Page 57 of My Silver Fox Savior

I don’t know why she’s being so mean. Maybe it’s just who she is, and she doesn’t even realize it. I shouldn’t rise to the bait, but it’s too late. I take a step forward. “I’ve got a boyfriend. It’s not Ethan. You’ve probably met him. Landon Cross?”

It’s petty, but I enjoy the angry look on her face, even if the very existence of this expression is proof that there’s a romantic connection there. Ethan’s at work. Why would she put on a show now?

“Landon Cross isyourboyfriend,” she says.

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, knowing I need to stop. Inside, I cringe a little. Why did I call herma’am? “You seem surprised.”

She looks me up and down. Since we’re not going anywhere today, and I want to be comfortable, I’m wearing my oldest pair of PJs with a hole in the leg. “Well … a little. I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re not exactly who I imagined.”

“Why are you imagining Landon’s girlfriends, anyway?” My voice gets emotional. I feel like I’m venting a bunch of stuff at her that probably has nothing to do with her. I can’t tiptoearound it anymore. “Last night, you said you should’ve stuck with Landon.”

She smirks. “So you caught that, did you?”

“Why did you say that?”

“Do you really need to ask?”

“I’m asking now,” I snap. “Have you slept with Ethanandhis business partner?”

“Are you trying to shame me, girl?” she says in a haughty tone. “That would be very close-minded and rude, don’t you think, one woman to another? Perhaps you should consider your words carefully.”

“I’m asking you a simple question.”

“We’ve had … our dalliances, but you know Landon. He never likes to take things seriously. Oh, he’ll spin a good story. He’ll tell a lady what she wants to hear, but in the end, he just wants a good, hard fuck.”

Her smirk gets wider with each word. I want to yell at her. I want to call her a liar, but she looks so confident, soconvincing.

“You made me act nasty,” she says a moment later. “I very much resent that.”

“I didn’tmakeyou do anything,” I say, disgusted. “You’re just gross. Why would you try to hurt my feelings?”

“Maybe I’m saving you. These lawyers pick up and use women. They’re high-fliers and players. If I were you, I’d stay away.”

I turn and walk quickly away. I don’t want to give her the satisfaction of yelling at her. My thoughts spin frantically aroundas I try to think why she’d make that up. Maybe she’s just cruel. IknowLandon isn’t like that. I trust him. I believe him.

Maybe he had a quick fling with this woman and decided not to tell me. Perhaps he thinks he’s protecting me by keeping it secret like he’s always protected me.

I go into the bedroom, try to relax, and not to think. My body feels tired, my eyes heavy, but my thoughts won’t settle and let me rest.

My phone suddenly starts to ring. I leap on it, expecting Landon.

It’s Maddie.

“Hello?” I answer.

When I hear the voice, I know it’s all over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

LANDON

Ialmost reject the call when my cell phone rings and I don’t recognize the number. I don’t give out my number easily, so when I get a call like this, that’s usually the best policy. But considering the circumstances, I quickly answer. What if it’s them? What if the security team is calling from a different number? What if it’s Lily?

I answer the call. When I hear the terrified female voice, I sit up, tension flooding me. Sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, Grace even turns around and looks at me like she can sense it.

I smile at her in the kindest, most calm way possible, then stand up and go into the bathroom.

“Say that again,” I say.

---