“He’s not a good guy, London.” His voice dips low.
“According to whom? You?”
“According to every female who’s been foolish enough to crawl into bed with him. He plays naïve women like you for sport.”
“I am not naïve. Nor am I stupid.”
“Your actions say otherwise.”
“Yeah, well, your actions say you hate me, so I’m not sure why you care.”
“I don’t.”
“Clearly.” I roll my eyes, turning to leave.
“Why did you come back?” His question has me hesitating before looking back at him.
“Why ask when you seem to have it all figured out already?”
“If I’m wrong, then tell me why.”
“I got hurt,” I say bitterly.
“How hurt?”
“Hurt enough that the doctors said I’d never dance professionally again.”
“What happened?”
“Why do you care?”
“Just answer the question.” He runs his hand through his hair, drawing my attention to the LV still tattooed on his wrist.
I remember the day he got it like it was yesterday. I wasn’t sure if I was angry or flattered that he permanently inked my initials on his skin. Even now, seeing it, the reminder of what we once were to each other, I feel as conflicted as I did that day, only for completely different reasons.
“It doesn’t matter what happened. All that matters is that I’ll never dance again. I’m sure that makes you very happy.”
“Why would that make me happy?”
“Are you seriously asking me that question after the way you just behaved in there?”
“Fair. I...” He looks down at his feet for a long moment. “I’m sorry about that. You’re right. I was being completely unprofessional.”
My lips part in surprise, but inside, it feels like my jaw is on the floor.
“You’re not fired.” He meets my eyes again, his expression softer than I’ve seen since I’ve been back.
“What if I still quit?” I cling to my anger like a crutch, knowing that without it, I’d be a heap on the ground.
“You don’t.” He shakes his head. “You need this job; otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”
“I don’t need this job badly enough to deal with the way you treat me.”
“It won’t happen again.”
“I doubt that.” I cross my arms in front of myself.
“Look, this isn’t easy for me. Being here. Seeing you every day. But that’s no excuse for the way I just spoke to you.”
