Gone - Anna Brooks Page 0,45
to the side at the figure sitting on my couch, I grit my teeth together, and my high-intensity defense heightens to a morbid reality of regret. How the fuck did she get in my house? “What the hell are you doing here?”
Laila skims her finger down her bare chest, between her fake tits. That sexy grin of hers used to get me every time, but now I can’t look at the bitch without seeing a greedy whore, no matter how pretty she is on the outside. “Hi.”
“Ah, I get it.” I point at her and laugh. “I’ve gotta say, a part of me is glad you showed up.”
She dips her chin and walks closer to me, stopping only a few feet away. “Yeah?” Her tongue slides across her teeth. “You miss me, too?”
“Miss you?” I throw my head back laughing because I can’t not crack up at that. “Bitch, I don’t even think about you enough to remember you. I’m glad you’re here for the sole reason that it’ll give me and Izzy something to laugh at.” I cross my arms. “She said she thought you’d come crawling back after the way you looked at me at dinner, but I didn’t believe her because nothing about my financial situation has changed.” I smirk, knowing what I get to do to Izzy since she won. “And I can’t wait to give my Izzy baby her prize.”
Laila’s face drops. She always wanted me to call her something cute, but I never did. It wasn’t intentional, but it should have been another huge red flag telling me something was off if I couldn’t even come up with a sweet name to call my wife.
“You can’t tell me you’ve never thought about it? Just once more… for old time’s sake? We were good together, Damien. So good. I know exactly how you like it and—”
“No, you don’t. I have a woman who actually gives a shit about makin’ me feel good and not just going through the motions until she can get hers. You had no clue what I liked. But since my brother is just as selfish as you, I can imagine why you’re here.” I smirk condescendingly. “Your neglected pussy needs a little attention, doesn’t it?”
She sees her desperate attempt at seduction isn’t working, so she quickly bends down for the long coat that was lying by the front door and puts it on, yanking the belt around her waist. “I made a mistake, okay?” Now her eyes are all red and watery, and if I gave a shit about her, I’d feel sorry for her, but I don’t, so I can’t help but chuckle.
“Yeah, you did. Is that all? Because I really hope you’re not about to say you want me back,” I ask impatiently. When she doesn’t reply, I drop my arms. “I have places to go, and a real sweet, sexy, fantastic woman to do, so…” I motion for the door.
“I’m sorry.” She tries for forgiveness now. “I’m so sorry. Please, you don’t understand, I—”
“I don’t. You’re right about that, but the thing is, I don’t care. Honestly, I truly don’t give a shit. Just do us both a favor and get outta here before you embarrass yourself even more, okay?”
It takes her all of two breaths to make the right decision, and I open the door only to be able to slam it behind her. Jesus, that was pathetic. After dealing with Mario and Danny, all I want is a shower and then to sink inside the clean warmth of my Izzy, but I have to wait for that. Once Laila walks out of view down the long driveway, I get my dog and discover the back door was unlocked.
Izzy’s already at the birthday party she told me about where she wants me to meet her family, and I’m running late as it is. I shoot her a quick text to tell her I’m going to hop in the shower and I’ll be on my way, then do just that. I’m in and out in about three minutes, dressed and ready to go in another two, and when I grab my phone to see her reply with the address of the house I was at last week, I toss back my head and roar with laughter.
* * *
Walking across Gio’s front yard, Izzy appears from around the corner headed my way like there’s a magnetic force between us. I stand still and drop my chin, waiting for her