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His words stung like a slap, and I straightened my back, forcing myself into a fierce neutrality. I would not scream. I would not react. I would not pursue this conversation for even a millisecond longer.
Eli’s phone buzzed, and he answered it without hesitation. He strutted away—it sounded like a business partner had called—and I cleared my throat, pressing two fingers to the center of my forehead. Something throbbed deep inside of me. Probably the cancer that I’d given myself just by staying married to Eli.
Which reminded me of the real priority here.
Get Eli the fuck out of my life.
Eli chatted for a few moments and then pocketed his phone. “It’s your lucky day. I’m needed at the office.”
A loving wife would ask why. Instead, I said, “Good.”
He sent me a steely glare and spun on his heel to jab the elevator button. Over his shoulder, he said, “Tell the esteemed Sleazechilds that it was solovelyto see them again.”
I watched him board the elevator, counting the seconds until the doors closed and I didn’t have to look at his smug face anymore.
Is this what all marriages become?
As soon as he was gone, I squeezed my eyes shut. A shudder of emotion ran through me. Thank God he was gone.Thank God. Thank God. Thank God.I took a moment to relish the newfound peace his absence allowed me. When I turned, the brothers had drawn nearer.
Axel lifted a brow as he inspected the arched doorway. “Living the dream, huh?”
I opened my mouth to respond, and a laugh escaped. I had no words. I was the woman who had it all and hated every bit of it.
“I’m sorry about that,” I said, gesturing toward the elevator in an attempt to save face. “There’s been a lot of interest in this building. Contentious interest, you might say.”
“I can see that,” Trace said, offering a quick smile. He looked at his brothers. We were all gathered now. Mere feet away from each other. For the first time in what felt like a lifetime. “But no worries. You know we’re motivated to buy.”
“Yes, as does the board. I promise they will react favorably to the offer.” I paused, grasping for something else to talk about. Now that Guardian Eli was gone, I felt like I had free rein to say…something. Anything. Even the slightest nod to the past. “I will do whatever I can to make sure this building ends up with you three.”
“That’s sweet of you,” Damian said.
“I am a huge fan of the work you’ve been doing,” I went on, feeling my cheeks heat up. This felt somehow vulnerable to admit, as if they might hear what I was really saying: I’d never stopped caring about any of them. “It’s so great to see you again so I can tell you in person. I’m just so proud of what you’ve accomplished. Truly.”
“Thank you,” Trace said, one of those genuine smiles coming out to play. For a moment, we were back in their crappy apartment in Chinatown, Trace in his workout clothes, giving Axel and me shit for being too lovey-dovey while we made dinner. The memory seared through me, nearly deafening me as Trace continued speaking. “I’ve seen you plenty in the news as well. You’re slated to become CEO next quarter. That’s big.”
“Yes,” I said and could think of nothing else to add. Which only proved that my coffers were empty. I’d lost every last modicum of joy I’d ever held.
Axel stood a few feet behind his brothers, making his emotional distance plain through his physical distance.
“Let’s head back down to the lobby. And if you have any questions for me, please ask.” I led them into the elevator, and once the car had started downward, I asked, “So what did you think of the building? Was it what you expected?”
“Well, let’s have the engineer of this project answer that question,” Damian said, jerking his chin toward Axel.
Axel tipped his head to one side. His stormy blues sent an indecipherable message to Damian. I only recognized it because I’d once been fluent in that language. His jaw flexed, and he cast his gaze over to me so briefly it counted as a slap. “It’s what we’ve been looking for. Which do you prefer: cash or check?”
I gave a small laugh. “We need your final offer in writing, of course, and the sale does need to be approved by the board first.”
Axel nodded. “You’ll have it today. Then just get ahold of us once the drones have voted, yeah?”
The elevator came to a stop. When the doors slid open, Axel strode out, heading straight for the main doors. Over his shoulder he called, “I’ll meet you two in the car.” Which left me, Damien and Trace standing awkwardly in the elevator.
“I’m sorry about—” Trace started as we walked into the lobby.
“No, no.” I held up a hand. “Don’t apologize. I get it. I really do.” I offered him a small smile. Damian had paused, as though he wasn’t sure whether to join in our conversation or just follow Axel. “If I were Axel, I wouldn’t be nice to me either.”
“It was nice seeing you again, Cora,” Damian said with a wave. He hurried toward the main doors, his shoes scuffing softly against the floor.
“I appreciate you fitting us in last minute,” Trace said. “I really hope we’ll be hearing some good news from you soon.”
