My Cruel Lover (Wicked Poison #3) - T.L. Smith Page 0,37
to see you,” he says. I simply nod in response. “You know I would love if you come inside.”
“That’s not going to happen,” I tell him, my eyes finding the window I used to sneak through all the time. I lost my virginity in that house. That house holds way too many memories—mostly good—but I’ve grown, and the last thing I want to do is go back down memory lane.
Glenn taps his hands on my door to gain my attention. “Jacinta is a nice girl,” he says, smiling and stepping back. “Have a good day, Beckham.”
I pull away, wondering what I’m going to do about the employee whom I like to fuck.
Chapter 19
Jacinta
"So …” Rylee starts. Oliver runs into the house and straight to his room to play on his PlayStation.
“Yeah?”
“When did my brother leave?” Her eyebrows shoot up. “Is this a thing, or not really a thing? Because I saw the way he was with you and know it’s not a first-time thing,” she finishes.
“He left, and it’s nothing more than what it is.”
“Well, I just want you to know I approve. I’ve seen the type he’s usually with, and believe me, I approve.” She pulls her bag higher on her shoulder as she turns to walk out. “Not that you need my approval … I’m just saying. He isn’t as bad as you would think, I mean. He’s pretty amazing and highly supportive. If you need someone to cheer you on, he isn’t it, but if you need someone to tell you exactly how it is, he’s your man.”
“Must be nice having people,” I say, and her smile drops. It’s then I realize how depressing that sounds.
Rylee lays a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You have people, whether you want them or not.” She winks. “I know you said your parents died, but you don’t have any other family?”
“No, none. I am an only child, the same as my parents. And their parents died when I was eleven. So … no, no one else.”
“Well, that just proves how resilient and strong you are that you’ve gotten so far by yourself. But you know we’re family, right? You need something … you come to me.” I nod, and she gives me a cuddle before she leaves.
I shut the door and lean against it.
I never had what she has.
I’m not used to sharing burdens.
When my parents died, I had just turned eighteen and found out I was pregnant with Oliver. I tried coming back to be with Anderson because surely, he would want his son in his life. I had no one, and my hopes were high.
But they were demolished.
And I soon realized I am the only one I can depend on.
I loved my parents, and they meant the world to me. They gave me as much as they could without spoiling me, and they showed me endless love and support.
It’s the way I plan to raise Oliver.
They would have loved him.
I wipe a tear from my eye and go to his room to see him playing. He may look like Anderson, but I’m thankful he isn’t anything like him.
“It seems I may have overstepped my boundaries.” I stop at that voice on Monday morning as I walk into the office building. Archie rushes into the elevator with me, hits the button for Beckham’s floor, and looks straight ahead. “I wanted to apologize if I came off …” he turns his head away from me as he tries to think of the correct words to say, “… harsh. Scary.” He smirks, and that action by itself is scary, and I try hard not to recoil.
“You weren’t. It’s fine. You’re simply looking out for him when in reality, everyone should look out for their own feelings around Beckham. He doesn’t care what he says or who he hurts.”
“This is true.” Archie softly chuckles as the door to the elevator opens, and he exits with me.
Beckham’s office door opens, and Beckham stands there, eyeing both of us before his gaze locks on Archie. “What the fuck are you doing here?” he barks.
“See, he’s a wonder with words.”
I smile and head off to sit at my desk.
“I need your help with a deal,” Archie says. Beckham motions to his office and Archie walks straight in. When it’s just the two of us remaining, Beckham turns to me. “You’re late,” he snips.
I check my watch. “No, I’m on time, as usual.”
“You are meant to be here when I am, so … you’re late.” He