Page 41 of Downfall

“I made them a lot of money, and I tried to get out of the deal early, but Felix wouldn’t allow it. He already lost his son to college, then after only two years, his biggest earner was trying to jump ship. I offered him a payout, but he refused. He wanted my moneyandmy time. So I paid the Mori MC every month out of my own pocket. The original deal was five years, and that five years ended last week.”

I nod. “Okay. Thank you for telling me.”

“Anything for you.”

“I-I need some time. A few days to process everything. This is all happening so fast,” I tell him.

“I’ll be working upstairs all week. You have access now with your keycard. Come up anytime.” Kissing me softly on my lips, then my forehead, he stands, going into my bedroom to get dressed.

I don’t want him to leave, but I know I need some time alone to wrap my head around everything. But, in the end, he’s always been exactly who I want. My demon, my downfall.

Chapter 34

Kolson

Thepastthreedayshave felt like the three years we were apart all over again. I finally had her back, and I had to go and ruin it by not just being honest up front. From here on out, I will tell her anything she wants to know, as long as it means she stays with me.

It’s Thursday evening, and Abby sent me a text this afternoon asking if we can go to dinner. So I’m taking her to the nicest restaurant in the city. I know she doesn’t care about money, and actually has plenty herself, but it’s what she deserves—the best of everything.

I left work right after her text to get ready for our date, and it’s seven pm, and I’m knocking on her door holding a bouquet of white daisies. When her door swings open, she smiles up at me, and my breath catches for a moment taking in her beauty. Her chocolate brown eyes are lined in black, and her long, dark hair is curled and swept over one shoulder. She’s wearing the honey-colored satin dress I sent to her in Mexico, and it’s just as stunning now as it was then, the golden color making the caramel specks in her eyes shine.

“Come in,” she says, taking the flowers from me and wandering into the kitchen to put them in a vase.

I follow her, needing to be as close as possible. I’ve missed her, and I tell her so. It’s been a long fucking week.

“I’ve missed you, too, demon,” she says, then jumps into my arms, her lips crashing down on mine. “These days apart have made me realize that I can’t do this again. I need you, and not just gifts and pieces of you. All of you. Always.”

Her declaration leaves me breathless. And I return her kiss, pushing past her lips to tangle my tongue with hers. “You. Are. Everything.”

When we break apart, I check my watch. “Are you ready to go, siren? Our reservation is in fifteen minutes.”

“I just have to grab my shoes.” She rushes to her bedroom and back out again carrying tall, nude stilettos.

“No Docs tonight?” I tease as she slides her feet into her heels.

“Nope. With these on, I’m five inches taller.” She stands to her full height and steps toward me. “See? Almost to your chin!” She laughs.

I laugh with her, gripping her hand in mine to lead her to the elevator and out to my Range Rover.

We just make it in time for our reservation and are seated right away at a table for two in a quiet corner of the restaurant. Our server brings an Old Fashioned for me and a glass of Pinot Noir for Abby, then takes our orders. I order a filet mignon, and Abby orders her classic—a caesar salad with shrimp—as I expected. As we wait for our food and sip our drinks, holding hands across the table, something catches Abby’s eye. I start to turn to see what she’s looking at, but she squeezes my hand and shakes her head.

“What are you looking at?” I ask her, concern blooming in my chest at the look of absolute horror on her face.

“Um, my dad and his wife just walked in… and he sees me. Awesome.” She clears her throat, preparing to see her dad and step-mom, who I know nothing about besides that they are well-off and have a few kids. But I’m sure he didn’t take it well when Abby quit working in finance to pursue dance.

“Well, this is a surprise,” says a deep, resounding voice. “I guess my money is treating you well.” And I already hate him. I look to my left and come almost face-to-face with a short, balding man and an anorexic blonde with fake boobs that must be his wife.

Taking a deep breath, Abby says, “Actually, I’m here on a date with my boyfriend. No need to be so friendly on our account. Enjoy your dinner.”

I shoot her a sly smile, glad to see she doesn’t put up with her dad’s shit anymore. But apparently we aren’t done here because her wicked step-mother hasn’t had her say.

“Ungrateful whore,” she says under her breath. “Glad we’re finally rid of you.” Then she stomps off, her husband on her heels.

“What the fuck was that about?” I ask, watching Abby drain her wine glass.

“Two years ago, Lydia found out I had been working as a stripper through some high-society friend of hers. She told my dad that I would be a bad influence on their children, and she didn’t want me in their lives anymore. So my dad cut me a check to get rid of me.”

“That’s what that money was from? I figured you got an inheritance or your trust funded or something, and I never looked into it any further. I’m so sorry that asshole did that to you.” But truly, I’m more than sorry—I’m fucking livid.

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