Chapter Forty One
Celeste’s POV
“Call your men off, you coward!” I shouted as the security guards seized me.
They escorted me out of the building with practiced efficiency. The closer we got to the entrance, the more my indignation built.
Damien had no right to treat people like his playthings.
“You’re the most air–headed, selfish asshole I’ve had the displeasure of knowing.” I shouted at the entrance of his company.
His jaw clenched as the passing employees eyed us.
“Celeste, this is my place of work.” He said through gritted teeth.
I couldn’t care less about preserving his reputation. One day, the upstanding businessman facade would shatter and I’d watch with glee.
“Make sure you fetch our daughter on Monday or god help you.” I warned coldly before leaving.
All too soon, I was in my studio building’s parking garage.
Flipping down the sun visor, I gasped at my reflection. An obvious hickey peeked out of the neckline of my blouse and I smacked myself for not seeing it sooner.
I covered it with the last dregs of makeup in my handbag. Gripping the steering wheel, I glared at my reflection in the vanity mirror.
“You will be calm and composed.” I said firmly. “You will keep your lips to yourself.”
My reflection didn’t look so sure.
I shut the sun visor and headed to my studio. It was spotless, every trace of our night of passion gone except for a note on the table.
“I have a family matter to deal with. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in two hours. XOXO, Ryan.”
“You should have taken the whole freaking day off.” I grumbled, crumpling the paper.
It was a Saturday, but the orders had piled up so much that we needed to work the overtime. I channeled my emotional turmoil into my work.
I jumped in my skin when Grace walked in, eyeing me with a devilish grin.
“Somebody didn’t come home last night.” She said in a singsong voice.
“Celine’s order took all night, so I crashed here.” I said, putting down my pliers.
She tutted. “You promised to spill if you had any developments in the love department.”
“And I would if anything was going on, but I’ve been too busy with work for romance.”
I wasn’t ready to admit my faux pas with Ryan.
“Really? Then how’d that hickey you tried to cover up get on your neck?” Grace smirked. “Work injury?”
My hand flew to the sensitive spot; and I cursed Ryan for leaving the mark.
1/2
425 BCARS
Chapter Forty One
“I guess it was work related, in a sense,” I said, hanging my head.
“Work related?” Then her eyes lit up as she connected the dots. “Oh my god, you finally rode that young stallion! Good for you, girl.”
I buried my face in my hands, wishing I could disappear.
“Yes, Grace. I rode that stallion all night, and now I don’t know how to face him.”
“Why? Don’t tell me he’s bad in bed.”
I scoffed dryly. “Trust me, that’s not the issue.”
“Then what is?”
“This was just a one time thing. I need to focus on my career so I can fight Damien fór custody, and with Ryan as my assistant and childhood friend, things are too complicated.”
“I get it, Celeste.” She gave me a smile. “But when was the last time you had sex? If you don’t find something casual and uncomplicated to fill your appetite well, this happens.”
“It’s not like I can pick up just any stranger from a bar.” I sighed. “Who knows what I’d be getting involved with?”
Grace stiffened, and I knew I’d put my foot in my mouth.
“That came out wrong. I wasn’t blaming you for what your ex did. I’m so sorry Grace.”
“Don’t worry, Celeste. I’ve learned to be more careful with men.” She shrugged, her bruises shining under concealer. “I actually stopped by Reece’s place to fetch my things this morning.”
My jaw fell open.
“What? Grace, you should have let me come with you.”
“I wanted closure, you know? But guess what I found instead.” She didn’t wait for my response. “Another woman, already in his bed.”
I shook my head. “That sick bastard.”
“He didn’t show an ounce of remorse for what he did.” Her eyes watered. “He told me to leave, or he’d hit me again.”
I wrapped her in a hug and felt her body shake.
“I can’t believe that bastard threatened you.” I said, stroking her back. “I seriously think you should press charges. Who knows what he’ll do next?”
She nodded, stepping away to dry her face..
“I’ll send pictures of my injuries and those disgusting chats to his company.” She said, her usual feistiness returning. “It’ll ruin his reputation.”
“That scumbag deserves no less.”
Just then, Ryan walked into the studio and my heart skipped a beat.
He was hand in hand with a girl I’d never seen before.
