Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
I lowered to where she had been sitting.
To my annoyance, she lifted her purse and placed it on the other side of her. It was still out of my reach.
Fuck.
Michal Jackson began singing about his damned relationship.
“Maya!” Claire called out to me.
I kept my view on Estelle. “What?”
“I have a special something in here to relax you this evening. Just let me know at the Gala when you want to go out and have a break.”
“That's great, Claire.” I waved her away, not having time for her.
Do I get Estelle before she leaves the limo? Or do I get her now?
It made the most sense to wait. Perhaps, Ethan was prepared as usual and had guards waiting for us.
But, I want to get her now. It would only be fair.
In so many moments Estelle had been ahead of me. When I went to Ethan's office, she slyly entered as a waiter and handed me poisoned champagne.
Later, I went to the maze, and she was right there, ruining an absolutely fabulous kiss with a shot to my chest.
Back in the office another time, I thought I was good to go by locking the door and sliding the curtains in front of the window. And, she appeared again, walking through a fucking secret passageway.
Estelle turned my way and caught me watching her. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” Keeping that fake smile on my face hurt my cheeks, but the small pain was worth it.
This time I want to show you that I'm the one in control. I'm steps ahead of you.
Claire snapped her fingers to the song. “Maya!”
I turned to her and rolled my eyes. “What now?”
“Oh, I'm sorry.” She gave me a mocking smirk. “Am I interrupting you?”
“Yes.”
She blinked. “I'm just trying to have a chat—”
“Talk to your husband.”
Horace snorted.
I glared at him.
He widened his eyes. “Maya, are you okay?”
My heart raced.
I looked back at Estelle. “That purse is so pretty. Can I see it?”
“Oh. Sure.” Shi lifted the purse in front of her. “I bought this—”
I rushed for the purse, grabbing it with both hands.
Estelle shrieked, her grip on the bag tightening on the red leather, doing her best to wrench it away. “Boss, what is going on?”
“I'm not your boss, bitch!”
Claire yelled, “Maya, what are you doing?!”
“Give it to me!” Lunging forward, I tried to yank the purse from Estelle, but quickly she jerked it away.
Rage filled her eyes.
There you go. That's the true you.
Still, Shi’s voice was eerily calm as she spoke, “Ma'am, I don't understand what is going on. Do you think this purse is yours?”
“Eh, Maya!” Horace yelled from the other side. “What are we missing?!”
They need something to do, so I can pay attention to Estelle.
I kept my view on my assistant. “Horace is fucking Claire! Ryan has her panties in his purse. Talk amongst yourselves.”
Claire shrieked.
Ryan yelled, “You, bitch! I thought I smelled Chanel No 5!”
Probably unsure of what was going on, Estelle's gaze darted back and forth from me to the couples' escalating argument.
Let's try this again.
With that thought, something primal and alive awakened from deep within my soul.
I curled my fingers into a fist and lunged at Estelle again.
This time Estelle was ready for me. She swung a vicious, powerful right hook. The force of her punch reverberated through my skull with a sickening thud.
Holy fuck!
The pain was unbearable.
I fell back into the seat.
She sure can hit.
Claire screamed, “I am not having sex with Horace!”
“Bernard, are these your wife's panties!?” Ryan cried. “Check them if you dare!”
“Hold on!” Horace tried to yell over them. “Why are we even entertaining this? Maya has clearly lost her mind. Look at her!”
Estelle took off her mask and glared at me. “I don't know what you're doing, but—”
Determined, I sprung forward.
Fast, Estelle rose and jumped back.
I only grabbed her red dress, tearing at it with a savage intensity. The fabric easily shredded in my hands.
“Maya!” Estelle responded with explosive aggression. Her fists were a flurry of quick jabs, flashing out like lightning strikes.
How many times had she imagined hitting me? Had practiced it even?
The blows rained down on me, striking my arms, chest, and face, searing my skin. Blood streamed down my face like tears.
Still, I dragged her down to the limo floor and let out a guttural yell.
Screaming, she crashed to the ground.
“All this time, Claire?!” Pain coated Bernard's voice. “You've been having sex with him?!”
“No, honey. Never!” Claire cried. “Please, listen to me!”
On the floor, we wrestled, rolling and grappling. Clawing and clashing. Locked in a struggle of wills. The air around us was thick with rage. Our gowns tearing and wrinkling.
I didn't even have any idea where the fucking purse was at. I just wanted to hurt her.
Then, Estelle landed a final crushing blow to my throat. “I hate you!”
I felt my windpipe constrict and I was unable to take a full breath.