Page 111 of Undeniably Corrupt

Vander is holding my wrist with a look that tells me he won’t accept my bullshit.

“I’m going to miss Champagne. I’ll be on my own, and I still feel very new at this.”

“That’s not where those tears came from. You’d never cry at something like that.”

I turn to him, all attitude and gusto I hardly feel. “No? And how would you know that?”

His hand tightens. “Because I know you.”

“Ha.” I scoff loudly. “You know nothing. You think becausewe were childhood sweethearts and I let you fuck me a few times that you know me? So wrong.”

“No? Maybe not. How about you tell me what I’m missing then?”

There’s accusation and knowing in his tone, but I push past it. “I don’t like you enough to tell you anything. In fact, other than being an easy and convenient fuck, I’ve decided Hazel and I are moving out.”

Walk away, Vander. Get angry. Hate me. But just walk away.

“Oh yeah? When?”

“As soon as I can.”

“You regret fucking me?”

No. I don’t. Not even with everything that’s happened, I don’t. “Yes. You were a mistake. It’s over and done now. I don’t want anything to do with you anymore.”

His head angles, and he studies me a hell of a lot closer than I like. It’s everything from my red lips to my miserable eyes to the quivering of my insides.

“You’re lying, my little angel.”

“Fuck off, Vander.” I tear away from him and waltz down the hall, only to burst into the conference room, momentarily forgetting all the tears I just shed. Naturally, it’s filled with people, all noticing the train wreck that is my face.

“Are you okay?” Jeremy asks, concern drawing his brows together.

“Oh. Yes. I’m fine.” I laugh. It’s weak. “I, um… It’s…”

“Ugh, are your allergies as bad as mine?” Alesha jumps in, saving me and shocking the hell out of me at the same time. “Here. Try this. They’re over the counter, but I swear, they work miracles.”

She fishes through her purse and hands me a small white tablet. A glass of ice water is set in front of me, and I look up to find Vander glaring down at me. Oh boy.

“They’re the worst. Thank you.” I take the pill and swallow it with the water. I don’t even care what she gave me. If I’m lucky, it’ll be an Ativan or something similar to take the edge off.

Vander sits beside me, and the meeting starts. I can’t pay attention. People are talking and words are being said, and none of it registers.

Which is why I don’t belong here. I’m a danger to all of this. To this world he’s built. It’s an empire, really, and I don’t want to hurt it. If I had any balls, I would have killed my father years ago. If I didn’t have Hazel, maybe I’d do it now. I don’t know. I’m not him, and I don’t want to be, but he’s not someone who should be allowed to breathe air and continue living his best life when he’s ruined so many others.

Vander can find someone else. A real assistant. Someone who understands what they’re doing and isn’t putting his life at risk.

“Did you get that, Liora?” someone asks, and my head snaps up.

“Oh. Um.”Crap. “No, I’m so sorry. I missed it. Would you mind?—”

“Everyone out,” Vander barks harshly. His sharp gaze tells me I’m not included in that.

Jesus. Way to make a scene. My face heats with embarrassment.

“It’s not a big deal,” Alesha states flatly. “I’m happy to repeat it.”

“I said out.” He takes off his glasses and sets them beside his laptop, and I focus on those so I don’t pick up a pen and stab him with it or burst into more tears.