Chapter 45 #2
I set my jaw and inject scorn into my voice when I drawl. "Someone in my position, and with my life experience… You didn’t think you could satisfy all my needs, did you?"
The blood drains from her face.
She’s watching me closely, watching my mouth make the words like she has to confirm to herself it’s me who's doing the talking. I’m sorry, baby. So sorry. But it’s for the best.
"You… You don’t mean it," she chokes out. "The Quentin I know is not someone who’d walk all over my heart. Your gruff demeanor hides the more vulnerable parts of you." She takes a step forward. "That’s it, isn’t it? I make you feel a lot. You look at me and realize you can’t run from your emotions anymore.
It makes you feel exposed and raw and emotionally naked.
Well, guess what? Welcome to the land of the living. "
A tension grips me. I grit my teeth so hard, my jaw muscles protest. What is she talking about? That makes no sense. I’m not scared of feeling, and I do feel emotions. Only, I had to lock them away so I could do my duty. And even there, you failed them. You couldn’t protect Ryot’s wife.
But I can protect Raven now. Because I love her, I can push her away. I can do this for her, so she gets the life she deserves. I draw on that coldness inside me which allowed me to make decisions on a mission.
"Nothing you say will make me change my mind.” I narrow my gaze on her.
She flinches.
"My mind is made up. Our relationship is one of mutual advantage. And I've done my part.” My voice emerges cold and hard, while my entire body shrinks from my words.
"What do you mean?" she cries.
"Your sister’s future is set. Your father has been accepted into the trial for the experimental treatment at Johns Hopkins."
“He has?” Her features light up.
And despite the fact I’ve locked away my emotions, a soft sensation seeps into my chest. Jesus, I love this woman.
All the more reason you need to distance yourself from her.
Her lips curve. "That could be potentially—"
"Lifesaving—” I nod. “If it succeeds, it will change the quality of his life for the better moving forward."
"That…" She locks her fingers together. "That’s incredible, thank you."
“So, there’s no reason for us to stay married anymore,” I manage to say the words without faltering. In fact, I sound positively convincing.
“And what about your role as the CEO?”
“Arthur emailed the company. He confirmed my position as CEO of the group company. There is no need for this charade to continue.”
Of course, I’m not accepting the role. I already told Arthur I’m stepping down and he should give the role to one of my nephews. But there’s no need to tell her that, yet.
The smile fades from her face, then she marches over to me and stabs a forefinger into my chest. "Pardon me for not believing this bull crap you’re spouting, but you care for me, Q.
I’ve seen it in your eyes. I’ve seen it when you fuck me.
I’ve seen it when you hold my gaze as you come inside of me.
It's why you remember I like cappuccino and made my coffee exactly the way I enjoy it.
It's why you went so far as to note the kind of painting supplies I use, and why you bought me more that matched my specifications.
Besides, you all but told me that you love me.
You"—she juts out her chin—"you, do love me. "
"I don’t." I look her up and down, managing to infuse disdain into my perusal of her body.
From the corner of my eye, I see her raise her arm, but I don’t budge.
Don’t avoid what I know is coming. And when her palm connects with my cheek, I welcome the burn.
I relish the sting, knowing if I were to look in the mirror, I’d see the shape of her fingerprints on my face.
I want her mark of possession on my body.
“That's for being such an ass.” She shakes the hair back from her face. “But you should know, I’m not falling for the act.”
“Eh?” I frown. “What do you mean?”
“You’re saying the words you think will push me away from you, but it’s not going to happen.
I might be your submissive in bed, but in real life, I can go toe-to-toe with you.
I’m not going to let you wear me down. I’m a painter.
The one thing I am is patient, not to mention, persistent.
Every painting has a rhythm, a code I need to understand to unlock its secrets, and I think I’m beginning to understand yours.
That’s what's making you run scared.” She scans my features. “Am I right?”
A strange sensation tightens my chest. What the fuck?
What is she talking about? I’ve been trying my best to make her see I’m all wrong for her, but I don’t seem to be getting through.
If anything, it seems to have the opposite effect.
I shake my head. “You’re wrong. But what-fucking-ever.
If you want to spin stories in your head, who am I to stop you? ”
I turn to leave, when she calls out to me, “Q?”
I stop.
“You think if you ignore me and put distance between us, I’m going to give up on you, but you’re wrong.
You think you can push me away but I’m not going anywhere.
I’m going to be waiting for you to come back and apologize to me for being such a douchebag, and I’m going to enjoy every moment of it, I promise you. ”