Page 30 of Detective Daddy Next Door

"My ex. He got another woman pregnant after years of us being together.”

I look down at her. "That must have hurt."

"It did. It doesn't anymore. But I remember it sometimes, and it makes me realize no matter how much you love someone and how much they claim to love you, they can still hurt you."

I know what she means. I know what that pain is like. You can give all of yourself to someone and they can walk out of the door, leaving you empty. I'm in the middle of a divorce from a woman I thought once loved me. I heard stories; rumors of her bringing home other men. I never caught her red-handed, but I knew something was up. We stopped having sex and fought every single day. Every single minute it seemed like. She found fault in everything I did. When I asked for a divorce, she threatened to ruin me by taking almost everything I have, which isn't that much. I was willing to let her have it so I could have peace. When she saw that didn't faze me, she threatened to take Ellie away from me. She threatened to file for sole custody. I knew she didn't really want custody, so only wanted to hurt me.

Someone who would threaten you with your child that you love so much is a vile person. But she didn't follow through because she hadn’t ever really taken care of Ellie—it was always me and the nanny doing it. She knew she didn't want a child to 'tie her down,’ so she agreed to let Ellie stay with me. My heart still hurts sometimes because I feel like I wasted my previous years with her, but I'm glad I'm free of her now. Well, almost free of her. I only see her because of Ellie and nothing more.

I’ve been going through life just living for Ellie and work. Long Beach is the only place I have actually allowed myself to live a little. And I know once this investigation is done, I'll be leaving. My chest spasms at the thought. I'm used to having Bria close to me now; it hurts to know soon it won't be like this anymore. But there's nothing I can do about it for now. All I can do is enjoy the moment. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

"So, what's your story?" Bria asks.

"What’s my story? You'll find out soon," I say, and climb on top of her again.

Chapter 11

Bria

Thatnightwespenttogether in his house sealed it for me. I know I come off as a hypocrite right now. I know this may be shocking. But I think I'm falling for Myles Miler. Scratch that. IknowI'm falling for Myles Miler. I'm eating my words. Every single negative thing I have said about him, I'm eating all of it. How does one fall so quickly? Well, not so quickly—it's been a month and several weeks since we first met. Yes, we hated each other at first; it's a surprise that this man I couldn't stand just a short while ago is the same man occupying a mansion in my heart.

I don’t know how it happened or when, exactly, I fell for him. But I can take a wild guess. I started seeing him in a different light when we went to Micha's birthday party. He's still annoying to me, but in a cute way now. I don't want to bite his head off anymore. Well, I still want to bite his head, but in a different manner. Not to hurt him, but to bring him pleasure. It's been two weeks since my first night in his house. I've spent four more nights at his place. It's something I look forward to now. He invited me over again tonight. When I get home, I'll change my clothes and run right to his place. I can't wait.

"Someone's looking for you," Daisy announces from outside the office door. She’d gone to use the restroom.

"Oh, who?"

"Umm. She's right here."

"Let her in."

Daisy widens the door. "Off to lunch. Do you need me to bring something for you?"

"Erm. Yeah, maybe a drink. Thank you."

I give the woman who's just entered the office a once-over. Long dark hair with pink strands through the top falls down all the way to her waist. I suspect it to be extensions, but I don't dwell on the thought. She has on designer skinny jeans, a pink top to match her hair, and a fur coat. On her feet are pink shoes with pointed toes. She looks expensive. A rich potential client, perhaps.

"Please, have a seat," I say, and gesture to the chair on the other side of my desk.

She sits and crosses her legs and I get out my pad and pen to jot down our conversation.

"So, how many I help you? Are you in need of legal tax counsel?"She was probably referred to me,I think, and pin the cap of my pen to the notepad.

"I'm Sonya Kenning."

"Nice to meet you, Sonya. I'm—"

"Oh, I know who you are."

I smile and nod. My reputation as a good lawyer precedes me.

She eyes me up and down. "I see he's got a different taste now."

I'm confused. "He? I'm sorry, I don’t follow."

She laughs and stands up, putting her pink designer bag on the edge of the desk. She walks around the office and then comes to stand in front of me.

"He used to…" she waves her hand at me flippantly. "Never mind. I'm only here to tell you to stay away from him."

---