He shrugs.“Have you thought any more about getting back together?”
I can only stare at him.Is he for real?Is he on drugs?“In what universe would that make sense, Joel?You filmed me without my knowledge or consent.Then you sent the video to the entire workplace.You betrayed my trust in the absolute worst possible way.”
“Yeah, well you went and fucked my dad and Sebastian,” he says, frowning.“I’m willing to forget what you did, if you can forget about the video.”
I can’t forget it, though.I don’t know how I’m ever going to trust anyone again after this.Every time I get naked with a guy from here on out, I’ll be worried that I’m being filmed without my knowledge.And even if I can manage to trust the guy in that respect, I’m always going to remember this violation.
“It doesn’t make sense,” I say.
“They took you from me.You should belong to me.”
I can’t help my snort of disbelief.
Joel’s face hardens.“You aren’t going to back away from my dad, are you?”
I throw up my hands in exasperation.“I haven’t spoken to him or Sebastian since you threatened me with the video.Which is blackmail, by the way.But I haven’t seen them, all right?So just leave me the fuck alone.”
“How about I give you some more time to cool off?”he says.“Obviously you need it, because you’re overreacting.Crazy bitch.”
My pulse thunders in my ears and my entire body goes rigid with anger.
“Crazywhat?I can’t believe you—you need to leave, like, right now—” I stop speaking, because the elevator opens again.What fresh hell is coming next?This whole week just keeps getting worse and worse.
Two men step out of the elevator, and they’re so handsome that my heart shifts and shudders in my chest.
Mr.Tyler and Sebastian.Intellectually, I know those are their names.
But my heart?My heart recognizes them asDaddies.
The relief I feel at seeing them is false, though.Because by now, I’m sure they’ve seen that video of me and Joel.
They’re probably here to tell me everything is over between us.
I can’t fucking bear it.Not today.Not ever.
Kingston
Ella’s cheeks are pink, probably with anger, given the rigid way she’s standing in front of Joel.Her curls are coming out of her messy bun, like she’s been exercising or rushing around cleaning.If she weren’t facing Joel, I’d think her red face and dishevelment were caused by the cleaning—maybe hauling around that mop and the bucket of water.But because Joel’s here, I’m pretty sure she’s pissed.
I want to gather her in my arms, kiss away her heightened emotions, help her transform that anger into something else.Something more pleasurable.
But first, I have to deal with my son.
Bash looks like he’s fighting his own urge to embrace her.
It’s causing us physical pain to hold back.
Before I can say anything to Joel, Ella looks between Bash and me and says, “How did you know I was here?”
“We got a tip from a friend,” Bash says.Then he looks at Joel.“How didyouknow she’s here?”
“My buddy has a place across the street.I saw Ella coming in to work a few days ago.”
“Sorry to break up this delightful reunion,” Ella says, her voice cutting, “but I have a job to do.And I don’t want to see any of you, ever again.”
Before she can turn to go, I reach toward her.I don’t touch her, because I don’t think my touch would be welcome right now.But I do hold out a hand in a silent plea that she remain here.
“Actually,” I say, “what I’m doing right now, I’d like you to witness, Ella, if you wouldn’t mind.”
