Page 15 of The CEO's Revenge

I saw her chin stick out defiantly. “It wouldn’t be the first time you stood me up, would it? I’m more surprised that you did show up, actually. Or perhaps because it’s daytime and you prefer to have your sordid little escapades after dark.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Whatever that means. If you didn’t want me here, you shouldn’t have arranged to have that email sent to me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I sent it to all the alumni. You had the choice to pass. So don’t blame me for your presence here.”

I shrugged. “I’m here to support my old school.”

“Good. Support duly noted.”

“Savvie! Sweetheart! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you. Monica told me I could find you here!”

I looked up to see Robert had come around the corner of the tent. I felt as if he had punched me in the stomach when he put his arms around Savannah from behind, and embraced her tightly. He looked at me, a carefully practiced half-smile on his lips.

“Hey there, Max. I heard you were out. Long time no see.”

I looked at him expressionlessly for a few seconds. All the hatred I felt was like red-hot lava in my guts, and my hands itched to curl into a fist and slam that irritating smile off his ridiculous face. But not now. My time will come. Without a word, I turned on my heels and walked away, feeling both their eyes boring into my back.

6

SAVANNAH

Iwatched as Max walked away. His long legs carried him halfway across the field before I could even react to his departure.

Damn him.

When I first saw Lisa’s expression, she knew all about my relationship with Max, my heart felt like it had dropped to the pit of my stomach. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I turned around to face him.

Dizziness threatened to overtake me and my knees felt weak, but thankfully, my moment of weakness went as the venom spewed between us. He was furious, but so was I. Good. That would mean there was no hope of any sort of lovey-dovey reunion. The battle lines were drawn and I would keep them that way. How dare he expect me to play the dutiful girlfriend while he was having affairs behind my back.

Since he had so emphatically stated the only reason for his presence was in support of his school, I would collect whatever he was willing to donate and call it a day, but damn it all… if he didn’t make my stomach tight with desire. And I could not stop thinking about what he would think if I were to lunge at him and taste his lips. He was obviously not thinking the same thing because his face was hard and stony.

Thank God, Robert’s voice rang out. I was so disturbed I barely felt his arms come around me. My usual response to his closeness was always to step away, but not this time. This time I welcomed it.

I felt strangely empty and suddenly annoyed by Robert’s presence.

“What was that all about?” Robert murmured close to my ear.

I stepped out of his embrace and turned to him with a forced smile. “We were discussing his donation.”

One blond eyebrow rose. “Oh? I guess he didn’t give back all the money he stole after all if he is able to donate to charity.” His lips tightened. “Or maybe it’s what he’s scammed from me since he got out. I lost two more accounts to him this last week, you know. It's like he's out to ruin me still. Ripping me off the first time wasn’t enough for him.” Robert’s face twisted into a spiteful glare as he watched Max walk away.

“Let bygones be bygones, Robert,” I said, even though I didn’t know why I said it.

Robert swung his eyes back to me, his expression hurt. “So a sixty-second conversation after four years of suffering merits forgiveness? Remember, I’m not the only one he wronged, Savvie. Or have you forgotten what he did to you and how I had to pick up the pieces?”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, Robert. You’re exaggerating, don’t you think?”

“I prefer to err on the side of caution. He was my friend and turned on me. I’m not going to allow that to happen again to you or me.”

I turned to look across the field once more and frowned to see Max coming back. My heart plummeted once more as he walked up to us.

“I like to be a man of my word. I promised I would make a contribution to my old school so here it is. I’m prepared to meet any shortfall in the budget for the refurbishment of the lab.”

“Keep your dirty, stolen money. We don’t need it. I wonder where you’re skimming it from now. Maybe you’ll be behind bars before the ink on the check even dries.”

Max turned his stony face to Robert. “You worry about your money and I’ll worry about mine. And, for your information, my money is clean and untouchable. I can’t say the same for yours.”

I looked from one to the other as they engaged in a dangerous silent war. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the security team approaching and knew I needed to diffuse the situation immediately.

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