not me.
Sure, I was an immature fool for baiting her, but I was disturbed, entirely unhinged when faced with Alicia’s cold indifference. I was dealing with a new woman. Someone I hadn’t met before.
I went there with the intention of saying so much, but instead, I lost my composure and spewed pure shit instead.
I fumbled…again. And I had no fucking idea how to pull myself out of the gigantic hole I had trapped myself in.
Alicia said we were done, which I was unable to accept. I had to keep fighting, invading her space to show Alicia thatshewas what I wanted.
And that’s what I intended to do.
Buckle up, love. I’m coming for you.
Alicia still had me blocked, so I tried the only form of contact I had access to.
A few dial tones rang when she answered the phone. “Stella Financial Management, Alicia speaking.”
“Ali, it’s Ethan.”
“Who?”
“You heard me, love. I need to see you.”
Beep. Beep. Beep.She hung up on me.
I didn’t even hesitate to press redial. When she answered again, her professional cadence had a bit of flint to it.
“I’m not sure who this is, but if you don’t stop harassing me, I’ll have security block your calls.”
Beep. Beep. Beep.
She wouldn’t even let me get a word in. Lucky for her, I was just giving a courtesy call since I was already on my way.
