Page 68 of Night So Silent
Astrid looks down, her jaw tightening. But I’m in no mood for games.
“Look at my wife and tell her—I am sorry for trying to fuck your husband.”
A flush blooms across Astrid’s face as she chews the inside of her cheek, her eyes not so full of admiration anymore.
“Look at her,” I command, “and say it.”
Her eyes shimmering with abject humiliation, Astrid looks past me to Barrett, who exudes nothing but poise and confidence.
“I’m sorry…” Astrid pauses with a long blink. “For trying to fuck your husband,” she finishes in a hushed tone.
Dallas’s lips have completely disappeared as she presses her mouth together. A moment later, she casually covers her mouth with one hand. I would find it amusing if I weren’t so disgusted with the situation. Barrera sits at her side, his arm over the back of her chair as he watches the scene unfold with his quintessential stoic expression. Meanwhile, my hand remains firmly on Barrett’s leg. Because I don’t abandon her, physically or otherwise.
“Good,” I continue. “And before he leaves here tonight, I will be certain to make clear to your father that this contract explicitly prohibits bribery, including sexual favors from Avery associates—blood-related or otherwise.”
Astrid’s eyes widen, her panic returning as she shifts uncomfortably.
“You’re dismissed,” I say with nonchalance as I reach for the glass water pitcher next to the candelabra on the table.
Astrid doesn’t waste any time spinning on her silver stilettos and disappearing into the crowd.
“Well,thatwas entertaining,” Lutz grins, finally breaking the silence.
“Wow.” Dallas arches her brow. “I knew she was a little big for her britches, but I didn’t think she’d be dumb enough to pull something like that.”
“Anyone for the chocolate fountain?” Barrera asks. “Unlike somepeople, I’mactuallyfucking the boss lady, so I can vouch for its quality.”
“Oh my goddd!” Dallas squeals, smacking his bicep.
“Fuckingrude!” Brett sneers in Astrid’s direction, then turns to Barrett. “B, are you alright? That was ridiculous.”
“Um, yeah.” Barrett shakes her head like she’s trying to focus. “I’m just…I’m fine.” Slowly, she rises from the table. “I’ll be right back.”
But she’s not fine. Something is wrong. I wait, giving her a few minutes before leaving the table and weaving through the room to the back hallway draped with black sheers. Making my way down the dim corridor, the dull roar of the party fades away until I catch a faint sliver of light coming from beneath the door of the corner office.My office.
Gently, I turn the handle and slowly step through the doorway. Barrett is sitting on the edge of my desk, one leg crossed over the other, letting her red dress trail to the floor while she gazes out the window into the night. She’s illuminated by the single lamp on the opposite side of the desk, just dim enough so that she can still watch the snow fall outside. The click of the door draws her attention.
“May I join you?” I ask, waiting for her response before shutting the door.
“Yes,” Barrett exhales with a soft smile.
She looks even more stunning in the glow of the lamp, the shadows making her eyes pop against the rich hue of her hair overlaying the ruby lace.
“Are you upset?” I ask, strolling across the polished concrete. I come to a halt at her knees, searching her face. “I addressed the problem, no?”
Suddenly, it’s as if Barrett wakes up. “I’m not jealous,” she declares adamantly.
“I know you aren’t.”
“It’s just…workplaces are more intimate than most people realize, Sergei. Astrid is here all day, every day, while I’m not.She knows your habits, every detail of your schedule, and the inner workings of your livelihood.”
“Do you think there’s a chance I would betray you like that?” I ask, reaching for my equipment belt that I inadvertently left on the desk in my haste to leave today.
Barrett looks down at her lap and shakes her head. “No, I don’t. It’s just…” She lets out a breath before looking up. “Bad memories of past relationships that have nothing to do with you.”
“I recall.” I begin checking the belt, confirming I removed and stored my weapon. “And I’ll make sure they remain memories that continue to fade with time.”
“God,” she mutters, “I’ve had hours-long conversations with Brett about PTSD. Am I seriously having my own episode right now after just being caught off-guard by an overzealous teenager in a mini-dress? I know you’d never do anything inappropriate with another woman. You shouldn’t have to pay for my issues involving other people’s bad behavior.”
