Page 47 of Indulge
“Bella—”
“What? What do you want? Seriously? I’m trying here. I don’t even fucking know why. Because my god, I’ve never met a man who makes it this obvious he doesn’t like me.”
I drag a hand down my face. Maybe it’s just the rejection stinging.
Or maybe it’s the tiny, traitorous part of me that doesn’t believe he means to be this cruel.
Or maybe it’s guilt—for how good it felt to laugh with Rowan yesterday.
Reggie exhales, his voice low. “Can we talk later? Properly? I’ll bring back some dinner after work.”
His face softens, and for once, I almost believe him.
“I’ll cook,” I say quietly. “I’m starting to like your fancy kitchen.”
He nods.
“Have fun at work.”
I blow him a kiss, then flip the switch right back to indifference.
22
REGGIE
The house is eerily quiet when I get in.
I strip off my blood-stained clothes and shove them straight into the washing machine.
We got the second guy our warehouse torchman had contact with.
Except this one had fuck-all to tell us.
So we’re sticking with our original Arizona plan if Enzo and Drago can get us an in.
The smell in here is incredible.
When I look up, I find a plate of food waiting: steak with mushroom sauce, potatoes, and all the vegetables I actually like. Paired with a glass of wine.
I open the dishwasher and find her plate inside.
Shit.
Fuck.
I told her I’d be back for dinner.
The way she looked at me yesterday… I’m still kicking myself for saying all that shit.
I didn’t mean it.
I’m pushing her away to protect her.
Yet it seems I’m doing the opposite.
And right to my brother.
I know he took her out for drinks—he texted to say he’d look after her.
