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“And?” She eyes me suspiciously.
I look away and take out some files from the drawer. “And nothing. He’s nice.”
“Nice how? Just spill. I’ve known you long enough to know you’re keeping something from me.” She folds her arms, head tilting to the side.
I look down, absently flipping through the files. “Ugh, Ash and I got into a bad argument Saturday night and Damian was there for me after he left. He took care of me.”
“Another fight? Fuck that guy, Lilah. You got to break up with him. This isn’t normal. He’s always yelling and insulting you. None of that is okay.”
I play with the hem of my black pencil skirt, picking off lint that isn’t there. “Not you too. Damian already gave me an earful.”
“Good! Maybe you’ll listen to him more than you listen to me.” She squeezes my hand. “I love you. But you need to let him go.” She smiles sadly as she releases my hand and returns to her office.
I sit there staring at the papers I must go through. Meanwhile, my mind races with thoughts on how to leave a man who’d destroy me before he’d ever save me.
Chapter 10
Damian
Idon’t remember the last time I was this hungover. The morning sun enters Gabe’s living room like an uninvited guest, and I have the urge to go back to bed. My head’s spinning like crazy and my thighs ache from my workout.
After Lilah told me she wouldn’t break things off, I went a little crazy. I hated knowing she’d put herself at risk like that. Yet, if I was being completely honest, I was also pissed because I wanted her. Leaving her behind went against everything I was trained to do, but it was the right thing to do. I needed to get out of there before I said something I couldn’t take back.
I wrack my brain trying to figure out what would cause her to stay when she clearly doesn’t want to. What could possibly be worse than what he’s already doing? I replay her words in my head, something about her staying to save herself. He must be holding something over her, threatening her in some way. It’s the only scenario that makes sense.
After working out at home and spending two hours at the gym, I mindlessly drove around, then got drunk by myself at some pub. Yep, pathetic I know, and pretty unlike me. I called Gabe to pick me up because I was in bad shape and couldn’t even use the Uber app. He didn’t ask any questions. He just looked at me, sensing something was wrong, knowing I never take things that far.
Unfortunately for me, I have to head into the office today so I gotta get the alcohol out of my system. I need to finalize assignments for the week and arrange some flights, then meet with the team to give them all the details. We have a big client traveling to Washington D.C. out of New York City this weekend, so four of my people are accompanying him and his wife on a private flight.
I take some Tylenol and jump in the shower. The cold water slices through the drunken fog. Once I’m clean, I drink two cups of coffee then look in Gabe’s closet for some clothes. It helps that we’re the same size. After getting dressed, I feel much more human. The hum of alcohol has finally left my system.
My mind keeps traveling back to last night. Is she safe? I need to call her to make sure he hasn’t returned. I haven’t even looked at my phone to see if she reached out. Damn it, I’m a selfish asshole. I should’ve stayed with her. I should’ve been there. Of all people, I should know better than to expect her to simply walk away, especially if he has ammunition against her.
Once at work, I mutter hello to Judith, my secretary. “Oh, good morning, Mr. Prescott.” She tilts her head to the side, studying me with narrowed focus.
Yeah, I know I look like shit. Thanks for making it obvious.
“Mr. Westbrook’s in your office waiting for you. And I left some messages on your desk,” she calls out behind me.
Great. “Thank you,” I mutter, heading into my office without another word.
Gabe’s sitting on the black leather sofa drinking coffee. “We need to talk about last night,” he says as soon as I sit at my desk.
I can’t do this right now. “Look man, I had a very shitty day yesterday and drank too much, that’s all.”
He stands and shakes his head. “Don’t bullshit me. What’s going on? I’ve never seen you drink like that.”
Fuck, I don’t know whether I should tell him or not, but I know I can trust him. Also, someone else knowing may be good. He may have some ideas on how to help.I run my hand through my hair as I let out a deep sigh. “Lilah’s boyfriend is beating her.”
“Shit.” He sits down and adjusts his tie. We stay silent for a moment, until he gets up to use my phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Paging Jax. He should know too.”
“Fine, you’re right.” We’re like a pack, we usually figure things out together. He picks up the phone and dials his extension.
“Jax get in here.” Gabe’s voice is all business.
