Love Me in the Dark novel Chapter 40

RIVER

It hurts. It was freaking hard to sing a happy and beautiful song when your ex was watching. I had to close my eyes and think of a happy memory I had with him to finish the song without shedding a tear.

He’d moved on. That fast, and I hated that fact.

I had to make an excuse to walk away before I could glare that woman to shred. God, I hated this feeling. I wished I was those women who could pretend they felt nothing in front of their exes, but I was one of those few who couldn’t hide the pain.

I mentally cursed myself that I couldn’t ignore him calling my name behind me. And I swore further when my feet developed a brain on their own. Then my stupid body reacted to his innocent touch. Damn, could this night be any worst? I shouldn’t have canceled the invitation, but I already received the initial fee, so I had to suck it up and face my ex.

“You have already date.” Man, that was so dumb. That was exactly what I had in my mind, but I wasn’t supposed to say it out loud.

His wonderful thick dark brows met together. “What?”

I wanted to roll my eyes. “My work here is done. I have to go.”

“River, we need to talk.”

“I don’t think so. I should stay away from you, remember? Then this is what exactly I am doing, honoring your wish. Go back to your date.” She was just pretty and innocent, but she was still dating my ex.

“That’s Everest.” Of course, she is. She even pretended to be my freaking fan. How awesome was that?

I chuckled annoyingly. “Who’s gonna be next, Krew? Mountain, Hills, a freaking lagoon?”

“I’m enjoying this situation, River. The fact that you’re still jealous.” He smirked. He just freaking smirked at me.

“I am not.” I glared. “We broke up, remember?”

“You broke up with me.”

“You told me to stay away from you.”

He looked around. “Can we talk a little more private?”

“No.” I bolted away before I fell on his smirk and jumped into him.

To my surprise, he was still following me. When I reached the door, he helped me out. We ended up in the hallway, and I didn’t know where to go. Both sides were probably the exit, so I pulled my gown up so that I could walk fast.

A yelp escaped my mouth. What I wasn’t expecting to happen was him catching me on my waist, lifting me up as if I weighed nothing. I was kicking in protest, but it didn’t do any help. “Put me down, asshole, or I will scream a freaking murder.”

“Not a fucking chance. Not until I’m done talking with you.”

“I could have just kicked your ass right now. Aaren taught me self-defense, remember?”

“For a few sessions, River. I did years with him.” We entered the restroom.

“Fine, we’ll talk. You’re squeezing my tummy, and it hurts, asshole!”

“Okay. I’ll put you down and lock that door. If you’re planning on escaping, don’t even try.” He put me down to my shaky feet. I kneed him on his balls, but he blocked me with his hand before my knee reached his crotch.

“Good try, River. But don’t do that again. Not on my crotch where my balls and cock that you love set.”

I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, but I wouldn’t give him a chance to show more of his smug face. He was way having fun of this situation. “Start talking.”

He smoothed the wrinkles on my forehead, gently stroking my furrow away. “I’m not dating Everest. My brother had been asking me to hire an assistant. I hired Everest because I know you wouldn’t get jealous of her—”

“How convenient? But why the hell would I even care?” I glared further, but it hurt to know that he was right.

“See that reaction earlier? Everest is not interested in me other than doing her job. She did not bat her eyelashes at me when she came for an interview. And her resume was outstanding.”

I pretended to be doubtful, pursing my lips. “So?”

“You worried me.” His voice dropped. “Why did you do that?”

I knew exactly what he was talking about. “Did what?”

“Dropped the case without asking for a second opinion.”

“You might be right this time. I should stay away from you. Does that ring a bell? So I just did what you asked.”

“I take it back.” His face broke into a smile.