Page 21 of Duty and Desire

“How did you know I was here?” I ask, and Noah turns to pin me with a glare.

“Your mom told me,” Conner says, and my spine stiffens. I shouldn’t be surprised she would tell him where I was, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t bother me.

“Bud, get back in your car and get off my property.”

“You can’t tell me what to?—”

“Go home, Conner,” I cut him off. “I told you the last time you sent me a text that we have nothing to talk about. That still stands.”

“I want you to move home. I want you back, Bridgett. I’m tired of this game.”

“This isn’t a game.” I shake my head while my hands ball into fists.

“Babe, get inside,” Noah says softly while catching my gaze. I nod, feeling exhausted all of a sudden.

“Babe?” Conner yells as I start to walk toward the garage. “What the fuck is that, Bridgett? You didn’t want to put out for me, but you’re putting out forthisdouche?” He laughs without humor, and anger mixed with embarrassment twists in my stomach. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’d spread your legs for a place to live.”

I spin around to tell him to go fuck himself but snap my mouth shut when I find Noah shoving him back toward his car, causing him to stumble. He shoves him again every time Conner rights himself.

“You come near her again, I’ll arrest you,” Noah snarls as he shoves him one last time, sending him flying onto the hood of his Mercedes.

“Fuck you, man!” Conner roars, jerking upright and kicking his foot like a kid throwing a fit, causing rocks to fly out. “And fuck that stupid bitch.” He storms to the driver’s side door and rips it open. A moment later, his engine starts, and a second after that, he backs out of the driveway, going way too fast, causing his tires to squeal as he spins around the corner.

With my arms wrapped around my middle, I watch Noah’s hands flex and his back rise and fall. Even without seeing his face, I know he’s angry, and I know that it’s because of me. “I’m sorry,” I call out, and his shoulders jerk. “I’ll find somewhere else to stay.”

“You’re not fucking leaving, Bridgett.” He turns to face me. “But I do want you to talk to your lawyer and tell him what happened.” He prowls my way. “Are you okay?”

“No.” I shake my head, then drag in a deep breath. “I hate him.”

“I can understand why.” He stops in front of me. “Your mom told him you were staying here.”

“She must have found out from Aiden.” I swallow, trying to ignore the fact that my throat aches and my nose is starting to sting.

“You didn’t tell her?”

“I haven’t spoken to her for a couple of weeks.” My chin wobbles.

“Please don’t cry,” he says softly, and I shake my head.

“I won’t.” As soon as the lie slips past my lips, a tear slides down my cheek.

“Fuck, baby.” He drags me against him and cups the back of my head with his large palm. “Let it out.”

I want to. I want to let all the anger, sadness, and resentment that has been sitting on my chest for weeks loose, but I can’t because I don’t know what will happen if I let myself feel the full force of those emotions.

“I’m okay.” I step out of his hold and swipe away the tears still wet on my cheeks.

“Bridgett.” My name is soft, and I shake my head as I turn my back to him.

“We should finish cleaning up. The sun will be setting soon.” I walk to the black garbage bag and pick it up off the ground where I dropped it, shaking it out. It feels like forever before he moves, but when he does, he doesn’t say another word. Nor do I. Then again, what is there to say?

CHAPTER 11

SIMPLE

Bridgett

Sitting at the counter in Noah’s kitchen, I nibble my bottom lip as I answer the third to last question on my official realtor licensing exam. As my palms begin to sweat, I click on one of the multiple-choice answers I think fits best, then move on to the next question and the next.