AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It's her…”
“Tye, I mean it… you don't understand,” I interrupted. I didn’t need to hear the bollocks I knew he wanted to spout out. “That's all I'm saying on it.”
“Right.” He sulked. “Don't listen then…”
“Right, get back to finding out the fucking answers to who’s trying to pull the plug on us while I plan my next steps. Bye.”
Just as I put the cell down, I heard him shout down the line, “Twat,” and I chuckled. He never failed to mince his words. Tye always wanted to look at the bigger picture from all perspectives, but I wasn't ready to divulge all of the reasons why I left. Everleigh needed to know those first, then at least all the facts would be available to her. I would be able to breathe easier finally, knowing a demon was starting to be exorcised.
Now, to sort the dilemma of how to get her to listen to me. I needed to explain so many things, that I’d acted on impulse back then. I was scared for her if I’m honest, but I went about everything all wrong. I know now I should’ve been honest with her and told her everything. She deserved nothing less than the truth. We’d been estranged for years but I’d felt our connection was stronger than ever when I’d reached out and touched her earlier, checking that she was real. I needed to get her alone so we could really talk. I needed to figure out a way to change her mind from being business like and professional only between us. I felt the zing between us, and I knew, by the slight pink tinge in her face, she’d felt it too, so there was a chance that things could work.
I had to make my presence known in areas I knew she’d be, places I knew that she held close to her heart. This was new to me, and I wouldn’t normally do this but what other option did I have? Everleigh needed time around me. I had to get under Everleigh’s skin so she craved me again, wanted me near her. I needed her to demand the answers she deserved years ago.
Could that actually work? I pondered.
Everleigh was a powerhouse normally with everyone, but the issue that knocked her from her stride was me. I was her kryptonite, and it wasn't just one sided. It affected us both equally, our barriers came down, as we showed our vulnerability and rawness to one another. The question was whose kryptonite was strongest? It wasn't a questionifwe would break butwhen. My bet was that within 72hrs, our lovely Everleigh Acton would be desperate for answers. Let the games begin.
8
Everleigh
For the remainder of the working day, I feigned illness. Anything to make my friends believe that what they witnessed in that boardroom today was nothing but a dodgy tummy from last night's escapades. Of course, Isobel chimed in that we all had the same food, but I stated mine had additional toppings. Not like she bought a word of it though. I should've blamed the alcohol and that I carried on drinking when I got home but they knew my professionalism always took priority.
I was fucked literally in all options; especially now Dawson Parker was back on the scene.Why hadn't I known? Was there a time it had been mentioned?
Abso-fucking-lutely not, nope. I’d never have taken a job working for Dawson, not now and not back then. I was too broken to risk seeing the man or even hearing his name mentioned. Why hadn’t I looked into the company when they took me on years ago? I’ll tell you why, Tye and his bloody good looks. He was the boss man; he took me under his wing right from the start. He told me he saw leadership qualities in me and mentored me, accordingly, giving me the career experience that dreams were made of. Until we started our hookups and I never looked back. I knew he had a business partner back in the UK but presumed he was British. Tye had stated he was obsessed with the business dealings there and not here, but who was I to care what happened within their partnership. It was their business after all, but now questions screamed in my head and spun with possible answers. Damn it, I should’ve asked more questions. I should’ve blatantly asked who the second CEO was. I always knew there was two of them, damn it.
Rookie mistake, as I know knowledge is power. He’d avoided the USA side of the company completely. No face-to-face meetings, he never even appeared in zoom meetings, not ever. Now I wondered why. Was there a specific reason? Was it me, did I get my job as a consolation for the cruel way he ended things?
Damn. Damn. Damn.
I now had bloody questions only he could answer, but I couldn’t go there, the cracks to my heart never healed.
I didn't know what to do, as the walls I had built around my heart needed to be strengthened. I couldn't allow any cracks to open, because Dawson would sweep in and splinter the fortress to consume my heart and soul. He would swoop in gaining control of my every motion. I’d be like a puppet on a string. He was my strength, my weakness, and my darkness, all rolled into one. I wouldn’t allow the weakness to consume me again, it almost broke me before. My world went from the bright shimmering colors of the world to total darkness and despair after he abandoned me, but I dragged myself out of it. I promised myself I’d never give anyone the power to hurt me ever again. My heart wasn’t a part of me I shared anymore, it was safely locked away. I would never give anyone the power to consume me again.
* * *
Dusk started to creep up on us. I decided I needed clarity, a place to think alone without the constant alerts of my cell ringing out, pushing me to the edge of sanity. I grabbed the thing and glanced at the list of missed calls and texts. Yes, my friends may care but I wasn't a fucking child that needed a babysitter. I was a grown woman who wanted to be left alone. Tye's name popped up with another call.
Why can't he just get the hint?
I’d had enough of being nice to him, at his every beck and call, even though I knew who he was. It was time to tell him enough was enough but first I would keep my cards close to my chest and let him show his. I picked up the call and waited, wondering how to approach him but no words came down the line. Just the sounds of heavy breathing that caused my restraint to snap.
“Tye, I'm not in the mood for games. Just talk…” I snapped as I paced the small open plan living room before grabbing my shoes. Enough of this shit.
“I… I just,” he stammered.
“Spit it out…” I didn't care if he was my boss at the moment. I was sick and tired of being messed around and being played for a fool.
I just wanted him to say what he wanted, then leave me alone. Today had already been enough of a clusterfuck without adding another man's issues to the mix. Then add in my own confused feelings, I was certainly about to explode.
“Dawson called…” he said quietly as the air whooshed out from my lungs.Of course he would call him. Why couldn't I escape the damn man, for just the day?“Everleigh…”
“What…?” I questioned.
“Can… Can you not…” He forced the words out slowly, taking his time.
“Can I not what…?” I interrupted. “Tell the man who has my heart that I've been fucking his business partner?” I hissed down the line, thankful I had hung back in the apartment for now and that no one could hear or see my reaction as I heard his sharp intake of breath.
