Page 61 of Unfaithful

I gave Nancy a nod.

Elsa was still reeling from the sheer animosity directed at her, too caught up in her own shock to notice me right away.

But the moment she did, her face lit up instantly. She practically skipped toward me.

Her wide smile fucking grated on my nerves like nails screeching against a chalkboard.

"Cole!" she shrieked excitedly. "You're here!"

I stepped back, disgust twisting in my gut as I wondered—once again—what the fuck I had ever seen in this woman.

"Don't come fucking near me," I hissed.

She stopped instantly, her expression stunned. I couldn't help myself, I had to add, "You fucking bitch."

"Cole..." Elsa gasped, looking hurt.

I didn't understand how she could act so surprised when this was exactly how I had been treating her lately. I never touched her again. I never let her touch me, either. I turned and walked away every time she approached. I barely spoke to her. So, my coldness and harshness shouldn't have surprised her. She should have been used to it by now.

Somebody needed to drag this woman to a mental hospital.

I turned away from her and asked the nearest person—I couldn't even remember her name—"Where's Sara?"

"In her office," she answered.

I nodded. Good. At least Sara didn't have to lower herself by coming out here for Elsa.

Breezing past Elsa, I snarled at her, "Get the fuck out of here, NOW!"

She grabbed my arm. "But Cole, I just arrived. I thought I might have a chat with Sara."

For fuck's sake!

I yanked my arm free from her grip and stepped closer, leaning down until I was right in her face. My voice was as low as I could manage so they didn't hear, barely holding back the rage clawing its way to the surface.

"Listen to me now, Elsa. This is Sara's office. You don't get to come here without permission. In fact, you don't get to come to my office either. Or Bobby's. Any office with my name on it is off-limits to you."

I took a deep, shaky breath, feeling the tremor in my hands. And suddenly, I realized, I didn't fucking care who heard me anymore. Let them.

"You don't get to talk to Sara. And you sure as hell don't get to talk to me. The only reason I put up with you is because of Elena. But the moment I gain full custody, I will make damn sure I never see your fucking face again. And mark my words, Elsa. If you ever, ever bother Sara, I will make your life a living hell. You hear me?"

Elsa gaped at me, completely at a loss for words. Her face turned red, her eyes welling up as if she were on the verge of crying.

Ask me if I fucking care.

And then I heard her voice from behind me.

"I've already called security. They're on their way."

Sara.

Oh, fuck.

I was afraid to turn around. Afraid of what I'd see. Afraid of how I'd feel.

It had been a month. A whole fucking month of only seeing her from a distance.

I miss her.

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