Page 18 of Envy
But I had no knowledge about his life here. Or who he shared it with. I didn’t even know he’d moved here, and I’ve stalked him on social media for years. Stalking for business reasons only, of course.
I’m standing in my walk-in closet, staring at my clothes, and trying to decide what to wear. Which of my dresses says “I’m fabulous” without adding “because I’m trying too hard”? I finally settle on the simple little black dress since it works for almost any situation. With my hair and makeup finished, I have a glass of wine to calm my anxiety before Russell knocks on my door.
When I open the door, I’m taken aback by his rugged good looks dressed up in a silk suit tailor-made to fit his athletic frame. I haven’t seen him in so long I almost forgot how handsome he is. I invite him in and watch him walk with his confident swagger through my apartment. This moment is the first time I’ve realized he’s almost the exact opposite of Wyatt.
Where Wyatt has blond hair, Russell has jet black hair. Wyatt has blue eyes, and Russell’s are so dark brown they’re almost black. Wyatt’s skin is light until he’s spent a few days in the sun, then it becomes a golden tan. Russell has an olive complexion that never changes. Wyatt is athletic and carries himself with the coordination of a professional athlete, quick to move when he needs to and ready to stand fast when he should. Russell has a more refined air—pompous, polished, and ready to win a battle of wits rather than a battle of fists.
For a moment, I consider telling Russell the rest of the story…the real reason I need him by my side tonight. But I can’t…not without revealing everything, and I’m not ready for that conversation. Besides the fact that we don’t have time to get through the whole sordid tale, I’d be such an emotional wreck during the party tonight there’d be no way I could hide it. Maybe I’ll tell Russell after the deal is complete and I strip the company down to nothing, fulfilling my plan to destroy everything related to Wyatt.
“You look beautiful, as usual,” Russell croons. His lascivious smirk is intact but does nothing for my libido. In fact, it has the opposite effect than what he intends.
“Don’t even give me that look,” I chastise him. “Let’s just get through this party tonight and put it behind us.”
“You’re never nervous when it comes to business. You never make a move without having all your facts double and triple checked. What’s different about this one?”
“Something I can’t put my finger on. I expected a hostile takeover, actually. I was prepared for a dawn raid. Swoop in, use all my resources to squash the little guy, and walk away triumphant. But the board accepted my tender offer. The current CEO didn’t object at all. In fact, he offered his expertise to help the incoming CEO get up to speed. He’s been working with Adam to document every detail the new management team will need to step into place.”
“So? He’s ready to move on to bigger and better things. You gave him an out.” Russell shrugs his shoulders like it’s no big deal. On a normal day with a normal deal, I’d agree with him.
“But this CEO’s family built the business. They’ve handed it down from generation to generation, adding and upgrading services throughout the years. Now he’s just…unconcerned.”
“Megan, you probably just answered your own question. He’s unconcerned. He doesn’t care. Just because his family has owned the business for years means nothing to him. He’s accepted the fate of the company and is taking his exit stage left. You’re overthinking this one, babe.”
Russell looks down at his watch and sighs. “It’s time to leave for the boring party. Please tell me this won’t take all night.”
“I’d say two hours, tops. Anything after ten will be past their bedtime.” I laugh and grab my clutch. “I’m ready.”
“Good. My club will just be getting started by then. You know, you’re still more than welcome to come with me.”
“As always, I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to pass. Again.”
When we reach The Fresian Executive Club, several couples have already started to gather in our reserved room. Adam and Chelle are sipping cocktails together. I already knew they were a couple, but I still wanted to see her shoot Wyatt down. Charlie and my mom are sitting beside them. I’ve wondered for a while now if they’re a couple, but haven’t had the nerve to ask them. Not that I’d mind—Charlie is a wonderful man—but I’m still not over losing my dad. I’m not sure I’ll ever be, honestly. But I want Mom to be happy, and if Charlie makes her happy, I’ll support their relationship. A few of the board members and their wives are milling about, talking and laughing in small groups.
Even with my back to the door, I know the exact second he steps into the room. Electricity charges the air in the room and ignites my nerve endings. Chills pebble across my skin and shivers run up and down my spine. I hate that he still has such physical and emotional control over me. After what he did. After all the years we’ve spent apart. After all the laser-focused energy I’ve expended on hating him.
I want him to suffer. I want him to beg for my forgiveness. I want to ruin his life and his chances of ever loving anyone again. I want to take away everything that’s important to him and leave him with a giant hole in his heart that can never be filled.
Russell returns from the bar with our drinks, and I take mine from his hand. When I turn to speak to him, I see Wyatt shaking hands with one of the board members, and a beautiful woman has her perfectly manicured fingers wrapped around his arm. She’s flawless—from her hair to her dress to her shoes. The way she moves, the way she joins conversations, and the way she so easily fits in with the influential and wealthy people in this room.
She’s one of them. One of the blue bloods I’ve wasted so much envy on over the years. One of the elitists who would hail from the long pedigree line of Montague Manor. She’d fit right in with the crowd that never accepted me. If I had to guess, I’d say even Blair loves her.
My knees feel shaky, so I wrap my hand around the bend of Russell’s arm for support. He looks down at me, a spark of curiosity in his eyes, but also a hint of something more. I’ve never shown any affection toward him in public before, so my actions have most likely confused him. No one has a clue about our intimate relationship…or, rather, arrangement. The other functions we attended together were as friends only—no touching, no hint we were anything more than work associates.
“Have I been upgraded and don’t know?” Russell asks.
“What do you mean?” I pull my head back, furrow my brow, and narrow my eyes at him.
“You never wanted anyone to know about us before, so I thought maybe you were embarrassed of me. But tonight, you seem more like my date instead of an acquaintance. I just thought maybe you’d finally decided to admit your feelings for me.” Russell turns to face me, affectionately stroking my cheek.
I’m so confused. We agreed to no complications. We had a thorough discussion about it, so neither of us would be hurt in the long run.
“Russell, I’ve never been embarrassed of you. I’m sorry I made you feel that way. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m just a very private person, and I’m very cautious with who knows personal information about me.”
That’s the truth, and it’s the best I can say in response at the moment.
He cocks his head to the side. “But these people are privy to your personal information?”
“This is a more intimate setting than a group of coworkers meeting for drinks at the corner bar. Wouldn’t you agree?”
