Page 28 of Playing With Secrets
“I used to believe you when you spoke about her, but it’s so clear now. They want you two together, so that’s what’s going to happen.”
My gaze widens and resolve snaps over me like armor. “No, that’s not anywhere near the truth. She’s a business ally, and that’s it.”
“Have you ever slept with her?” Dorothy's eyes maniacally dart around my face.
Goddamn, she’s all over the fucking place.
“Dorothy, you?—”
She clenches her teeth. “Answer the question.”
“I’ve begged you not to lie to me, so I’ll give you the same courtesy. We used to hook up, but it hasn’t happened in a long time.” I hold her furious gaze. “Trust me. I have no interest in Ava like that.”
“Yet you’re with her almost every week, attending events as a couple.” Dorothy stomps to her sofa and slams herself against the cushions. “I’m so stupid.”
I must have gotten out of my car in some version of hell.
A discussion about Ava and me is a delicate topic. I can’t risk Dorothy knowing what Ava has over my head. If it gets out, I’m ruined. There’s nowhere I can go with this.
“Beauty, you need to trust me. I gave it to you when the situation was reversed, so I’m asking you to please give it to me.” Walking slowly, one foot in front of the other, I approach Dorothy.
She’s a trapped feral animal, and I don’t want to spook her into another wild attempt to escape whatever has her fighting for her life.
“I’m at my breaking point, Hunter. I can’t take any more.” She covers her face with her hands.
“It’s going to be alright. I’ve always told you I won’t let you fall. Just tell me how I can help ease your worries away.” I go to her and take her in my arms.
She sobs uncontrollably while I stroke the back of her head.
Damn, this is rough.
It’s like I went through a reservoir glory hole and came out on the other side. This situation has me tossed around and drowning.
I’m so discombobulated. I have to work to get my mind straight or else she’s going to shatter.
It takes an hour to calm her down. She’s lying with her head in my lap, trying to steady her bouncy breaths as I gently caress her arm.
She rolls to her side and places her hand on my chest over my heart. “Can I ask you a question and you promise to answer it honestly?”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Where are you with wanting kids?” She pushes up so we’re at eye level.
Not the question I was expecting, but I’ll roll with it. “I want to give you anything you desire. That hasn’t changed.”
“You’ve said that before. But deep down, what do you want?”
“I want what you want. As long as we’re together, I can get on board.”
I have a lot of work to do before I’m where she wants meto be, but I’m trying to get there. I’ve even enlisted more help from my therapist.
Therapy’s been difficult since Dorothy and I aren’t together. And this behavior from her tonight is more than erratic, leaving me on guard.
Her gaze drops to her lap. “If you don’t want kids, it’s not a deal breaker anymore.”
What the fuck?
I’m back to being confused out of my mind.
