Page 180 of Love Unspoken

I leaned forward, planting my hands on the desk, locking my eyes with hers. "Does she have any grounds to sue, Gene?"

"No," Gene replied succinctly.

"I love you," she lashed out. "I did this because I love you."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Bullshit."

She licked her lips. "I…I didn't know how else to keep you. Can't you see that we're meant to be together?"

"The fact that you bring in the personal during a professional relationship makes what I'm doing here even more important." I refused to be baited by her into discussing us.

"But…you left her for me and⁠—"

"Stop," I cut in. "You've let our past personal relationship cloud your professional decisions."

Kath shook her head. "What are you afraid of, Lucas? That I'll hurt you again? I won't. I promise. I was stupid and⁠—"

"I talked to Mercer." I delivered that blow softly.

She blinked and put a hand to her mouth, choking out her protest. She knew that I knew what had happened, what she'd done, who she was.

"Gene, please work with HR to process Kath's termination immediately. Make sure she's escorted out by security. I want this done by the book."

Gene nodded, his face giving nothing away. "Will do, Lucas."

Kath's eyes widened in shock as the gravity of her situation fully settled in. The shock was, in seconds, replaced by anger. "So, I made a mistake. Everyone does. You think you can just replace me? I'm a great CFO, and you have no right to terminate me."

"Actually, he does," Gene replied smoothly. "We can go through your contract, and I can answer all your questions. You're welcome to take everything to your lawyer and we can touch base again."

"Thanks, Gene," I said with a finality, indicating this meeting was over.

Kath leaned forward, her hands outstretched as if she could somehow reach across the divide between us. "Lucas, I didn't mean for it to go this far. I never wanted to hurt you."

I gave her my best corporate smile. "Thank you for your years of service, Kath. I wish you the best in the future."

Kath hesitated as if she might say more, but Gene rose, making it clear this conversation was over. "Kath," he said, his tone formal but not unkind, "I'll escort you to HR."

Kath stood up slowly and walked without her usual verve with Gene following her.

The door clicked shut after them, and the silence that followed was deafening. I let out a long breath, running a hand through my hair as I tried to shake off the residual tension.

I got up and began to pack, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. I was going home to my fiancée, and it was fucking awesome.

THIRTY-TWO

AMARA

My home was alive.

Lucas had told me he wanted to live in the cottage. Jax was happy about his decision because he was going to move into the townhouse. He was sick of staying in a hotel suite.

I was secretly thrilled. As gorgeous as the townhouse was, the truth was that it made me uncomfortable. It was expensive, elaborate, and flashy. The cottage was within my budget on just my salary, and while we'd eventually need a bigger place when we had children, I wasn't in any rush. We had just gotten back together; we had time.

"The food was amazing, kiddo." Daddy put his arm around me as I stood in the kitchen.

We'd just finished the main course and cleaned up the remnants of turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings that had been scattered across the table.

Laughter filled the air, mingling with the clinking of wine glasses and the scent of pumpkin spice. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so full of joy, love, and pure, unfiltered happiness. It wrapped around me like a warm blanket, making me feel safe and at peace.