Page 44 of Losing the Forbidden

“I need her, Mum. I can’t sit around and watch her with someone else when she’s shown that she needs me too.”

“You just need to give her time, Ben. She’ll figure it all out when she’s ready. You pushing her into it isn’t going to help.”

That doubt niggles at me again, but my need for her is stronger. “I can’t stand by and watch her make a huge mistake with him. I won’t do it. Wish me luck,” I say, reaching for the door handle and pulling it open.

“Good luck,” she calls out, but I’m already getting in my car.

The drive to the office takes longer than I think it ever has before, but the second I pull up, I race through to my office and power up the computer. Finding the folder full of all our employees’ personal details, I find Lauren’s and note down her address.

I don’t bother taking the time to shut it back down again. I’m too intent on finding her and sorting this out once and for all.

She lives farther out of the city than I was expecting. I manage to get stuck at every set of traffic lights on the way, but before long, I’m jogging up the stairs towards the flat listed as hers and Joe’s after a young mum with a little boy helpfully held the main door open for me.

Knocking on the door, I hear movement inside the flat. My heart thunders in my chest as I impatiently wait for it to open.

Finally, there’s a click, and a slither of light from inside shines around the wooden door. But when it’s pulled back enough to see the person at the other side, what I find isn’t what I was expecting. Lauren’s standing there, and her hair’s a mess, sticking up in all directions. She’s just wearing a man’s t-shirt.

Her eyes harden as she watches me take in her appearance. “What are you doing here?” She’s slightly out of breath, and it only ignites my anger.

“Who is it, sweets?” a male voice rumbles, before the door opens even wider to reveal Joe coming to a stop behind her in just his boxers. “Oh, it’s you,” he spits, sliding his arm around Lauren’s waist and pulling her to him before dropping his lips to her exposed neck.

Something inside me explodes. My nostrils flare and my teeth grind as I try to keep myself from ripping his fucking limbs from his body.

“Did you want something?” he asks while Lauren stands stock still in his arms.

“I came for what’s mine.”

“Nothing here is yours, mate.”

“Don’t fucking ma—”

“He’s right,” Lauren says. Her eyes find mine, and I see a determination in them that wasn’t there moments ago. “There’s nothing here for you anymore.”

“But—”

“There are no buts, Ben. I told you last night. I’m done. This is over. Stay if you want, for your business, but I won’t be there. You’ll find my resignation in your Inbox already. I. Am. Done.”

“I’m proud of you, sweets,” Joe whispers in her ear, holding her tight.

A lump the size of a fucking basketball climbs up my throat. I have no choice but to turn and walk away. I’d give everything to Lauren, but she won’t see my tears.