“Wait.”A sudden idea hits me—an ugly, delicious little plan.“You’re right, Mike.Women pity other people, especially Fenella.”
I narrow my eyes and a wide smile spreads across my face.Yes.Yes.I could make this work.Let me be the victim.If I’m hurt, they’ll pity me, they’ll call the cops on Laird, and maybe they’ll break up.
“Hello, Alan?”
“Yes, Mike.Make sure they come to the office now and see it all,” I say, letting my smile calm my voice.
“You sure?”
“Yes.Tell them Laird Evans has gone off the rails with blind jealousy.”
“Alright.”
The call ends.I block all incoming calls, stare at my screen where Laird’s name and message sit, take a screenshot, and send it to Fenella.
Me:
Please help me.It seems like Laird is going to kill me.
Now I just have to wait.
* * *
“Bastard.”
Laird bursts into my office, and I can’t help but grin wide.Yeah, he’s furious this time.His eyes are blazing, his breath rough and heavy, and he’s coming at me with long, fast strides like he wants to crush the floor.
“Welcome,” I greet him, casual as hell.
“Cut the act.”He slams a brown envelope down on my desk like he’s throwing down a gauntlet.
“What’s this?”I ask, my brows pulling together just enough to make it look like I care.
“Don’t play dumb, Alan.I know exactly who you are.”His jaw locks tight and he leans in with that dagger look he’s trying to pin me with.
I push up from my chair, curiosity flickering.My hands tear open the envelope, pull out the crumpled papers, and I skim through them page by page.
“Oh wow, I’m flattered.Didn’t know you were such a devoted fan.”I drop the pile back on the desk like it’s junk mail.
My hands slide into my pockets and I tilt my head.I glance down at his hands just in case, but nah, no knife, no gun.Maybe it’s all bark and no bite.
“I’ve sent a copy to her, and she’s coming here.You’re done.”His voice comes low and sharp, like he’s spitting nails.
“Doesn’t mean shit to her or me.”I shrug.
“Of course it does.She’ll know your lies.She’ll hate you for life.”
“So what if she hates me for life?She hates me already.You’re wasting your breath.”I sneer, but he just keeps glaring.Those green eyes burn like he’s ready to torch the place.
“You know what?I’m done with your games.Just admit you’re into her.”He scrunches up his face.
“You’re barking up the wrong tree, Laird.”My grin turns crooked, almost amused.
“No.I know I’m right.You’ve been into her forever, since high school.”
And yeah, that’s a bomb right there.I’ve got to give it to him, Laird Evans isn’t dumb.Makes me wonder if he could actually outplay me.My eyes flick to my laptop screen on the desk.The CCTV plays, showing Fenella and Jessy stepping into Gene’s office in a rush.
“Listen, Laird.”My gaze swings back to him.“How many damn times do I gotta tell you I’m gay?What, you want me to draw you a diagram?”
