Page 12 of Unpredictable

“It’s none of your business, Victoria,” he spits at me.

Like a dam, my emotional wall bursts. “Itismy business. It’s my business when my toothbrush resides in your bathroom. It’s my fucking business when your dick is inside me every single week. Do I need to be tested, Sterling?”

“Victoria,” he says softly with his hands up in surrender.

“No, don’t fucking come near me. I don’t want you to ever touch me again.” I stand and walk around the other side of the chair. “Do. I. Need. To. Be. Tested?” I punctuate after every single word, spelling it out clearly to him.

“No,” he says softly.

I nod. “I’ll let you know what my results are.” I tell him while walking past him, out of reach towards the door.

Sterling reaches for me, and I can’t help but flinch. “Don’t touch me,” I hiss.

A door clicks open, and we both turn towards it. “Hey, did you get rid of your sister?” comes from down the hall.

Sterling hisses, and I can’t help but gasp.

Numbly, I pick up my bag and purse. I fish my keys out of my purse and turn towards the door.

“You don’t have to go,” he says softly.

“But I do. I know when I’m not wanted. I hope whatever that is—” I glance to the hall. “—was worth it. Have a nice life, Sterling Brooks.” I open the door and walk out, not bothering to close it behind me.

“Don’t be like that, V,” he calls down the hall to me as I reach the elevator.

I don’t even respond, only hitting the button and immediately stepping in. I hold eye contact with Sterling Brooks until the doors close, and then I let my body sag back against the wall.

Tears prickle behind my eyes, and I feel the empty ache in my chest where Sterling once resided. I take a couple of deep breaths, hoping to hold back the emotional turmoil until I reach my car. Once the doors open, I shake my head before holding it high.

“You weren’t up there long. Is something wrong?”

I was planning to walk by Steve, but instead I stop and race back to him, giving him a tight hug. “I don’t think I’ll be coming back. Thank you for always being kind to me. Take care, Steve. I hope you and your family have nothing but love and happiness for the rest of your lives.”

“Miss Davenport, are you sure you’re okay to drive?”

I take a deep breath before giving him a sad smile. “Thanks for the concern.” I glance at the ceiling. “This was always how this was going to end. I’ll be okay.”

He squeezes my shoulder once. “Mr. Brooks is a complete idiot. You will find someone who deserves your light one day, Miss Davenport.”

“I hope you’re right.” After one last hug, I leave the building, allowing myself one glance back at my past. “Goodbye, Sterling Brooks,” I whisper.

???

When I get into the car, I sit emotionless for a moment. Then I turn on the car, and the song on the radio fits my mood with its sad melody. That’s when the first tear falls. Halfway through the trip, my emotions finally drain out of me, leaving an empty shell of who I used to be.

The hour-long drive back to Bridgeton goes by in a blur, and in the blink of an eye, I’m pulling into the Yates Estate. I slowly slide out of the car and wipe my face with my hands as I ring the doorbell.

Boswell, the Yates’s butler, answers after a moment.

“Oh dear, Miss Davenport, are you all right?”

“Oh, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Where is everyone?” I ask, blowing off his concern.

“In the kitchen. You know the way. If you need anything, Miss Davenport, please let me know,” he offers before shutting the door and making himself scarce.

I walk towards the kitchen and mentally prepare myself for the questions.

“Hey, guys,” I greet with as much cheer as I can muster and a weak smile on my face.

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