I stared at him, aghast. Why was he speaking to me like a day hadn’t gone by since our separation? And not just that. Why did his tone imply he caredmoreabout me now than he ever did?
Something was wrong.
“You shouldn’t be here,” I said as calmly as possible. I drew the covers closer to my body as if they offered some kind of protection.
Larry shrugged. “You’re right. But then again, you shouldn’t be here either.”
I frowned.
He shot me a grim smile, like he was explaining something simple to a child. “Come on, Felix. You and I both know you can’t afford this.”
Shock jolted me upright. “What?”
Larry’s fake smile disappeared. “I saw you that night at the restaurant. And I know you saw me, too. Our eyes connected. Don’t even bother trying to deny it.”
I stared at him. What was his angle? Why was he here?
“I’m not,” I said slowly. “I did see you that night.” I found a bit more strength and added, “You shouldn’t be here. My boyfriend’s going to be back any minute.”
As soon as I said the words, I regretted it because of the sharp way Larry froze.
“Your boyfriend,” Larry repeated. “Yournewmate. Is that it?”
I was too terrified to speak.
“Answer me,” Larry snapped.
“Yes.”
Larry’s deep frown made me shrink back against the headboard. The last time I felt so small and helpless was the same night that Larry kicked me out. The feelings rushed back to me, dark and debilitating, making me feel as important as a speck of dust.
Larry paced around the room.
“I know for a fact you can’t afford to eat at The Bistro,” he said conversationally. “Not unless someone else was paying. And especially on a Friday night? You’re not getting in without reservations, which you somehow acquired.”
I watched him, too scared to do anything else.
“So, that’s what’s going on,” Larry said, like he had unearthed a hidden truth. “You’re a whore now, are you?”
I winced at the ugly word hurled in my direction. “What?”
“That’s the only explanation I can think of,” Larry said. “I mean, it’s not like you have credentials.No education, no skills… All you’re really good at is taking cock.”
My jaw fell open in a silent gasp. I was too shocked to reply.
Larry clicked his tongue. “There we go. Your silence tells me everything I need to know. You’re the perfect whore, too. You’re an infertile omega. Of course any alpha would want you. At least, any alpha that doesn’t want a thousand sniveling spawn running around.”
Something snapped inside me. I threw the covers aside and stood up with a snarl.
“Shut up!” I cried.
Larry opened his mouth to reply, but then his eyes were drawn to the bump below my chest. They widened in disbelief, and for once, he didn’t have a smart reply.
“What,” he said, “isthat?”
My temper flared. “That’s my baby. The one I’m having with my boyfriend.”
Larry stared, too stunned for words. When he finally got a hold of himself again, his eyes blazed with anger. “What? That’s impossible! You’re infertile!”
