Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 109562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Her smug smile says she doubts that as she picks up the phone and mentions my name. To be honest, I’m not so sure either. He may decide to have me thrown out.
As the receptionist listens to a reply, her eyebrows snap together. She purses her lips and points toward a bench next to the pillars. “You can wait over there.”
I don’t bother to thank her. A sense of déjà vu washes over me as I make my way across the floor.
I’m barely seated before an attractive blonde in a pale blue dress comes toward me. I recognize Evan’s secretary from my first visit. Her gaze rests curiously on me just like it did on that day when I broke the news to Evan. My cheeks heat a little under her undisguised stare.
“Ms. Brennan,” she says in a professional tone. “Please follow me.”
She escorts me through security where a full-body scan is done and my bag is searched. When the security guard has handed me a visitor’s badge to hang around my neck, she leads me to the big office on the second floor.
After rapping on the door, she opens it and sticks her head around the frame. “Your visitor is here.”
She steps aside with an impersonal smile and lets me pass before closing the door.
Evan stands in front of his desk, his hands shoved in his pockets. Silence stretches as I battle to formulate the favor I came to ask. I don’t miss how his gaze dips to my stomach for a fraction of a second before he fixes it with evident resolve on my face.
The uncomfortable quietness continues for another beat, and then we speak simultaneously.
“Anya.”
“Thanks for seeing me.”
A deep line runs between his eyebrows. “What are you doing here? I thought we agreed you wouldn’t come to my office.”
My hackles rise. “I can’t go to your house, and as you never gave me your number—”
He holds up a hand. Impatience infuses his tone. “We’ve been through this.”
I take a deep, calming breath. “I wouldn’t have bothered you at work if it wasn’t necessary.”
Tilting his head, he studies me with an expression that’s not entirely unfriendly. “What’s so important?” His brown eyes softens. “Do you want to grab a drink somewhere?” The seductive tone he takes is unmistakable. “We can talk about whatever is bothering you over lunch.”
Right. “At a hotel?”
He flashes me a charming, boyish smile. “Anywhere you want. We can drive to the countryside and get some fresh air. I know a cozy retreat in the mountains.”
“So you can get a room?” My smile is wry. “No thanks. Been there, done that. I’m not making the same mistake twice.”
“Then why did you come?”
Licking my dry lips, I push down my pride and blurt out, “There’s a small complication with the pregnancy.”
All traces of amiability vanish from his face. He drops the charming act, his manner turning hostile and curt. “I told you to get rid of it.”
“So you did.” I cross my arms. “Even though you were well aware I didn’t have medical insurance or money for an abortion.”
He utters a disbelieving laugh. “That’s what you want? Money for an abortion?”
“I explained why I could never do that. I haven’t changed my mind.”
“Then it’s not my problem.”
Dropping my arms at my sides, I ball my hands into fists. “This is very much your problem too.”
“You were only too eager to open your legs, honey.”
“It takes two to tango.”
He perches on the edge of his desk and says with indifference, “I made my position clear. I told you I didn’t want it.”
I shouldn’t let him get to me, but his nonchalance only irks me more. “After you came inside me.”
“I don’t recall you complaining.” He smirks. “On the contrary, you begged me not to stop.”
Anger surges inside me to burn hot with humiliation in my stomach. I didn’t want to play dirty, knowing how something like this could destroy his family, and I never wanted to be the cause of that much pain, especially not for his children who are innocent. Yet a part of me argued his wife deserved to know who her husband truly is. After debating it for hours, I decided that wrecking five people’s lives wasn’t worth my justification. However, his refusal to own up to his actions infuriates me to the point that I can’t stop myself from striking back.
“I could sue you for child support,” I say, being that person I never wanted to be. “When I tell the court how you told me you were single and gave me a false name, your perfect reputation will be ruined.”
He chuckles. “You could try. Who will the jury believe? A respectable justice or a little gold digger like you? After all, catching men by seducing them to fall pregnant runs in your family. Your mama taught you well.”