The Lover Beneath Me(25)

“Why did you?” she threw the question back at me.

Of course, I would remember our anniversary. How could I forget how utterly gut wrenchingly beautiful she was in that wedding dress. Everything about that day was etched into my soul. The flowers and the music, even the song she chose for us to dance to. I wanted her to plan the day she wanted. I was taking enough away from Addie that I knew she deserved her day. I was just glad it happened the way she wanted.

I used the business deal I had going on in London to make her think she was on her own. I was busy with the merger; it did take longer than I thought and the deal was constantly changing. Thank God for Rafe. I would have seriously gone after the fuckers in London. They wanted more money every time we spoke. I remember how much I wanted to see Addie. For almost a week, I was gone. I’d never admit it to her, but being away from her, leaving her here alone, made me feel uneasy. I wanted to take her then and lock her away, keep her with me always.

“What are you smiling at?” she asked.

“Just remembering that day.”

“You remembering the day I planned all by myself, or late at night when you walked out?” she hissed.

“Did I ever tell you you’re beautiful when you smile, but you’re fucking sexy as hell when you’re mad.” I grinned.

“Why don’t you screw yourself?” she bit out and my dick throbbed. “Is there a reason why I have to be here with you? Didn’t we end things?” she asked angrily.

“I seem to recall you coming to my office to see me and to lay out a new contract,” I remarked, not too pleased at how the night was going.

“I signed the divorce papers. We are done.”

“You don't get to say when we are done. You came back into my life when I let you go. I say when we are done. I say when we start over again.” My stare was intent.

“Always the controlling Daimon, I see. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I thought I saw something in you that wasn’t really there.” She narrowed her eyes at me.

Fuck, this girl drove me crazy.

“You opened the door, Addie, and I'm pushing it wide open. Prepare yourself, ‘cause once I'm inside, there’s no fucking way I’m ever letting go.” I leaned in, trying to get close to her.

“We’ll see,” she grimaced.

What the fuck happened in twenty-four hours to make her change her mind? “What is your problem, Addie? I thought this is what you wanted. You’re the one talking about stipulations and giving me a violin.” My tone was serious.

“Fire Linda and we’ll talk,” she said flatly.

“So that’s why? You’re jealous,” I scoffed.

“Just forget it.” She waved her hand at me.

“Forget what? That you’re jealous or what you said yesterday?” Anger building, I wanted to shake her and tell her how stupid she was being.

“Forget it all.” She picked up her fork and continued to eat her meal.

“Addie, I can’t just forget. Not you,” I admitted, letting out a heavy sigh.

I watched her for a good long minute as she ignored me completely. I had to break the silence. This wasn’t going the way I wanted.

“So what did you first do when you received the money?” I asked, hoping to steer the conversation back to a lighter mood.

“I ran,” she said quietly.

“Ran?”

“Yeah, I ran away,” she smiled softly. “Went and saw Sofia, then took off. I wanted space.” She shrugged.

“To find your Addie?” I asked, knowing how important that was to her.

“Hmm. Went to Paris and saw your firm, and then I went to London and saw your other firm.” She chuckled.

“I guess it seemed I didn’t leave you alone.”

“Well, I was there for my own reasons,” she said dryly.

“Which were?”

“You,” she said quietly as she looked at me. Her eyes softened and a small, bittersweet smile appeared.

“Me? How?” I wanted to reach over and just take her. I wanted to be the old Daimon and just control every part of her, but I fought hard not to. For her, I would change.

“Your violin. Two were similar to yours. I had some help and finally was able to acquire the one I gave you.” Her voice sounded faint as she spoke to me.

“Did you even think about yourself?” I asked harshly.

“I did. I quit school and went over to Europe.”

“Yeah, but you did that for me.”

“No, Daimon, I did it for me. I was so angry with you for betraying me. For manipulating me, but I was even angrier with myself for not being able to push you away completely. Any sane girl would have, but I couldn’t. I’d lie awake every night trying to remember you playing your violin. I can’t sleep well unless you play it. You dug in deep inside me and you will always be there, but instead of being honest with myself, I wanted to be angry and hurtful to you. So by me pushing you away, I basically took away what I needed the most.” Tears spilled down her cheeks.