Page 23 of Him Too

His brother sat on one side of him, his lawyer on the other. Marcus seemed annoyed. Knowing him, he’d want Oak to be even more of an asshole to me than he already was. Marcus was bitter as hell, and his specialty was projecting his relationship failures onto anyone who would listen—and unfortunately for me, I’d been his favorite target since the day I married Oak.

The mediator’s voice droned on, her words blurring in my mind. All I could focus on was Oak. His gaze was fixed on me like he was searching for a hole in my defense. The anger, thelonging, the regret—it was all visible in his eyes. My stomach twisted, and a wave of sadness overtook me. I didn’t want to feel for him. But I knew he was probably hurting just as much as I was.

“Excuse me,” he interrupted, cutting the mediator off. “Can I have a few minutes alone with my wife?”

The air in the room shifted instantly. His lawyer leaned in, whispering in his ear, and Marcus joined in, his expression filled with irritation. Neither of them seemed to approve, and they weren’t being subtle about it.

Meanwhile, I sat still, my hands folded in my lap, my face blank. I hadn’t bothered to hire a lawyer. I didn’t want anything from Oak—not his money, not his apologies, not even his last name. I just wanted out. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? I ain’t fucking with you no more. I had forgiven him for his high school bullshit. My forgiveness ended with that.

The mediator adjusted her glasses, her tone patient. “Mr. Black, we can discuss anything you have to say during the mediation process—”

“I said I need a minute,” Oak barked, his voice rising, jaw tight with frustration. His fist slammed down on the table, rattling the water glasses. “Everybody out.”

Marcus muttered something under his breath, but he got up, glaring at me as if I were the one causing trouble. His lawyer hesitated, glancing at the mediator for guidance, but even she stood, gathering her things with a tight nod. One by one, they all left the room.

The second the door clicked shut, Oak was on me. He moved fast, making his way around the table. Before I could react, he was pulling me from my seat. His hands were on my waist, lifting me effortlessly onto the cold surface of the table that had separated us seconds earlier.

His body pressed between my legs. His lips found my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive spot just beneath my ear.

For a single, weak moment, I gave in. My breath hitched as my hands gripped his shoulders, pulling him closer. His scent washed over me, making my head spin. One of his hands slipped under my dress, gripping my thigh, his fingers digging in just enough to make me gasp.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you, baby,” he murmured, his voice a low growl that sent a shiver down my spine.

For a moment, I let myself feel it—him. I had missed him too. Everything about him. Our connection, the familiarity, the chemistry that had always been there. But then, I remembered where we were—and why we were there.

My hands flattened against his chest, and I pushed, shoving him hard enough to create space between us. “No,” I said, my voice shaky.

“You don’t get to touch me like that anymore,” I snapped, sliding off the table and adjusting my dress. “Not after what you did.”

His jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

“Where the fuck have you been?” he demanded. “Who have you been with?”

I opened my mouth, but he cut me off.

“Don’t lie to me. I’ve seen the TikToks. You really thought I wouldn’t see what you’re doing? You’re all over social media, letting him lead you around like I’m not still your husband?”

I flinched.

“Are you fucking him?”

I blinked. “What?”

“Don’t play stupid, Jordin!” He slammed his hand down on the table, making me flinch again. “Ciarán. Is he the reason for you leaving? You’ve been with him, haven’t you?”

“Stop talking to me, Oak,” I mumbled, my head starting to pound.

His face twisted, something wild flashing in his eyes. “Why don’t you want to talk about him?” he spat. “Is he the reason you won’t forgive me?”

My voice dropped, cold and steady. “What I do is none of your business anymore.”

That pushed him over the edge. His face turned red, jaw tightening. He grabbed my chin. “None of my business? You’re my wife, Jordin!”

“Not for much longer,” I snapped back.

“You’re divorcing me to be with him? Is that it?” Spittle flew from his mouth.

I knocked his hand away from my face. “You’re fucking unbelievable,” I said, shaking my head. “You cheated on me, Oak. You broke us. Don’t you dare try to turn this around on me or bring Ci into the conversation. I was faithful.”