Page 43 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

It would all be easier if this whole night didn't feel like a date.

But it is not! This is just a work event, I reminded myself.Seriously, what has gotten into me? One minute I want nothing to do with him, the next minute I want a date.

I washed my hands and stepped out of the bathroom. I decided to walk back to my table, not really in the mood for socializing.

As I was walking towards our table, a drop dead gorgeous woman stopped in front of me. She had beautiful, long golden hair, and looked like she could be a model. Her face was beautiful, but her eyes were cold blue, and almost cruel. As she stepped closer to me, I realized she was not as young as I’d originally thought. Probably in her early to late forties, although whatever she was using helped to slow her aging.

“So, you are here with Kristoff, huh?” Her voice was full of venom and hatred. “I see he’s lowered his standards.”

I raised my eyebrows, taken aback by her comment. What the hell was wrong with this woman?

“Excuse me,” I mumbled as I tried to pass her.

She took my arm and clutched it hard.

“Do you know who I am?” she asked. I had no interest in responding and was ready to jerk my arm out of her hold, but she continued. “I am his ex-wife… and if you think he’s into you, you are dead wrong. He is just looking for someone to suck his dick. He’ll be tired of you very soon, you bitch!” Her voice was elevated by the time she was done talking.

I was aware people were looking, and I kept my cool

“I don’t care who or what you are.” I was surprised my voice was so calm. “Please let go of my arm.”

She was squeezing the flesh of my arm so hard, I was sure I’d have a bruise tomorrow.

“Last warning,” I whispered through my clenched teeth. Her squeeze hurt like hell. “Let go of my arm or you won’t like what comes next.”

She dropped my arm instantly. “You are just a pussy for him to stick his dick into!” She was yelling now. Her breath hit me, and I realized the woman was drunk.

My chest got tight and a feeling of panic hit me with memories of Jack and our last encounter flooding back.Not now, Gemma. Don’t think about it now.I tried to calm my racing heart, taking deep breaths.

“He’ll be rid of you soon.” She was causing a scene, and I was ready to walk out of this damn party. She grabbed my arm again, and I went to snatch my arm out of her grip. She might be drunk but she wasn’t letting go. I opened my mouth to say something when I heard Kristoff’s voice.

“Let go of Gemma right now, Jacqueline!” Kristoff’s voice was cold, but I detected fury underneath his calm cold voice. She let go of me instantly. I rubbed my arm as Kristoff put his arm around me.

“Are you ok?” His eyes were focused on me.

“Yes… yes, I’m ok,” I said quietly, my hands shaking. I looked back at the woman and saw her staring at Kristoff with eyes full of desire. I almost felt sorry for her, almost but not quite.

The wife that was showing me around was by my side again. “Oh my God, I am so sorry. Are you ok? I don’t know where she came from. Did she hurt you?” I hated that she was fussing over me.

“Yes, I am fine,” I said. I looked at Kristoff and went to turn around. “I’m going to step outside for a bit.”

“I’m coming with you,” he said right away, wrapping his arms around me.

“No… please don’t worry,” I said quietly to him. “You take care of your stuff. I’ll be waiting.”

“I’ll go grab your wrap and clutch. I’ll be right out.” His voice was firm and I knew there was no arguing with him.

“You must be good on your knees,” his ex-wife spat out.Ignore her… ignore her.“He’ll dump you as soon as he experiments his kinky stuff on you.”

I knew my face was burning; it felt hot. I didn’t even bother to look back at her or Kristoff.

Whatever their issues are, they can figure it out on their own. I wanted no part of it. God knew, I had plenty of my own issues.

I heard his angry voice but I didn’t care to hear what he was saying. I had to get out of this place. As I exited the tent, the cool night air hit my face and it felt good. I walked slowly over to a lone tree sitting in the middle of the property and decided to wait for Kristoff there.

Memories of Jack came rushing in. The infidelities, violent behavior, his drinking... everything I worked hard to forget. I looked down at my arm where Jacqueline’s hand was and bruises were already forming. It instantly took me back to Jack’s drunk nights. He would grab me anywhere and everywhere, leaving bruises and marks. He always blamed me. I wasn’t available. I refused to submit. I was lousy in bed. I felt tears prickling in my eyes, and I forced myself to stop thinking. This was definitely not the time for me to break down.

I welcomed the quiet, enjoying the breeze and the cool night. I shifted my thoughts to Kristoff. I can’t believe he was married before. How did I not know that? Oh right! Because I didn’t bother looking him up or asking around about him. At least I would have been somewhat prepared.

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