Page 34 of Submitting to Them
I take in a long, slow breath.I’m not here to debate specifics with him.But I’m also not going to allow him to spin this story like I slept with someone he was actively dating.He’d been fucking cheating on her for weeks.
“Anyway,” he continues, “I’m sorry.It was wrong of me to say those things.I’d really like to make it better, and I think I can do this by returning to my old job.”
My brain does a mental record-scratch noise.Or, more accurately, squealing car brakes.
“Hold on,” I say.“What?”
“I apologize for my poor behavior, and I’d like to make it up to you by returning to my position at our company.”
Ourcompany.Hmm.
He goes on, “I’ve seen the news, and Kristin Wayfield’s disappearance can’t be easy.I imagine you’re dealing with the investigation as well as trying to cover the responsibilities of my old position.Ruberetta needs more handholding than you can offer, and he likes me.”Joel sits back in his seat, takes a sip of his coffee, and looks out the window.
Completely at his motherfucking ease.
“A woman ismissing,” I say in a low voice.
“I’m not using her kidnapping as a way to get my job back,” Joel bites back.“I’m just trying to be helpful.”
“Right,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.Something about this entire meeting strikes me as wrong.“Well, I appreciate your concern for my company.I’ll take it under consideration.”
He physically jerks in his seat when I say the wordsmy company.If he thinks I’m going to let him insinuate ownership, he’s fifty shades of wrong.
Just as quickly, he recovers from that discomfort.He pastes a small smile on his face and takes another sip of coffee before standing up.
“Thanks for hearing me out, Dad,” he says.“I know you’re busy, so I won’t use up any more of your time.Let me know how I can help.”
“Sure,” I say.“I’ll be in touch.”
I won’t, though.And if he has half a brain in his stubborn, spoiled head, he knows I won’t.
Ella
With Garth’s help, I’ve moved most of my smaller belongings up to Kingston’s penthouse.My tiny pile of clothing, toiletries, and books looks shabby sitting here in his polished entryway.Embarrassment threatens to heat my cheeks, but I angrily shove it away.Being poor is nothing to be embarrassed about.Kingston and Sebastian love me and they don’t care how much money I have.
I should be celebrating today, not worrying over whether they’ll think I’m after their money.
Taking another look at the pile, I grab a bag of clothing and begin hauling it to Kingston’s room.He told me I could have a spot in his closet, so I drag the bag there and swing open the closet door.
I freeze, jaw dropping.The closet is massive.His suits line one wall, and there are jeans and t-shirts stacked on shelves, looking as orderly as if Marie Kondo herself organized the place.
This closet sure as hell sparks joy.
One entire side of the closet is empty of belongings.Chuckling to myself, I start hanging up my few blouses, skirts, and dresses.I’ll be able to fit all of my clothes into a tiny corner.
“Ella?”a male voice calls.
It’s Sebastian.Even though I’m mad because he shared my video yesterday, my traitorous heart speeds up in anticipation of seeing him.
“I’m in here,” I say, hoping some of my anger comes through my voice.
He arrives with my second clothing bag and sets it on the floor next to my first.“Moving in, huh?It’s about damn time.”
“I’ve been either here or at yours just about every night, anyway,” I say defensively.“This just makes more sense.I’m going to give Kingston some rent money, though.”
“Yeah, he said that.”Sebastian frowns.“You’re acting weird.Is there a problem?”
“Nope.”I practically spit the word.
