Page 1 of Dirty Husband
Chapter One
Jasmine
Ishouldn't be here.
This chapter of my life is over. Done. No matter what he thinks.
Sure, we've only spoken ten words in the last five years, but I still know how Shepard Marlowe operates.
It emanates through the building. Bounces off the shiny silver sign. The clean grey carpet. The glass walls.
The one thing that inspires him: money.
The receptionist taps her headset, putting her conversation on hold. "Right this way, Ms. Lee."
She stands and leads me through a busy hallway. Straight to the corner office.
"Can I get you anything?" She rattles off a list of espresso drinks.
I nod a yes to something. I don't need the caffeine—I'm already shaking—and I'd prefer tea. But I do need something to occupy my hands.
Something to keep me from touching him.
It's been so long since I've seen him in person. Longer since I've heard his voice, smelled his soap, felt the softness of his lips.
But then there isn't a softness to his lips. Not anymore.
I sit in the expensive leather chair. Cross my legs. Smooth my skirt.
It's wrong. Too tight. Too normal. Too unsophisticated.
Most days my business attire—button-up shirt, pencil skirt, practical pumps—feels like a shield.
Today, knowing he's on his way?
My heart thuds against my chest.
My head screamsleave now, before it's too late.
But my body?
It shares none of my caution.
I cross my legs the other way. Uncross them. Try to shift my thoughts to practical places.
It doesn't work. My head fills with memories.
His lips on my neck. His hands on my waist. His voice in my ears.
You feel so good.
The opening door draws my attention.
I turn, expecting the assistant or a lawyer.
But it's him.
"Jasmine." His voice is as cold as his clear blue eyes. He looks down at me with vague familiarity. Like I'm a colleague he hasn't seen in a few years. A colleague who irritates him. "I'm glad you made it."
