Page 126 of At His Beck & Call

Why does it have to be like this for me?

Rising, I stalk to the trash can in the corner of the room and pull it over to the shelves. I begin throwing each toy into it one by one, wiping her presence from my life.

Turning, I rip the sculpture from the wall, not caring about the gaping hole that’s left in its place, and dispose of everything else that reminds me of her.

The chaise is the last item, but there’s nothing I can do with that now. I wish I could throw everything out of the window or set it on fire.

My hand moves to my chest, rubbing at the throbbing ache that won’t recede. Even as I stand there in the wreckage I’ve created, I can’t help listening eagerly for the sound of Lissa’s footsteps outside my door.

My nails dig into the palm of my hand as there’s a gentle knock on the door. I stand straighter, exhaling a long breath.

“Come in.”

Adelaide opens it, her eyes wide as she stares around at the room, skimming over the deep gouge in the plaster where the sculpture used to be.

“Is everything alright?” she asks, looking deeply concerned, as her fingers hang on the door handle.

I stare past her at Lissa’s empty desk. Has she already left?

Fuck…

“I’m fine. What time is the partners' meeting this afternoon?”

“It’s… it’s at two,” she says, looking around the room again. “Is there anything you need?”

“No.”

I’ll have to tell her that Lissa is leaving. But not now. Adelaide will be upset, and I can’t deal with anyone else’s emotions right now.

“Just go,” I bite out. “Everything is fine.”

Adelaide steps back, her thin eyebrows rising as she retreats.

I turn and walk to my desk, powering on my computer. I have to get my head in the game, focus on the meeting, and stay dedicated to my goal of becoming an equity partner. That’s what I’ve wanted for the last decade. That’s my objective.

Everything else is just a distraction, and I’m better off without it.

Chapter 44

Oliver

That afternoon, I sit outside the conference room on the plush top floor of the AGS offices, waiting to be called inside. Warren came out ten minutes ago, but gave nothing away as he passed me.

Today is the day that the committee will vote on who should be the next equity partner.

If someone had asked me a month ago what I wanted most in my life, this would have been the answer. The EP position represents my success, my value, and everything I have worked so hard for.

But now I can barely muster the energy to enter the room, let alone care about the outcome.

Lissa left at lunchtime. She didn’t speak or look at me as she left, explaining to Adelaide that it was because her personal circumstances had changed.

I kept the door open, listening as they said goodbye. Adelaide came into my office five minutes later, told me she was going to lunch, and left. She hasn’t spoken to me since.

Lissa didn’t even say goodbye.

But what did I expect? I’d basically dismissed her from the position, and despite my telling her to stay at AGS for as long asshe needed, I should have known she would leave as soon as she could.

Why would she stay just to be forced to put up with my perverse desires and scarred, ugly body? She’s better off without me.