I’ve considered this and tossed the thought. Vincent is a lot of things, but I know he’s no danger to me. He’s in danger for standing me up, but that’s as far as it goes.
“Vincent’s not like that. He can be a dick sometimes, but he’s not into hurting his women. No, this guy was laying the ground work for something else. I was going to tell him last night, but he never called.”
“Just…just be careful, Sis. You’ve seen what a guy can do. I’m a classic case of a woman who’s been mind-fucked. Don’t end up like me because you fall in love with the guy. Please.”
I don’t say anything, just nod and squeeze her hand back. I can’t say I’d never end up like her if…oh God, there’s no if about it, I am totally crazy for Vincent Blake and I know it.
But this I know for sure. If he ever messed with me I’d make him hurt as much as I was. And then I’d turn Daddy and Mama on him. He’d be lucky to walk away from me in one piece.
Chapter Twelve
Five days and ten almost bloody chewed nails later, my phone rings, and I squeal when I see Vincent’s name flash on the screen. I take a deep breath and let it ring three more times before answering. A girl’s gotta keep her pride.
“Hello.”
“I need to see you.”
Wow. And here I’d been expecting his husky drawl and maybe an apology for the last five days without so much as a text.
“Oh really? And here I thought you were done with me after the cold shoulder treatment.”
Okay, so I am pissed off and hurt that he’s been ignoring me. I’m no clinger, but come on, a text wouldn’t have killed him.
“Sissy—”
“You know what? I actually defended you to that slime ball of a brother of yours a few days ago. He was trying to warn me off, and I told him to take a hike. I guess he was right after all; you are an asshole.”
“Dove.”
“If this is the way you conduct your relationships, you can take a hike, buddy. I don’t play mind games. I told you that the first day we met. I like things honest and open. Keep your money and the one landscape I’ve finished—”
The line goes dead, and my heart sinks before cracking down the middle. Huh. That had gone really well, for him, and I laugh, thinking how easy I’d just made whatever break-up speech he’d been about to spin me.
I’d be lying if I said this doesn’t hurt. I’d expected at least a token fight, thanks to his arrogant, possessive nature. I guess he’s just done, though, and happy to be let off the hook so easily.
So much for the six months he’d insisted on.
The tears I feel welling are squelched ruthlessly, and I stand, going up to the eyrie with one intention, getting rid of Vincent. It’s as I’m pulling the first one off the easel that I lose the battle and fall to my knees, allowing the tears to fall and coat my cheeks.
“So fucking much for love.”
My cell rings again, and this time I’m angry and ready for him.
“I told you to leave me alone!”
“You did this, you fucking whore.”
Eric, and from the sound of it he’s decided to blame me for his messed up relationship. Thank goodness Bee has gone out with Jill, a friend from college, and isn’t here to hear this. She’s fragile and not ready for this. I, on the other hand, am having a really bad day, and I relish the thought of putting at least one asshole in his place.
“No, you did this, Eric,” I snarl, staring at the portrait of Vincent and feeling my anger deepen.
Men are such bastards, and if I can’t have a go at the man who’s hurt me, I’ll take what I can get with this one.
“I’m not the one starving my girlfriend to the point she’s losing hair. I’m not the one who told her she’s fat and unsophisticated. You did that. Count yourself lucky her brother isn’t on your doorstep with that violent temper of his.”
“You set your rabid-ass boyfriend on me, you stupid slut. I lost my job yesterday thanks to you!”
He’s yelling, and I know that if I was anywhere near him right now he’d probably resort to physical violence.
“What?”
It dawns on me then what he’s saying. Vincent got him fired? How? When? And why would he even bother if he’s done with me?
“Your little English prick called my boss yesterday and got me canned. I know you did this, and I promise you, you and that whore will pay for it.”
“I did no such thing, you slime ball. If you come anywhere near me and Bee, I swear, I’ll let Jeff Parker kill your useless ass!” I scream, flinging the portrait at the wall.
“You better be prepared, Sissy.”