“How would you know?”
“Money buys information. But you wouldn’t know because you don’t have any.” He shook his head, making a tsking noise as he did so. “You’re too naïve for your own good. A man like Gabe will grow bored of you soon enough. God knows I did.”
I didn’t care how many nerves he pricked, I refused to let him see how badly his words hurt me. I deliberately yawned, wanting to look bored.
Unfortunately, Lance appeared to be enjoying himself. He leaned in closer. “I only kept you around out of pity, you know. That and you kept a nice, clean house and did what I asked with little fuss. Not to mention, you were frigid enough that you didn’t even know how often I took my pleasure elsewhere.”
A red haze of fury erupted inside me, anger not just at how callously he treated me but how stupid I’d been for falling for him at all, believing his lies, and sticking around even once I knew better.
“If I was frigid, it was only because you didn’t know what the hell you were doing, you lying, cheating son of a bitch.” I gripped the frame so hard I was surprised I didn’t break one of my fingers.
“Don’t pull the righteous routine on me. How long was this going on behind my back?”
I didn’t answer. He wouldn’t believe me anyway.
“Gabriel Dare might be attracted to you. I was too, for a time. He’ll grow bored just like I did. I only came here to let you know you won’t be seeing one cent from me. You’ve taken enough.”
Once again, he’d managed to find the best way to hurt me. My ears rang with all the insults he’d hurled, but I wouldn’t let him break me. “You stupid, arrogant ass. I’d rather live on the streets than take anything from you.”
“That can be arranged.” A mean smile took hold, making me wonder how he’d kept this nasty part of himself hidden from me for so long.
I turned my back on him, and he grabbed my shoulder.
Touching me was the last straw. I spun around and kicked out, my bare foot landing in his groin.
“You bitch.” He slapped me hard at the exact moment the elevator doors opened and Gabe stormed through in time to see Lance’s hand make contact with my cheek.
Gabe’s gaze swung from Lance to me before he hauled Lance up by his shirt, shoving his back against the wall, his fist connecting with the other man’s jaw. “You don’t hit women. But you especially don’t hit this one,” Gabe bit out, still holding Lance against the wall.
Lance glared but held his ground, not blinking.
“I specifically told you to bring her things to my office. Show up here again and you won’t be able to walk out of here on your own.”
“He almost didn’t,” I muttered. Between my kick and Gabe’s punch, Lance appeared dazed and stunned.
And if I’d had on real shoes, that kick might have done some damage. As it was, I worked my aching jaw back and forth.
Gabe released his hold, and Lance scrambled not to fall. He righted himself, straightening his shirt, throwing a glare Gabe’s way. “This isn’t over.”
“If you mean you still owe her, you’re right.” Gabe stepped beside me, pulling me into him. I allowed the show of possession, knowing it would infuriate my ex.
Lance’s scowl told me I was right. “She’s not worth the trouble I promise you I can—and will—rain down on you,” he said to Gabe, his words a clear threat.
Gabe’s low snarl frightened even me. “That just shows how incredibly stupid, not to mention ignorant, you are.”
I trembled and wrapped my arms around myself, silently admitting Lance was probably right. I wasn’t worth the hassle, something Gabe might have just figured out—but at least he presented a united front to my ex.
Giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze, Gabe strode into the darkened hallway and hit the down button for the elevator before turning to Lance. “I suggest you leave before I call the police. You’re trespassing.”
Lance wisely remained silent until he stepped into the open elevator. “Don’t be a fool over a piece of ass,” he called out to Gabe, timing his shout to coincide with the closing door.
* * *
Isabelle: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Gabe watched the doors shut completely before turning his focus to me. Gaze narrowed, his stare came to rest on my cheek.
“I should have killed him when I had the chance.”