“I feel bad for you. He’s always been tougher on you than the rest of us.”
And don’t I know it. “When’s enough, enough? At this rate, he’s going to turn me into one of those single crazy cat ladies.”
Lawson chuckles. “He wants you to be with someone he approves of.” His face pinches. “Not that anyone will meet his expectations.”
“I understand Dad didn’t approve of me getting married to a biker and he wants me safe. He even mentioned me losing my drive for my business in New York, as if I’m giving it all up to stay married.”
“I’m sure he made a compelling argument. It’s a shame he has so much influence over the MC, because I’ve seen how happy you’ve been since you’ve been back.”
I swallow over the lump in my throat.
“You understand that if you don’t talk to Viper, he’ll come here.”
I wrap my arms around myself and squeeze. “I know… I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” I struggle to keep the emotion out of my voice.
“And what are you going to say?”
“I don’t know yet,” I admit sadly.
I go into the spare bedroom and lie down, trying to ignore my aching body. I pull the duvet over me, snuggle into the pillow, and sniffle as the tears stream down my face.
* * *
Feeling warmth,I open my eyes to the sun filtering in through the curtains. There’s a dull throb in my head from last night. My eyes are still raw from crying.
After a shower and a coffee, my phone rings again, making my heart beat faster. I stare at the phone vibrating next to me before answering. “Hello.”
“Sophie.” Viper’s exasperated. “Why have you been ignoring my calls? I’ll come and get you… I want to take care of you.”
I briefly close my eyes and pause. “I’m sorry.” My voice breaks. “I can’t do this charade anymore. I want a divorce.”
“What charade?” he bites back. “That’s not the deal.”
“Our marriage was a mistake. I was there for a good time.” I cringe at my lie. “That time is over, and I’m going back to New York.”
“You’re lying!”
He knows me all too well. I gaze up at the ceiling and blink, trying not to cry. “It’s done. Bye, Viper.” My heart shatters and I can’t stop the tears from falling hard and fast. I cry until I’m empty.
Eventually, I gather the strength to get up and wash my face. I take my pain medication, put on another comfortable pair of pajamas, lie on the lounge, and sulk. This is why I never got attached to men. In the end, I’m left alone with a gaping hole in my heart. A hole where Viper used to be.
Our relationship began because of drinking and progressed due to blackmail. And then I got attacked by Viper’s ex. I should have known it was inevitable that our relationship would end… even though I didn’t want it to because I fell hard for him. Even under the circumstances, I didn’t want to think about the future because I was too happy in the present. I should have taken Dad more seriously. The warning, the interference with the fight, the threats. He knew I wouldn’t allow the MC to go to jail.
There are three loud knocks on the door, and it makes me jump. “Open up, Sophie,” Viper’s voice filters through.
My breath hitches. I’m paralyzed until he knocks again.
“I know you’re in there. I’m not going anywhere until I talk to you.”
I force myself up and walk to the front door. Each step fills me with fear. I slowly unlock it, willing myself to calm down and taking a second to compose myself. I leave the latch lock connected so that the door will open only an inch or two.
His eyes capture mine, holding me prisoner in their depths. There’s a deep frown on his gorgeous face. I take deep breaths and force my hands to stay where they are, to keep myself from unlocking the door and walking into his arms.
“Why are you doing this?” His voice is soft and sincere.
I open my mouth to answer, but I end up closing it again.
“Is it because of Candy? She’s left town, I checked.”
