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“Not since this morning. Why?” she asks, skeptically.
“I saw him today,” I tell her. “We had aninterestingconversation.”
“What?” she asks, surprised. “What did you say to him?”
“Were you aware he was involved with someone?”
Her eyes flare in surprise. “I…. No. Nothing came up on his report.”
Probably because he was hiding her in his penthouse.
“If I’d known….” She huffs, averting her gaze. “I know we don’t have control over what our members do in their personal lives outside the club—”
“Which is one of the reasons why I put that rule in place,” I cut in. “Are you in love with him?”
“Absolutely not.” She scoffs as if my question is offensive.
I didn’t think so, but I had to ask. “Okay.”
“Okay?” she echoes, narrowing her eyes skeptically.
“Yes. I gave him an ultimatum. You or Makayla—”
“Makayla?” She blinks.
I nod. “Her name is Makayla Hawkins.”
“So, what did he say?”
“He chose you.” I pause. “He gave up his woman, his membership, and agreed to stay out of my club for good, in exchange for you.”
She raises her brows, seemingly impressed.
“I still hate his fucking guts, and I sure as hell don’t trust him, but if he’s what you want, I’ll back off and let you have your fun. What goes on between you two is personal and stays within the walls of your private space. Our relationship has nothing to do with Victor. You’re a professional, and I trust you to keep the two separate.”
She gives me an exasperated look. “Of course. What about Makayla?”
I guess it’s a good thing I make the rules.“Let me worry about Makayla.”
EIGHT
MAKAYLA
Ipull up to a set of tall iron gates and punch the four-digit code Heather gave me into the keypad. A moment later, a sultry voice comes through the speaker. “Good afternoon. This is Desiree.”
Heather leans over me to speak into the intercom. “Good afternoon, Desiree. It’s Heather. I’m here with Makayla Hawkins.”
“Lovely,” she chirps.
The call cuts off with a buzz and the gate swings open. I ease through the opening and up the tree-lined driveway.
This morning, Heather informed me that we had a big day ahead of us. First on the list was to pack up my shit—her words. While checking out of my hotel, the desk clerk told me that my bill had been settled. When I asked who paid it, she said she couldn’t tell me. I knew it had to be Victor. Just another reminder that he was in control, even when we weren’t together.
After the bellhop loaded my suitcases into the back of my car, I drove us to her newly renovated two-story Mediterranean-style apartment building.
Once my bags were unloaded, I called my parents on FaceTime to let them know Victor and I had broken up, but assured them I was fine. They were a little apprehensive at first, which was expected, but after I gave them a rundown of my plans, a quick video tour of the apartment, and a wave from Heather, they seemed content. Heather has already halfway moved into her place and offered to rent me any of the three available. I chose the upstairs apartment directly across from hers. It’s an open floor plan with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Plenty of space, if I still want a roommate, but I really want my own space, and so does Heather.
We spent the early part of the day putting her things away and the rest of the afternoon furniture shopping for my apartment. We even managed to grab a few outfits at this boutique in The Village, which is in the heart of Magnolia Park.
