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“Yeah, we’re still working on a few things. I’ve got a cousin that’s willing to stand in for her. You probably met her in Vegas—Georgina?”
He’s acting like nothing ever happened. I nod. “I’m impressed. She took you back that easily, huh?”
“It’s still a work in progress. But she knows what’s best for her. Jordana’s very reasonable.”
8
Iwork from home most of the time but have to go in on Wednesdays. So, this morning, I went in like always but took the afternoon off so I could get back to the condo before Bryan came home. I need to load up my stuff and get out of dodge.
I almost told Camden the other night, but I was in a daze, and after seeing how chummy he was with Bryan, I don’t know if I can trust him. They were laughing and carrying on like nothing happened. It’s not like Cam ever said he wouldn’t be friends with Bryan. He just said I shouldn’t take him back.
As soon as I unlock the door, my stomach feels uneasy. There’s a heaviness in this hallway. The condo feels cold and unfeeling—like a cage. I want to be back on Cam’s bike again—free and far away from all this. I want to be with Chicken Salad in my own apartment. My anxiety is telling me to run, but there are a few things I need, and if I’d taken them this morning, it would have looked suspicious.
The first place I go is the bedroom safe that holds financial papers I need. I press my finger to the pad, but it blinksred instead of green. I type in the numerical code. It fails. I run to the drawer in the kitchen for the key, open it, and feel around the back. This is where we keep the spare. It’s gone.Fuck!
I’ll have to worry about it later. I run back to the bedroom, enter the spacious walk-in closet, and pull out a suitcase.
It’s not twenty minutes before the front door opens and slams. My heart drops to my feet, stomach rolling, and I want to vomit.
“Jordana!”
I frantically zip the luggage so I can put it back and not look suspicious. Shit, I’ll have to try another day. Now that I know he’s tracking my whereabouts, the escape plan will need to be adjusted.
It’ll be okay. Keep your head on straight.
I shove it back on the shelf and slide over to the connected master bath, in front of the sink, and pinch my cheeks a few times to make them appear flushed.
“I’m in the bathroom.” My voice sounds dead. “I think I’m coming down with something.”
I know exactly which pointy, square-toed shoes he’s wearing based on the way they clack on the tile. He stomps in. “What in the actual fuck? Why are you home?”
He’s in his gray suit, his ears are red. He’s mad? I’m the one who should be angry!
I splash water on my face.
“I’m not feeling well.”
“You look fine.”
“Are you allergic to dogs?” I want to slap myself, but something in me wants him to know I know. That all his secrets are coming to light. “I ask because Veronica hasdogs.” I shouldn’t poke the bear, but it’s like I can’t help myself. This isn’t fair. He can’t keep me like a prisoner.
“What?! Am I... Who the fuck cares if I am or not?”
See, that pisses me off. I pat my face dry with a towel.
“I’m not pleased, Jordana.” He advances until he’s at the threshold of the room. “You left work without telling anyone, and I had no idea where you went. I was worried.”
He’s switching tactics. It’s creepy how fast he alternates personas. What’s worse is how I never realized what a red flag it is. Camden’s voice pops into my mind.“Are you safe with him?”Do I even know who this man is? Too many times I brushed off those anger issues as immaturity, but now it makes the hair on my neck stand on end. I’m in real danger.
“I just needed to get some rest. I felt ill.”
He grinds his teeth as he answers, “You should have texted me you weren’t feeling well.” His eye is twitching. “For all I know, you’ve been fucking around with someone else, trying to seek revenge for something you don’t even have proof of. Maybe that was your plan all along.”
That sends me over the edge.
“Because you’re the picture of devotion.” I roll my eyes and laugh. “How long have you and Veronica been fucking, anyway?”
“Oh, I see...” His eyes gleam. “This is your bullshit attempt to get out of marrying me, is it? You think you can leave me? Use this as an opportunity to sneak away? Do you think it will be that easy?”
