Page 174 of Perfect Satisfaction

“You love Sula? Truly?”

I catch sight of the picture of me and Sula that Hastings had framed from the SMAA ball as, “A belated wedding gift, you asshole. I can’t believe you didn’t say a damn word.” We’re wrapped in each other’s arms, love radiating brighter than the sun. I make a mental note to have a copy sent to Helen. I assure her saying, “With everything I am.”

She tuts on the other end of the line. “And Ms. Liki? She’s really your best friend?”

“I still can’t believe she willingly lets Basset call her that, yet she rails at me for it when I’m the one who’s known her since she was the same age you met Sula,” I joke.

“That’s just how it’s supposed to be, Arek.”

“True, Helen. Now, you’re sure you won’t get into trouble?” I worry about the older woman’s position at MSW, even though Sula assured me it’s unlikely JB will remove her from the company.

Unlikely, but not certain.

“It will be fine,” the grandmotherly woman soothes. “Besides, I’m long past the age where I should be at home rocking in a chair and knitting.”

I think back to the well-coiffed, highly efficient woman and outright snort in her ear.

She laughs in delight before reminding me, “Just call when you land.”

“Right. See you tomorrow, Helen.” I hang up and then scroll through my contacts for a number I never thought I’d have access to.

One ring. Two, then, “Hey. If it isn’t my favorite brother-in-law.” Brendan’s voice comes through the line. Chaos is heard on his end of the call. It sounds like Max is trying to murder Celia as Dani shouts at them both to be quiet so they don’t wake the baby.

Another perfect day in the Blake household,I think with a touch of amusement. I cut to the chase. “I’m flying out tonight. Will you keep an eye on her?”

“Always. And, Arek?”

“Yeah?”

“If it goes sideways with JB, you both still have a home with me. No matter what.” With that, Brendan disconnects the call.

Though his words cause a warmth in my heart, they also increase the pit within my stomach. If Brendan’s issuing that kind of warning, there’s a good chance Sula’s other brother may be lost to her.

Despite the fact he’s a fucking hypocrite,I think angrily.

Quickly, I gather what I need and toss it into my rolling suit bag. Then I place one last call as I shut off the lights to my office.

“Hey.”

“Hey, sweetheart.”

Sula’s voice is warm. Welcoming. God, how I wish I was on the return flight home. “I won’t be home tonight.”

“For breakfast tomorrow?”

“No. I’ll be home late tomorrow,” I say, making my way to the elevator.

“Arek?”

“My flight takes off in about three hours.” I wait for her to ask to come with me.

But she gives me even more resolve with her next words. “I thought I knew what ‘I love you’ meant when we got married. I completely underestimated what feeling love and being loved means. Thank God I had you to teach me.”

I lean against the wall next to the elevator buttons. “It’s only going to get better.”

“Perfect. I don’t want or need anything else to be satisfied with my life.” Her voice hardens. “Do you understand what I’m saying, Arek? Your love is all I need.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m ever going to stop trying to give it to you.” Just then the doors open. “Elevator’s here.”