Chapter 23
911
BRIGIT
The tour turned out to be far more fun than I expected.
Unfortunately.
Aside from the obvious— the obvious being mind-blowing, spine-arching, screaming orgasms all over Cormac’s face, it was great to see him doing what he loves.Wholesome, even, to watch him in his element, exploring what brings him joy.
I probably got a little more drunk than was wise, but I didn't realize the empty glasses were for spitting in after tasting. I've never been the type to partake in alcohol so extravagant that youdon'tswallow it.
It just seems a bit counterintuitive.
But despite my best efforts, the afternoon didn't suck.
He was fun and accommodating, even after the orgasmic high wore off. He let me wrap myself around his arm and lean against his shoulder without making me feel like it had to mean something, but I woke up the next morning and scolded myself for it anyway.
He let me steal a bottle from the shelf and didn't say anything, even though Iknowhe saw me stuff it in my purse.
It was just compensation for the hours— and orgasms— he stole from me.
Driving through the city to another day at work, I'm almost dreading the mundane, tedious tasks of my job for once.
The benefit of this line of work has been the emotional detachment it affords. That's been the benefit ofmostthings in my life.
But now, that lack of investment in everything around me feels stagnant. Boring.
I'm probably just in my head.
I didn't hear from Cormac yesterday. And that should be a relief. I've told him time and time again that I'm locking him out of my home and my life.
Every time it hasn't worked out that way, there's been a reason.
He left his hoodie. I had to return it.
He was accosted by people who he was very likely going to hurt if I didn't intervene.
He's threatened me. So many times now that I've lost count. With a knife, a fucking gun, and even just vague bodily harm.
I'm under no impression that he'll stop seeing me, but I don't have to see him back.
I’ll just have to mourn all the unbelievable oral sex I won’t get to have again. I can deal with that.
Lie.
Walking through the doors of my office, Kelly stands up, worrying her lip with her teeth.
"Good morning, Brigit," she says with false brightness.
An uncomfortable feeling settles in my stomach, but I smile anyway, "Hi Kelly. How was your weekend?"
"It was good," she nods slowly, looking behind me at someone. "How was yours?"
"Uneventful." Lie.
"Ummm, I don't suppose you've been keeping up on currentevents, have you?" She walks around the desk, gently tugging me by the elbow into my office and shutting the door behind us.
