He's a master manipulator and liar.
Don't underestimate him.
He's a twisted, dangerous man capable of just about anything."
"The fact that you won't explain his grudge against you makes me think you're at fault."
"You shouldn't make assumptions.
There are some things I'm not at liberty to discuss."
"That's convenient."
He sighed.
"I'm not your adversary, Eva, and Cross doesn't need anyone to fight his battles.
You don't have to believe me.
Frankly, I'm so bitter I wouldn't believe me if I were in your place.
But you're a beautiful, smart young lady."
I hadn't been lately, but it was my responsibility to fix that.
Or walk.
"If you take a step back," he continued, "and look at what he's doing to you, how you're feeling about yourself since you've been with him, and whether you're truly fulfilled by your relationship, you'll come to your own conclusions."
Something beeped and he pulled his smartphone out of his coat pocket.
"Ah, my latest patient has just entered the world."
He pushed to his feet and looked down at me, setting his hand on my shoulder.
"You'll be the one who gets away.
I'm glad."
I watched him walk briskly out of the cafeteria and collapsed into the seat back the moment he disappeared from view, deflating from exhaustion and confusion.
My gaze moved to the sleeping screen of my tablet.
I didn't have the energy to finish my letter.
I packed up and went to get ready for Angus's arrival.
* * *
"You up for Chinese?" I looked up from the layout of the blueberry coffee ad on my desk into the warm brown eyes of my boss.
I realized it was Wednesday, our usual day to go eat with Steven.
For a second, I considered bowing out and eating at my desk because I wanted to make Gideon happy.
But just as quickly, I knew I'd resent him if I did.
I was still trying to build a new life in New York, which included making friends and having plans that existed outside the life I shared with him.