Of course I had to wait for it. And of course, standing there only fueled the rage already burning a hot path through my veins.
I still couldn’t believe he’d left like that. Didn’t even say a damn word. I’d finally calmed Millie when she’d asked where Tristan was. Confused, because I knew he’d been right behind me, I’d looked toward the entryway, only to find it empty.
We’d gone through the entire apartment and when there hadn’t been a single sign of the man, Millie’s bottom lip had started to wobble a second time.
I’d wasted no time in phoning Izzy and asking her to watch Millie.
“Fucking asshole.”
The angry words rolled off my tongue just as the elevator slid open. And wouldn’t you know it, the older couple from the other day stepped out again. This time though, when they pinned me with their disapproving stares, I lifted my shoulders to my ears.
“What?”
The woman hugged her husband’s arm tighter, and the two of them increased their pace as much as their elderly legs allowed them.
I felt bad for being rude. This wasn’t who I was. It was one more thing that was Tristan’s fault. With a heavy sigh, I slumped against the back of the car. I’d known this play-pretend thing with him would be a mistake. I’d just stupidly hoped to be wrong.
An annoying ding broke through my thoughts, signaling my arrival on the top floor. The doors slid open, and just like that, my anger renewed.
How many times had I strode down this hallway, only to find the man half-naked entertaining some bimbo he’d picked up from who knew where? Too many damn times. Maybe once I’d given him a piece of my mind, I’d hand in my resignation as well.
Yes, I think I’ll do that.
It didn’t take long for my fury-filled strides to carry me to the door. Curling both hands into fists, I slammed them against the wood over and over again.
It hurt. Pain shot from the bones in my fingers up my arms. I didn’t care. Didn’t care if he was buried balls deep, I wouldn’t stop until he opened the damn door and heard what I had to say.
Bang.
Bang.
Bang.
I kept going, pulling my hands back, ready to deliver another blow. Only instead of connecting with the door this time, my fists landed on hot, hard, sweaty muscles.
“What the fuck?” Tristan growled.
Oh, I could growl too.
Striking my palms against his naked pecs, I shoved him inside and kicked the door shut.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I poked my finger in his chest. “If you hadother plans, you should’ve said so. Instead, you got a little girl all happy and excited only to break her damn heart.” Spearing my hands through my hair, I tugged hard at the ends. “I knew this was a mistake. I should’ve never let you into her life...or mine.” I stabbed his chest again. “I’m done with this arrangement, and I’m done with you.”
I glared at him. He glared right back. Ugh. Damn him for looking all kinds of sinful with those dark, wet strands falling over the side of his face and his gym shorts riding way too low on his hips.
And damn him to fucking hell for making me feel things I hadn’t felt in a really long time.
“I quit,” I spat. “I want a divorce…or annulment…whatever. I just want to bedonewith you.”
Without second-guessing the words, I stomped to the door. Three steps into my dramatic exit, a big hand clamped on my upper arm and spun me around.
“No.” His voice held an edge to it I hadn’t heard before.
His jaw ticked fast, and those dark eyes pierced straight through me. It would’ve been intimidating if it weren’t for the idiotic butterflies flapping away in my belly or the delicious shiver skating over my skin.
I ignored my body’s reaction and lifted my chin, meeting his intense stare. “I. Quit.”
“No,” he snapped as if I hadn’t heard him the first time.
