Page 148 of Perfume Girl
“Where did you get the money for all this?”
“Embry’s a TV celebrity. Endorsements, that kind of stuff.”
“She told me the money came from you.”
“Our financial situation has nothing to do with you.”
“It does when you’re usingmymoney.”
“Did Astor Beauregard kick you to the curb? Is this why you’re so pissy?”
“We’re fine.”
“No, you’re not.”
“And how would you know that?” Had he talked with Penelope?
He looked defiant. “He’s a successful businessman and he can have anyone. Why settle.”
My jaw tightened at his cruelty.
His expression became accusatory. “Embry told me you went through my office. What else did you steal?”
“I only took what’s mine…minus the page you ripped out.” I folded my arms. “I know you sold my formula to The House of Beauregard.”
“Did Astor tell you that?”
“I found my ledger in Penelope’s office. Right before I gave it to you. I know you’re working with her. How much, Damien? How much did she pay you to betray me?”
“Come on, sweetheart, you’ve been under a great deal of stress. You just found out your boyfriend is a murderer and—”
“Don’t you dare…you don’t know what went on in that house.”
“And you do?”
“He’s a good man.”
“If he has it, just ask for it back.” He glared at me. “But as your proof of concept is gone you may want to let this one go.”
“How could you betray me again? We had some good years together, didn’t we?”
“I need you to let me and Embry get on with our lives. No more turning up like this. It’s not good for anyone.”
“Listen to me. I amnotletting you get away with this.”
“I’m going to make some tea.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “We need to discuss this calmly.”
Grinding my teeth in frustration, I glanced around to see the packing boxes were gone. They were settled in. Their new life had officially begun. Damien wanted this behind him and I knew how stubborn he was…how manipulative. It was a trait that had come out a year after we’d been married, but I had tolerated it back then and tried to act like the good wife. I had compromised all I’d held dear.
What a revelation. I was finally over this asshole.
Spending time with Astor had helped me move on. I wasn’t willing to let him walk out of my life. Not with the way it had ended, anyway.
Or maybe, just maybe, there was no going back.
Don’t think of him now.
Don’t weaken your resolve.
