I walk toward Nelson, rest a hand on his shoulder, and before he can even open his mouth, I drive my knee squarely into his nuts.
“Don’t you dare call me a bitch again.”
The shock on his face is almost comical—frozen, wide-eyed for a beat—before he crumples, collapsing to his knees with a high, broken squeal.
“Oh my God!” Diana shrieks.
“Fuck me,” Aiden blurts out, caught between disbelief and laughter.
Jolene bursts into the office, cheeks flushed, eyes flicking around the room. She halts in the doorway, stunned. “What happened?”
“Nelson tripped,” I lie smoothly, without an ounce of remorse.
“I’ll have you arrested for assault,” Nelson wheezes, clutching himself.
I place a hand on my chest, flutter my eyelashes. “Me? I didn’t do anything. I was just trying to help you up.”
Aiden is shaking, laughter threatening to spill.
“I saw what you did,” Diana snaps, stepping forward.
“Saw what?” Aiden shoots back, grinning. “The old man stumbled. Happens at his age. And let’s not forget how Momactuallyassaulted Mia in publicwith witnesses. She may have dropped the charges, but it won’t take much to pick them right back up.”
Diana helps Nelson to his feet. He’s pale, bent, his hands cupped protectively over his groin.
“I’ll get back at you for this,” he croaks.
I wave a dismissive hand. “Promises, promises.”
As Nelson hobbles out with Diana propping him up, Jolene crosses her arms, glaring at me.
“You did not just knee that man in the nuts when I wasn’t looking.”
“I….” My hands fly to my cheeks, wide-eyed. I glance at Aiden, dazed, like I can’t believe myself. “Did I actually do that?”
Aiden beams with unmistakable pride. “You sure did, baby.”
That’s it—our composure cracks.
Aiden chuckles first, Jolene follows, and then I completely lose it. Soon, we’re doubled over, laughter echoing off the walls until we’re wiping our eyes and gasping for air.
Jolene straightens, still snorting. “While you were having all the fun, I talked to Huxley. I start Monday.”
I step forward and wrap her in a hug. “You’ll be amazing. Keep him in line.”
She pulls back and glances around the office, her expression softening. “I’ll miss this place.”
“You’ll miss Aiden as a boss,” I tease, tilting my head toward him.
She grins wickedly. “I know. But I’ll get Huxley’s chaos and limitless espresso martinis. I’ll survive.”
Aiden leans back against his desk, palms braced on either side, his shoulders finally loose. He watches us, asmall, quiet smile tugging at his mouth. It’s the look he wears when the people he loves are safe, when the storm has passed, and he can breathe again. That rare expression of quiet satisfaction, like having us here, laughing, is all he’s ever wanted. My heart warms, seeing him at peace.
“You ready to go?” I ask him.
He pushes off the desk, and shrugs one shoulder. “Been ready for days, baby.”
His gaze sweeps the office, lingering on everything. He takes a deep breath. “You know, when they say, ‘When one door closes…’”
