AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What the actual fuck,” Teddy growls.
“I know, I know,” I say calmly. “But Teddy, obviously I don’t believe a shitty word out of that man’s mouth. I’m not going to sue you for your millions. I mean, you’re a lawyer. Like I’d even have a chance.”
He stares at me blankly.
“Not that I would in the first place!” I add quickly. “I don’t want your money. Or to divorce you. I don’t want any part in something that would hurt you. I never want to hurt you.”
“Kipp,” he says softly.
“And I don’t believe for one second you’d ever hurt me, either, despite what Antoni claimed. He…” Fuck. “He said you were abusive, Teddy. I thought you should know that. Even though it’s the most ridiculous bullshit I’ve ever heard in my life. That man has a special spot in hell waiting for him, let me tell you.”
“He seriously said that?” he asks, scrubbing a hand through his hair.
“Yeah,” I answer softly. “But it’s okay. I don’t believe him. No one who knows you would believe him.”
He shakes his head, looking so distraught I can feel it in my chest. “Thank you for telling me, Kipp.”
“Of course,” I reply, my nerves rolling over for a second. “Teddy, can I ask you something?”
He nods.
“Why are you holding onto those shares if you want nothing to do with the business?”
He’s quiet for a moment before he answers, the lines of his body taut. “Because I earned them. I built that business from the ground up with Cam. I worked hard, and then I lost it all. After everything we went through together, I lost my brother and my boyfriend and my job, all at once. But they didn’t get to take my hard work away from me, too.”
“Okay,” I say softly, trying to keep my voice soothing and calm in the face of Teddy’s obvious ire. “But they can’t erase your achievements, Teddy. Not ever. And couldn’t you do something with that cash? Something good? You could fund a whole fleet of pro bono lawyers for kids who need them or, I don’t know, start a scholarship program for up-and-coming law school students. I just think you’re hanging onto the last tether that ties you to a painful part of your past, and maybe you’d feel a little lighter if you cut the cord.”
He huffs, shaking his head. “It’s not about the money,” he says hotly, kind of missing my point. “It’s not.”
“Okay,” I say placatingly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you upset, and I’m not trying to push you. I just…” I care? I want what’s best for you? “I’ll let it go, sorry. It’s not my business.”
“It’s fine,” Teddy grumbles, but clearly, it’s not. I pushed a button I should have left alone. Right on the heels of giving him news of his meddling ex, I did the same thing—meddled.
“I’m sorry,” I repeat.
“Stop apologizing, Kipp. You did nothing wrong.”
Sure feels like it, though. “Okay, well…”
“Sweetheart,” he says, and my gaze snaps to his. “You did nothing wrong.”
I blow out a breath and manage a nod.
Teddy rubs his forehead, looking off to his left. “I should go. I’m taking my maman to the market.”
“Of course. Go. I’ll talk to you later.”
Teddy’s gaze meets mine for a long moment. “You okay?”
I nearly huff a laugh. Me? If anything, I should be asking Teddy that. “I’m fine. Go on,” I say lightly.
He gives me the ghost of a smile. “Talk soon.”
“Yep.”
Teddy’s face disappears, and with it, all the warmth leaves my body.
Fuck. Way to screw things up, Kipling.
