“I do. Sometimes I wonder…” His voice trails off, leaving it up to me to push the issue or let it go.
I never realized I’d hurt him by hiding our relationship, making him believe I thought so little of him. I can’t hurt him again. “You wonder what?”
“I wonder if you’ll ever put your guard down and let me in. I wonder how we’d be as a real couple.” He pauses, considering his next words. “I wonder if you know I’ve never even been to the club. I only mention it to see what kind of reaction I’ll get from you. Will it be envy or apathy? You think you hide everything so well, but I know someone hurt you—badly. I have no doubt you think you’re broken beyond repair. But I promise you, as your friend and part-time lover, you’re not.”
“Russell…” I don’t even know what to say. How do I respond to that? Everything in my life has been focused on destroying the one who destroyed me. The envy that once consumed me was replaced by vengeance and hatred. So much that I didn’t realize I was hurting others in my quest.
“Don’t, Megan. Don’t answer me tonight. My confession is ill-timed and inconsiderate. Tonight is about you, and you’ve been anxious about this deal. I just added to your misery, and for that I’m sorry. We’re friends, and I’m here for you. When this acquisition is complete, you can think about what I said and answer me then.”
“Russell Harrison? Is that you?” One of the board members interrupts before I can answer. When we both turn toward the voice, my eyes land on Wyatt first.
His face is blood red, and his jaw is gritted so tight his cheek muscles twitch.
He clenches his fists at his sides.
His nostrils flare with each angry breath he exhales.
His eyes dart back and forth between Russell and me.
