Текст книги "Addicted to Sin"
Автор книги: Monica James
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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 20 страниц)
Act IV
One month later…
33
Welcome to the Family
DIXON
“And how does that make you feel?” I ask Ms. Stark, subtly glancing at the clock and internally celebrating that her time is almost up.
“I feel…” She pauses, licking her red lips. “I feel in control.”
“Why?” I ask, writing a note in her file, her hazel eyes watching my every move.
“Because, Dr. Mathews, when you have a megalomaniac for a husband, being in control is something you don’t experience often. I take what I can get, and at the moment, Pedro the pool boy is more than happy to give,” she replies, her eyes dipping to my lap.
I straighten my back and nod. “Have you spoken to your husband about his controlling… tendencies?” I say, not liking the predatory look she’s giving me.
“What would be the point? After twelve years of marriage, he hasn’t changed. I’ve just come to accept the fact my husband is a control freak, and no amount of talking to him will change anything,” she confesses, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward. “What about you, Dr. Mathews? Do you have someone special in your life?”
Clearing my throat, I lean back into my chair and smile. “Ms. Stark, we’re here to talk about you, not me.”
“I would much rather talk about you,” she replies. “I’ve been seeing you for a couple of months, and I know nothing about you.”
“I’m your therapist, and that’s all you need to know,” I bluntly reply.
“But—” she counters, but I cut her off.
“Your time is up for today. If you’d like to make another appointment, please see Ms. Vale on your way out.”
My response is lacking tact, but quite frankly, I couldn’t give a damn. She’s the third woman this week to hit on me, and yes, I would once have encouraged this behavior, but now, it just makes me sick. Thankfully, she gets the message loud and clear and leaves without a single word.
“Hello, Dr. Mathews,” Madison says as she ducks her head around my door.
The moment I see her, my shitty morning seems like a distant nightmare. I jump up from my leather chair and eagerly greet her with my lips as I shut the door behind her. Pressing her up against the wood, I devour her mouth, and my body hums in pleasure as she returns my affection just as passionately.
Madison and I have been taking things slow, but I’m grateful they’re moving at all. After Boston, we have been seeing one another exclusively, which suits me just fine, as there is no one I want other than her.
After much persuasion, I convinced Madison to see a psychologist, and although it’s early days, I can see a vast improvement in her behavior. I meant what I said, I have complete faith in her, and in us, and no matter what obstacles are thrown our way, I’m ready to fight them.
Madison breathlessly pulls away while I groan low in my throat. I want this woman with every inch of my body, but I won’t push. Yes, Madison has made substantial progress, but physically, she’s still stuck in the past—a past which involves her asshole brother defiling her in unspeakable ways. I clench my jaw, thinking about what he did to her, but I rein in my temper because that’s what supportive boyfriends do.
“So, I just came by to say hi,” she says, her beautiful smile lighting up the room.
“Well, hello,” I reply, nuzzling her neck, her smell driving me wild.
She giggles, turning into my embrace. “What time is your next appointment?”
“Appointment? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I playfully reply, drawing on her neck in a long, wet pull.
She gasps under my lips. “Dixon.”
I sigh, pulling away with a pout. “Fine, you win. For now,” I add with a wink.
She laughs once again, and I smile, loving how carefree she’s become. “We still on for tonight?” she nervously asks, and once again, I restrain my seething temper.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Tonight is the engagement party of her stepsister and brother. It is also the night I meet her mother, Rachel, and her stepfather, Sebastian. Like I mentioned, we’ve been taking things slow, but this is a big step for Madison, and I’m going to try my hardest to not make a scene when I meet her brother. Visions of me beating him to death with his own limbs have been playing on a loop in my head since she invited me, but I will do everything in my power to remain calm, because I can only imagine how Madison feels.
She hasn’t said much about her stepsister, but from what she has shared, it’s safe to assume there would be no tears shed if she contracted an incurable disease and dropped dead tomorrow.
I need to be strong for Madison because I don’t know how she’ll react to seeing Dylan. She mentioned she hasn’t seen her brother in over a year, so tonight will test her mental and physical strength. It sure as shit is going to test mine.
I know she’s made progress, but dealing with what that bastard did to her is going to be an ongoing battle for her. All I can do is provide her the unconditional love and support she deserves, and show her that nothing will ever change my feelings toward her.
“Thank you,” she says, nervously tugging on her lip. “I don’t think I could do this without you.”
“Yes, you could,” I affirm, brushing her cheek with my thumb. “You’re capable of anything you set your mind to.”
“Anything?”
I nod. “Anything. I mean, you entrapped me, didn’t you?” I say with a laugh when she playfully slaps my shoulder.
“I think the feeling was mutual,” she replies with a dimpled smile.
“It was more than mutual,” I say, my voice lowering when I remember the first time we kissed.
“Dixon,” she says, her cheeks flushing.
“Madison,” I playfully counter, wrapping my arms around her waist and drawing her close. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”
“Sounds like a plan,” she replies, her breath hitching when I lean forward and kiss her cheek.
“Okay, well, I’ll see you then.” I unhappily pull away, not wanting to ever let her go.
“Can’t wait,” she whispers. “I’ll see you tonight.”
She gives me a quick peck on the lips, and leaves me staring at her perfect ass as she exits my office, wondering how a son of a bitch like me ended up with someone as incredible as her.
“Are you sure we can’t skip this gathering and have our own gathering at my place?” I ask, nuzzling into Madison’s exposed neck as we ride the elevator to the twenty-second floor.
“I…wish,” she gasps as I nip her collarbone. “But I’ve told my mother we’re coming and she really—” she giggles as I tongue her ear “—wants to meet you.” I sigh against her neck. “We’ll stay for an hour, tops.”
“If we must,” I reply, pulling away, my eyes dropping to her amazing breasts, which are pushed up to the high heavens in the gorgeous red strapless dress she’s wearing.
“We must, although if you keep looking at me like that, I don’t know if we’ll make it out of this elevator anytime soon,” she says, her smoky eyes doing an appraisal of my sharp Armani suit.
Just as I’m about to pounce on her offer, the elevator dings, indicating we have reached our floor. I feel Madison tense up, and my heart breaks at what she’s currently going through. My brave girl is taking her first step toward freedom, and I’m with her every step of the way.
“Ready?” I ask, reaching for her hand and interlacing her fingers through mine.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replies, squeezing my fingers and giving me a nervous smile.
“I promise I won’t leave your side,” I say, meaning every word.
“Thank you,” she replies, and we take our first step toward the unknown.
The foyer of the ballroom where this engagement party is being held is quite stunning. This would have cost Sebastian a small fortune, no doubt, but from what Madison has shared with me about his daughter, Beth doesn’t settle for anything but the best. Quite frankly, she sounds like a spoiled little bitch, but I’ve got bigger fish to fry—like Madison’s lowlife, son-of-a-bitch brother.
“Everything okay?” Madison whispers as we make our way toward the entrance.
“Never better,” I lie, my jaw clenching.
“Well, do you think I could have my hand back?”
Looking down, I see her fingers are squished under my firm grip, and I instantly loosen my hold. “I’m sorry, angelo,” I say, lifting her fingers and kissing them gently. “I’m taking my promise of never leaving your side a little too literally,” I add, while she bursts out laughing.
“Madison?”
Both Madison and I spin around to see a stunning woman in a navy gown approaching us quickly. Her green eyes, heart-shaped face and gentle smile gives her away. This lady is no doubt Madison’s mother.
“Hi, Mom,” Madison says, letting go of my hand and rushing over to her.
They tenderly embrace, and I watch, happy that Madison’s excitement to see her mom is reciprocated.
“Sweetheart, you look beautiful,” her mother says, pulling out of their embrace and holding her at arm’s length. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Mom, it’s only been a month,” Madison replies, embarrassed.
“A month too long,” she counters, affectionately rubbing her arm. “So where is this doctor friend of yours?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows up and down. “I must meet the man who—”
But Madison cuts her off, her cheeks flushing a bright red. “Dixon,” she says, looking over her mom’s shoulder.
Her mother turns around, and the moment her eyes fall on me, I see approval.
“Mom, this is Dixon. Dixon, this is my mom, Rachel,” Madison says as I step forward.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rachel,” I say, advancing and kissing both her cheeks.
“Likewise,” she replies, her hand fluttering over her heart. “My, my, you failed to mention what a hunk he is,” she adds, turning to look at Madison.
“Mom!” Madison says, her cheeks flushing further while I chuckle.
“What?” she innocently counters.
“Let’s just go inside before you mortify me any further,” Madison replies, tongue in cheek.
“That’s my job,” she replies, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Madison playfully rolls her eyes, while her mother gives me a small smile. “You kids be good. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Okay, let’s leave before my mother says something embarrassing. Oh, wait a second, too late,” Madison teasingly says, latching onto my arm and leading me into the ballroom, while Rachel stays to talk to guests.
Laughing, I turn to give Rachel a goodbye wave, which she lightheartedly returns.
Once inside, Madison drags me over to the bar. “Please order anything you like. Alcohol will burn away the memory of meeting my mom.”
“Oh, c’mon, she’s not that bad,” I reply with a grin.
When Madison cocks her brow, I laugh again. I order a scotch for myself, and a water for Madison, and then it’s time to mingle with the hundred plus guests. Madison introduces me to family members, friends of the family, distant relatives, neighbors, and her childhood doctor, but the guests of honor are nowhere to be seen. I’m not sure if she’s evading them on purpose, but as I look around this lavish affair, I see that most people are mingling among themselves, looking to be awaiting their arrival also.
“There she is,” gushes a male voice, and I turn to see an older, distinguished gentleman approach us.
“Sebastian,” Madison says, her smile lighting up the room.
Madison has told me all about Sebastian, and how he was more of a father to her than her own biological father. I instantly like him, as I see nothing but love radiating from his gray eyes as he sees Madison.
“Hello, Button,” he cheerfully says, and she gives him a big hug.
I stand back, allowing her to reconnect with her stepfather, as the reunion looks be a happy one.
“We’ve missed you,” Sebastian says, rubbing her back.
“Sorry I haven’t been around, I’ve just been busy,” she replies into his shoulder, and I hate that I know the reason why she hasn’t visited them for so long.
“Never mind, you’re here now. You look lovely,” he says, and pulls away, his eyes landing on me.
“Ah, is this the doctor your mother has been raving about?” he asks, while Madison nods.
“Yes,” she replies with a nervous grin. “Sebastian, this is Dixon Mathews.”
Sebastian smiles and extends his hand, which I happily accept.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Sebastian. I have heard so much about you,” I say, impressed by his strong handshake.
“The pleasure is all mine, Dr. Mathews.”
“Please,” I say, waving him off. “Call me Dixon.”
“Well, Dixon, we hope to see you around our place for dinner very soon. Anyone who can make my little Button smile this way is always welcome in our home.”
“Thank you very much. I would be honored,” I reply, while Madison loops her arm through mine.
“Excellent. Maddy, you nut out the details with your mom, and I’ll let everybody know,” Sebastian says, while Madison freezes up near me. “If you’ll excuse me,” he says, waving to somebody. “Save a dance for your old man,” he adds, and walks away to shake hands with Madison’s neighbor.
The moment he’s gone, Madison sags into me and I wrap my arms around her. “Are you okay?” I ask, kissing the top of her head.
“No,” she replies against my chest. “I was silly to think I could be normal for one night.”
“Shh,” I reply, pulling her out of my embrace. “You’re perfect, and don’t you forget it.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes, which worries me, as I’m unsure how she’ll respond when she actually sees the cause of her self-doubt.
“Did you want to leave?” I ask, but Madison shakes her head.
“We can’t. I don’t want to upset my mom or Sebastian. I’ll be okay.”
“Just say the word and we’ll split,” I reply, running my knuckle down her cheek.
“Thanks for being here,” she says, leaning into my embrace.
“There’s no place I would rather be.”
“Well, well, Mad Maddy has a boyfriend,” says a singsong voice to my left.
I turn quickly, instantly disliking this person, as her voice is dripping with sarcasm. I see a petite brunette in a black dress two sizes too small, but she doesn’t seem to care that she’s showing the entire room her pink bits.
“Hi, Mona,” Madison says, her voice wavering, while I glare at the trashy bimbo in front of me.
“Who are you?” Mona says, making it more than obvious she’s checking me out.
“I’m Madison’s boyfriend,” I counter sharply. “And who might you be?”
“I’m Juliet’s best friend,” she replies, pursing her painted lips.
“Who the hell is Juliet?” I bark, as that name resurfaces frightful memories, ones I wish to never revisit.
Mona laughs, covering her mouth in horror. “Your story of being her ‘boyfriend’ would be a lot more convincing if you actually knew the name of the bride-to-be. How much do you charge?” Mona says, still laughing at her inappropriate joke.
Madison tenses up beside me, and I would be telling this tramp to back the fuck off if I could speak, but I can’t. A sense of dread passes over me as I replay the last five seconds over and over in my head. There must be tons of Juliet’s living in New York, I reason with myself. This is pure coincidence.
“I thought you said your stepsister’s name was Beth?” I quickly ask Madison, ignoring Mona’s chuckles.
“Um, it’s just my nickname for her,” she replies, nervously tugging at her diamond earring. “My silly quirk strikes again,” she adds, attempting to make a joke.
“So her name is Juliet?” I press, not in any mood to laugh.
“Yes,” Madison replies, puzzled.
This is just a coincidence. This is just a coincidence, I repeat to myself, as there is no way I could be that unlucky. I mean, what are the odds? Slim to none, I affirm. It’s pure coincidence that Juliet lives in the same apartment complex as Madison. Just like it’s pure coincidence that Madison’s stepsister, Juliet, is a spoiled little bitch.
But just to be sure, I ask, “What is Sebastian’s surname?”
Madison scrunches up her nose, confused. “It’s—” but she’s cut off by the lights dimming and an emcee addressing the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Would you please put your hands together for the bride– and groom-to-be.”
The room erupts in claps and whistles, but Madison and I are at a standoff, she not understanding my sudden interest in her stepsister. I try my best to smile, but as I frantically turn to look at the happy couple making their grand entrance, Madison answers my question.
“It’s Harte,” she whispers into my ear, while my entire world crumbles around me.
34
Sleeping with the Enemy
DIXON
As I watch Juliet Harte being led into the room by her fiancé, Dylan Roberts, there are two things I am certain of. Number one: Karma is one messed-up, sadistic bitch, and number two: I was sleeping with the enemy.
There are so many emotions running through me right now, but all I can do is clap and pretend I have no idea who Juliet is, and what Dylan is. I can feel Madison’s insightful eyes watching me closely, but like the true bastard that I am, my pokerface slips into place, and I remain impassive, giving nothing away.
“Do you know her?” she asks loudly to be heard over the crowd.
This is the moment of truth. I could tell Madison that Juliet was the woman I chose over her. I could also tell her what we had was shallow, hollow, and purely based on sex, unlike what I have with her. The truth would hopefully absolve me of my sins, because she’s the one I want to be with. Juliet was a mistake. One I am now paying dearly for.
Or, I could lie.
“No,” I reply, shaking my head. “I’ve never seen her before in my life.”
Madison’s eyes narrow, and for a second, I think I’ve been caught out. But when Madison smiles and says, “I didn’t think you did. I know you’re a better judge of character than that,” I know I’m off the hook.
But why do I still feel like utter shit?
Before I have time to question my morals, Juliet and Dylan take to the stage, Dylan accepting the microphone off the emcee. Madison’s tiny frame begins trembling beside me, and I wrap my arm around her waist, drawing her into my side.
I watch with distaste as Juliet canoodles into Dylan. “Hi everyone,” Dylan says, addressing the room with a carefree smile. “On behalf of my beautiful fiancée and I, I would like to thank each and every one of you for attending this special occasion. As you know, we’re here to celebrate our engagement,” he says, while the crowd claps and cheers. “But tonight, we’re also celebrating another milestone.”
Madison’s tremors continue, and I hug her closer into my side, never wanting to let her go.
“I’ll let my bride-to-be be the bearer of the good news,” Dylan says, passing the microphone to Juliet.
Juliet beams, and I have never seen her so…happy. Never once did she smile at me the way she’s smiling at Dylan, not that I care. But I guess this just brings home the fact she was using me as much as I was using her. I suddenly feel so dirty, and my filth is polluting the innocent girl beside me.
Juliet happily accepts the microphone, basking in the limelight and loving the attention. Her eyes casually scan the crowd, and just when things couldn’t possibly get any worse, Juliet’s eyes land on me. I remain expressionless, refusing to give anything away, as I know this is too important to her, and she’ll let nothing stand in the way of her happily ever after.
Like the true actress that she is, she raises the microphone to her lips, her eyes never wavering from mine. “I’m pregnant!”
The crowd gasps, but the biggest gasp comes from me when Juliet removes her lace shawl and reveals a small baby bump. Judging from her size, she would be roughly three months. And three months ago, I was fucking her.
Juliet watches my face as the cold, hard truth hits home and she grins, smugly raising both brows.
“This is sick,” Madison spits, twisting out of my embrace.
I panic; afraid she’s seen mine and Juliet’s exchange. “Let’s go,” I say, latching onto her hand and weaving through the crowd to reach the exit.
Thankfully, she doesn’t fight me, and it seems she wants to escape this suffocating environment as much as I do. The moment we reach the door, a sense of relief overwhelms me, and getting away from this toxic situation is all that matters.
As I yank on her hand and pull her out into the foyer, Madison slows down, her heels digging into the plush carpet. “Wait a second,” she says, attempting to catch her breath. “I just need a minute.”
Goddamnit, we don’t have a minute. If I know Juliet, she’ll be out here in seconds, wanting to rub my face in the mess I’ve made.
“You can rest in the car,” I press, lightly pulling her toward the elevators.
When she looks at me, confusion marring her perfect features, I explain, “I hate seeing you this way, Madison. Look at you, you’re shaken up.” And I gesture with my chin to her shaking hands.
She wrings her hands together, and nods. “You’re right. I should find my mom though, and tell her I’m leaving.”
Just as I’m about to refuse, a shiver passes down my spine, and the cause of that shiver is the woman who knows too much.
“Leaving so soon?” Juliet purrs, and I close my eyes, cursing the damn day she walked into my office.
Madison sighs, and I open my eyes, ready to face whatever this whore is about to throw my way.
“Yes,” Madison replies, and I’m proud of her bravery.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” Juliet asks, a wicked smile turning up her lips.
Madison looks up at me, and I nod, silently giving her the courage she needs. “This is my b-boyfriend, Dixon,” she says, while Juliet raises a brow.
I have no doubt she’s mentally calculating how long we’ve been together, and whether Madison was the cause of me ending our fling. The question is, is she going to tell her?
Juliet tilts her head to one side, and as she sizes me up, I realize, my fate is in her hands. I hate that this troublesome little bitch can make or break the best thing that has ever happened to me.
“Boyfriend?” she asks, and I silently plead with her to find whatever compassion she may have, and not ruin my chance at happiness.
“Yes,” Madison replies, looping her arm through mine.
“Isn’t he…” Juliet says, leaving the sentence hanging while I hold my breath.
Madison and I both wait for Juliet to continue, and just when I think she won’t, she concludes, “Too old for you?”
Madison scoffs while I let out the pent-up breath I was holding. If that’s what she wants to pick at, then so be it.
“He’s perfect,” Madison counters, challenging Juliet to argue.
Madison is so far from the truth, it’s not even funny. As touched as I am that she feels the need to defend my honor, I know this conversation must end before Juliet reveals just how imperfect I really am.
“Shall we go?” I ask Madison, needing this nightmare to end.
Thankfully she replies, “Sure,” her eyes never leaving Juliet’s.
“Um, Dixon,” Juliet says, as we turn to leave.
“Yes?” I reply, my back turned to her, trying my best to remain calm.
“Can I have a word with you?” she asks, while Madison spins around to face her.
“Why?” she angrily questions. “You have no business speaking to him.”
“It’s fine, Madison,” I quickly say, slowly turning around and meeting the eyes of Satan herself.
“In private,” Juliet adds with a smirk, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Absolutely not!” Madison snarls, storming forward, but I latch onto her bicep to stop her rampage. “Dixon?” she says, the horror painting her face as she looks at me over her shoulder.
“It’s fine. Whatever she has to say will never change the way I feel about you. Go downstairs and wait for me, okay? I promise, I won’t be long,” I assure her. “Trust me?”
“Of course I do,” she whispers, and her honesty touches me in a way I never thought possible.
The thought of losing Madison tears a huge, gaping hole in my chest. Juliet now has the power to decide my fate, and I can only hope she shows me some mercy when she makes her decision.
“I’ll wait for you downstairs,” Madison unhappily states, her lower lip trembling.
“Angelo,” I say as she turns to leave.
She spins around to face me, and I can see the hope behind her eyes that I’ve changed my mind. I wish I could, but I can’t. My hands are chained, and Juliet is the holder of the key.
Madison waits for me to say something, anything, but I can’t. There are no words to express how sorry I am. So I let my actions speak for me. In two strides I’m on her, wrapping my arms around her in a near suffocating embrace, and lowering my hungry mouth to hers. She kisses me back with as much enthusiasm, both of us needing to prove a point to Juliet. She may have the upper hand, but what Madison and I have is real, and it’ll take a lot more than a scorned bitch like her to break what we have.
I’m the one to break our kiss, and Madison protests, her plump lower lip dipping into an adorable pout.
“Just giving you a taste of what’s to come,” I whisper, kissing the tip of her nose. “I’ll see you soon.”
Madison nods, her eyes filled with concern, but she turns and leaves me alone with the Antichrist in heels.
“What do you want?” I hiss the moment Madison enters the elevator.
“Is that any way to talk to family?” Juliet sarcastically replies.
“You are not my family,” I sneer, as she doesn’t know the first thing about kin.
“Whatever, I don’t have time for chitchat,” she softly replies, giving a small wave to an elderly couple as they walk past us, appearing unaffected by this fucked-up situation.
“Then get to the point,” I snap, loosening my tie.
“Ooh, you were always so demanding,” she says, a wicked smile passing over her sinful lips. “I’m sure you remember. Or does your memory need refreshing?”
She runs a fingernail down my shoulder, while I swat her hand away, not caring if anyone sees me. “Do not touch me. You want to talk, then talk. I’m running out of time and patience.”
“You better be nice to me, Dixon. I mean, we share a secret that only you and I know about.” She cups her belly.
“That baby is not mine,” I whisper, my eyes dropping to her bump in disgust.
“How do you know? Do you need reminding of all the dirty, disgusting ways you fucked me without protection?” she whispers, stepping close, while I take a step back. “Maybe if you hadn’t been so mean to me when I saw you last, this wouldn’t be so awkward. I can’t believe that she was your sleepover buddy. How sad for you.”
“What do you want?” I repeat, not in the mood for games.
“I won’t tell anyone about us,” she says, which surprises me.
“What’s the catch?” I ask, knowing someone like Juliet doesn’t do anything unless it benefits her.
“No catch, but I may just call in a favor every now and then.”
“What kind of favor?” I ask, clenching my jaw, unsure where this conversation is going.
“I really liked you, Dixon, and what we had was…fun.”
“No fucking way,” I spit out, disgusted. “I will never touch you ever again. Blackmail me all you want, but I will never, ever, cheat on Madison, you hear me?”
“We’ll see,” Juliet chirps. Her confidence, which I once found alluring, is now turning my stomach.
“Why?” I question, stepping forward. “You’re getting married, for Pete’s sake. Go fuck your husband and leave me the hell alone.”
“I love Dylan, I really do, but he’s in love with someone else. He always has been, and I need to change that,” she confesses, and my mouth drops open in shock.
He’s in love with her?
“You’re sick,” I sneer, repulsed I voluntarily stuck my dick in this woman.
“Oh, I know, Dr. Mathews. Remember where we met? I asked for your help, and you helped me by fucking me in every unimaginable way possible. And I liked it.”
I lower my eyes, disgusted in myself for ever consorting with this sick, twisted woman.
“What we had was consensual. Why are you making it out to be more than what it really was? It was sex, Juliet. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“You’re right, and I was happy to let things be. But the fact you chose that sniveling little bitch over me hurts. I’m always second best. I’m never good enough for anyone, and I’m sick of being runner-up. I’m especially sick of being runner-up to her,” she spits, angered.
The conversation we had in my office all those months ago comes flooding back. It was right before we started doing whatever the hell we did for those two and a half months. Juliet confessed she was never good enough for anyone, and I now know that anyone was Dylan.
Juliet’s smug voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll keep my fiancé away from your little girlfriend, and you make sure to keep her far away from him, and everyone is happy.”
“What are you talking about?” I snarl, as Madison told me that she hasn’t seen Dylan for over a year.
“Oh, didn’t you hear? Dylan is moving in with me,” she explains, while I’m about to be sick.
That parasitic motherfucker living in the same apartment complex as Madison will undo whatever progress she’s made. The fact she might bump into him will no doubt scare the living hell out of her. Not to mention the fear he might break into her room, just like he did when they were kids, will send her crazy. She’ll be reliving her childhood all over again, and in the end, it’ll kill her.
Juliet sees my resolve slipping and smirks. “All you have to do is make yourself available to me when I need you, and we can continue playing happy families.”
“Why are you doing this?” I ask, although I know why. It’s the reason why she came to see me in the first place. This is about power and control.
And as if on cue, she replies, “Because I can. I told you you’d be back, and begging for a second chance. Although, to be fair, I never thought you’d be groveling, instead of begging.”
My face contorts in rage, and she laughs.
“You really didn’t think it would be that easy to get rid of me, did you? You’re my bitch now,” she concludes, discreetly reaching forward and grabbing my balls.
“This is blackmail,” I wheeze, my nuts held prisoner in Juliet’s grip.
“Karma’s a bitch, Dr. Mathews.”
“I’ll tell Madison everything,” I threaten, as I am no one’s bitch.
I will protect Madison at whatever cost. Hell, she can move in with me.
“Go ahead,” Juliet says with a careless shrug. “I’m sure the medical board would love to hear all about how you fucked a patient.”
My face whitens, and Juliet’s mouth widens in surprise. “Ooh, so I’m not the first? Goddamn, you’re a bad, bad boy, Dr. Mathews. I’m sure little Miss Goody Two Shoes would love to hear all about your unethical practices.”
Juliet has me by the balls, literally, and I have no way out of this. Even if I tell Madison the truth, that doesn’t stop Juliet from ratting me out to the board if I don’t do what she wants. She’s a scorned woman out for revenge, and I have no one to blame but myself.
