Page 37 of Filthy Business

Then came the weekend she vanished to see her mother in Norwich. I was beside myself, tracking her little dot on our shared location like a madman.

She wasn’t pregnant yet.

But it had only been two weeks since she left my apartment.

No. This wasn’t working for me.

I needed her locked down.

Tonight.

For life.

I messaged Nick to bring the car around. It was time to make things official. Work could wait. It wasn't going anywhere, and if I played my cards right, neither was Iris.

???

I knocked on her door and waited.

Flowers, wine, assorted gifts and a 5.75 carat yellow diamond engagement ring.

There was no answer. I frowned, and checked my phone before I pondered using the spare key I had.

Iris:The legal team invited me out for dinner and drinks tonight. I will be home between 10-11.

I missed our lunch due to a meeting across the city, but I should've checked my phone. There were two unmarried men in the legal team.

Fuck.

Younger men.

Fuck.

I messaged Benedict to see if he wanted to join me for drinks.

Benedict:Since it’s Friday, I can grace you with my delightful presence. Where are you taking me?

I shook my head and checked her location before sending it to him.

Benedict:Oooh. You're taking me out for dinner too? I hope you don't expect anything in return. I’m not contractually obligated to.

Me:I hope your third wife rinses you out until your balls are like tiny dried-up raisins.

Benedict:Don't insult my future wife and hurry up. I’m leaving in ten.

I opened the door to Iris’s apartment, left the flowers in a vase on her kitchen counter, the gifts on the table, then locked up and headed to my car.

The ring stayed with me because I was determined to get it on her finger tonight. On the way to the restaurant, I messaged Warren—he had twenty hours to get Leona’s lawyer to accept the current offer before I pulled it.

Fuck my life.

They had left the restaurant and gone to a pub.

I messaged the new location to Benedict.

Benedict:Cheap bastard skipping out on dinner. Just so you know, you can't take advantage of me. I can hold my liquor.

Me:You cock-sucker. You're as rich as I am.