Page 116 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

“Work,” I reply curtly, shrugging off my jacket. “The resort isn’t going to build itself.”

I purposely don’t tell her about the incident with Weiss.

She nods, studying me in that perceptive way that makes me feel exposed. “Everything okay? You seem tense.”

“Everything’s fine.” I head to the bar and pour myself a generous scotch. “Just business.”

I can feel her watching me, waiting for more, but I remain silent.

“Dom,” she finally says, her voice soft. “About yesterday—”

My phone rings, cutting her off. I check the caller ID.

Sofiya Rowan.

My ex.

Ordinarily I’d hang up immediately, but I realize this is perfect timing.

“I need to take this,” I say, making no move to step away for privacy.

I answer the call, my voice deliberately warm. “Sofiya. What a pleasant surprise.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Tatiana stiffen, then slowly stand and gather her things.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Tatiana murmurs, heading toward her guest suite. “I’ll leave you to your call.”

I nod, continuing my conversation with Sofiya while watching Tatiana retreat.

It’s a dick move, and I know it.

But it’s necessary.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

The hurt in her eyes as she walks away tells me I’ve succeeded in pushing her back. In creating distance, and reinforcing the reality that this arrangement has an expiration date.

After I finish the call, which was just some charity gala bullshit I have no intention of attending, I sit alone in the dimly lit living room. The scotch burns a path down my throat, but does nothing to ease the hollow feeling in my chest.

A residual bout of coughing passes through me, but I ignore it.

Maybe I’ll get sick again.

I deserve it for pushing Tatiana away.

This is for the best, I tell myself again.

Getting too close to Tatiana would be a disaster. I’m not capable of the kind of relationship she deserves. I’d only hurt her worse in the end.

Better a clean break in four days than a messy, painful ending later.

So why does doing the right thing feel sofucking wrong?

31

Tatiana

Tuesday. Three days left.

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