But hell, he pissed me off.
I looked away when he glanced at me.
“I said some things last night that were uncalled for. I drank a little. It clouded my senses. It’s not an excuse, but it’s all I have.” He put on his dress shirt and began buttoning it. “Don’t leave and fuck Cole over on account of some words.”
I scoffed at him.
“Rosalie. I’m serious. He loves you. He loves his daughter. I know he only just met her, but you know as well as I do that he’s dreamed of her for years. Don’t hurt him.”
I knew he was right.
“I promise to stay out of your way while you’re here. Just stay. For Cole. He needs this. He went crazy and even kidnapped you.”
“He’s nuts,” I muttered.
“He is, but that’s just how he loves. Full force. You brought Ellis out because you wanted her to know him. Now he knows she exists. He’s not going to let you walk away. You do understand that, right?”
My throat was tight. I knew he was right.
“I am asking you to give him this time with her. Or you could even leave her here with us and go back to LA for a few weeks?—”
“I am not leaving my daughter,” I snapped, glaring at him.
He had his tie on with his shirt and pants now.
God, why did he have to look so damn good?
“OK. I understand.”
“You may just let someone take your son, but I’m not like that.”
He raised his brows at me. “You don’t know shit about our situation. Don’t act as if you do. I have no problem discussing my son with you later if you want. Right now, this is another subject.”
I ground my teeth. God, he’d gotten even more insufferable over the years.
“What can I do to make this stay better for you?” he asked, moving to stand in front of me, now fully dressed.
I stared up at him. “I just think we should avoid one another. It’s your house, so I can stay upstairs when you’re home.”
He scoffed. “That’s ridiculous.”
“You asked,” I snapped at him.
He nodded. “You’re right. I did.” He clicked his tongue. “Fine. I don’t come home until late in the evening. I don’t know how long you’re planning on staying, but I can continue doingthat. I have a lot of work to do. Next week, I have a gala I need to attend and likely won’t be home until very late. I have a trip to New York as well in a few weeks, so if you’re still here, you’ll be here alone with Cole while I’m away for a few days. We can avoid one another if you’d like. You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you want.”
“Wouldn’t want to prevent you from having the best sex of your life with whatever woman you’re fucking over now.” My words came out bitter.
He chuckled softly. “You won’t.”
I got to my feet and stuck my crutches under my armpits.
“Just so you know, Anson fucks me better than you ever hoped to.”
He glared at me, a muscle thrumming along his jaw.
“And when Klaus joins in? I forget you even existed. You were my practice so I could learn to run with real men. So thanks for the mediocre sex.” I hobbled past him, hoping that it tore him up inside.
I returned to my room to find Cole and Ellis sparring. She was punching a pillow he held, and he was instructing her to watch her feet and keep her hands up.
