Page 9 of Playing With Fire

Immediately, I regret my wardrobe decision.

John Cox is sitting next to me on the side opposite from Gregor, and he’s the worst of them all. It takes less than four seconds for him to turn his attention to me and ogle my cleavage.I’m burning this dress as soon as I get home.

“John, my eyes are up here,” I reprimand the arrogant attorney quietly.

At least Ithoughtit was quietly, but I feel Gregor bristle beside me.

John just laughs before leaning in too close. “And as beautiful as they are, they don’t hold a candle to your rack.” He doesn’t even try to keep his voice down.

My nostrils flare in anger, but what pisses me off more than his words, is my husband’s silence. If he heard my comment to John, there’s no way he didn’t hear John’s response to me. And instead of sticking up for me, he continues his conversation as if John’s comment is acceptable.

“That’s completely inappropriate,” I tell him, coming to my own defense.

He gives me a slimy smirk. “When your name is on the door of the state’s most powerful law firm, the lines get a little blurry.” The bastard squeezes my thigh under the table, causing me to jump. Silverware clangs loudly as I slide my chair back and excuse myself to the restroom.

When I don’t return after several minutes, my phone vibrates in my clutch.

Greg

Stop being so dramatic. Your absence is making a scene.

Shannon

John Cox’s words are making the scene!

Can we leave? Please?

Greg

No. This is a business meeting.

Shannon

Can I take the car then? You stay.

Greg

Jesus, he hit on you. So what? It’s a compliment Shannon. He wishes his wife was as hot as you.

My vision is painted red. Is my husband reallyjustifyingthe actions of the man who just groped me? I huff out a humorless laugh. Gregloveshaving something other men—especially his partners—want.

Feeling sick to my stomach, I don’t respond until I’m in the Uber heading home, reevaluating my entire life.

Shannon

I’ve gotten a ride. I’ll see you at home.

Greg

You have got to be kidding me. You’ve made me look like a fool in front of the partners.

I’m thankful I hold it together long enough to dismiss my mother-in-law from watching Serafina before I hug my daughter to my chest as hot tears spill down my cheeks, feeling like I’m at my absolute lowest.

As if sensing I’ve hit my breaking point, Serafina snuggles against me. Her perfect, tiny fingers dig into my skin and something clicks into place. Like she and I have reached an understanding.

Isn’t that ironic? The gift I’ve resented the most from Gregor is becoming the thing that makes me aware of how badly things need to change. In this moment, she’s the one thing that makes me want to fight for myself as much as I want to fight for her. If she were in a marriage like mine, I’d probably beg her to leave…or kill her husband with my bare hands.

After getting myself under control, I finally take my daughter through her bedtime routine and an hour later, I climb in the shower. I’m in the middle of shaving my legs when the bathroom door opens.