Page 79 of Checkmate
Alex had let his anger drive him so far past stupidity, it wasn’t even funny. And to drag Sophie along with him was unforgivable.
Erica may not like the girl very much, but she could see when someone was being led astray. Sophie was young enough for Alex to manipulate and try to impress.
It was disgusting what he’d done, and she’d had enough.
“He could have died tonight,” she said, whispering the words. “And he’d have taken plenty of people with him.”
“I know. I’m still trying to get my head around that.”
“And I think that’s the limit I’m willing to go to. God knows what he’s going to do when I serve him with divorce papers, but I’m done.”
“It’s a shame,” he said, reaching for her hand and playing with her fingers. “I understand, but it’s a shame. I’ve enjoyed being in cahoots with you.”
“I’m sure we’ll find another way to cause mischief,” she said, offering him a smile. “I’m just not sure making my soon-to-be ex-husband angry enough to become suicidal is the right way to go.”
“You’re right.” He lifted her hand, kissing her knuckles. Her stomach clenched before settling into butterflies.
What happened after she divorced Alex?
She couldn’t deny she felt a pull towards the man in front of her. But would they ever have a chance at something uncomplicated going forward?
He was always going to be the man who felt off-limits.
Mixing business with pleasure was always messy, but the history between them and their exes felt like too much to wade through.
But God help her if the idea wasn’t tempting.
“So, what’s the plan?” He asked, pulling her attention back to the present. “You just want to serve him with papers?”
“No. That’s too easy.”
“I didn’t think so,” he chuckled. “So, what?”
Erica spread a slow smile and shrugged. “I may have an idea or two.”
“Don’t play coy, young lady. Tell me.”
She had a plan, and it had been brewing for a while, but it would require her dragging other people into her drama, which she wasn’t sure she was comfortable with.
“I want to serve him with papers at my parent’s Christmas dinner,” she said, meeting his gaze. “While giving my family copies of the texts he shared with Sophie.”
“Ah. So, you’re going nuclear.”
“That’s the plan,” she nodded. “But you’re going to have to convince me it’s the right one.”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I’m not a very selfish person by nature, Marcus. And this would require me to be so incredibly selfish it leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach.”
“But why?” He frowned, rubbing his thumb along her finger. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s Christmas,” she said with a shrug. “And Christmas is always so magical at my parents. Mum and Dad go all out and treat us like we’re kids again.
“We never really struggled growing up, but my parents were fairly frugal. We got what we needed with a few treats here and there. But at Christmas, they went all out and spoiled us. It’s been the same ever since.”
Erica swallowed as Marcus ran the tip of his finger over the inside of her wrist, sending chills racing up her arm. His eyes roamed her face as he gave her his full attention.
She felt so seen. So heard.
