A few clicks on the laptop and I’m downloading the files to a flash drive I found in my bag. But just as the computer chimes with the final transfer, I feel eyes on my back.
Slowly, I turn to see Lindsey leaning up against the doorframe watching me with narrowed eyes. I have no idea how long she’s been there, but it’s clear it’s been long enough to see what I’ve been doing.
I’ve never seen a gaze so cold as she straightens and takes a step away from me.
“Wait, Lindsey, it’s not what you think.”
“I would tell you to get the fuck out, but I don’t trust you to do it. So I’ll save us both the time and energy.” As she reaches the door, I rush after her and grab her arm. She jerks away from me like I’ve burned her. “Don’t touch me!”
“Please, princess, let me explain.”
“No.” Her voice is so low it’s glacial, and the inside of my chest cracks. “You got what you wanted.” She makes a point to look down at the flash drive I’d forgotten is still clenched in my fist. “And there’s nothing left to say.”
“There is if you just listen,” I beg, but the ice in her eyes leaves no room for argument.
“Goodbye, Gibson.”
Chapter 13
Lindsey
A month. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve set eyes on Gibson. I thought the pain would get easier over time, but it hasn't, and I think it’s getting worse. I still wake in the night reaching for him, and when I do sleep, I dream about the life I thought we might have together.
He used me.
In all the struggles I’ve had in my life, I don’t recall that being one I had to suffer. Until him. I’d opened my heart and everything to him, and I’d never done that with anyone before. He ruined what could have been between us, and I haven't even begun to pick up the pieces yet. I’m not sure I can because he took some of me with him, and I’ll never get it back.
“What are you doing?” Darian asks, jerking me out of my thoughts. I’m standing in front of his door about to knock, or at least the plan had been to knock. I knew if I didn't come to him he’d be tracking me down to my place the second he knew I was back in town.
“I’m sorry.” My nose burns and tears begin to build.
“Don’t fucking apologize to me.” He grabs me around my arms and surprises me by pulling me in for a hug. “There is nothing to be sorry for. That company doesn't matter, our family is the only thing that does.”
That doesn't help the burning of my nose, and for the first time since all of this happened, I cry. He hugs me tighter, and I want to curse him for making me break. I’ve been so good about holding it together until now.
“She still needs to breathe, Darian,” I hear Rosy say from behind him, and Darian relaxes his squeeze. As always, Rosy is waiting for me with a warm smile. She’s always been the sweetheart of the family and the softness we all needed.
“I was going to let him live, but I think I’ve changed my mind,” Darian mutters under his breath.
“Shall I get the shovel?” Rosy asks, sounding serious, but she’s fighting a smile.
“You’re not killing anyone while you’re pregnant,” I remind her.
“Not you too. I already have to deal with how overbearing he is all the time and you’re supposed to be the voice of reason.”
I laugh, wiping the tears away quickly. “Come here.” I give Rosy a hug next because I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without seeing them. It’s been almost four weeks, but I had to get away.
Before I left the island, I emailed Darian telling him I was in over my head and he needed to find someone else. I’d only been running the company a week and I let secrets fall into the wrong hands because a man seduced me. Never in my life would I have thought that was possible.
“You got some sun,” Rosy says, and I nod as I put my hand on her very small baby bump. “You’re glowing.”
“The twins dragged me all over the place.” There wasn't a dull moment, and I think they thought by keeping me busy it would distract me. It worked, but only for a short time. Every moment I was alone, especially at night, the thoughts of him would return.
While I was with them it was impossible to not have moments of laughter. I knew that, and it’s why I’d gone to them to get away. Also on the off-chance Gibson did try and chase me, it wouldn't be possible unless Darian helped him.
I think that might have been a pipe dream because Gibson got what he wanted, and I haven’t heard from him since. I didn't understand him trying to plead with me after I caught him in the act, but I suppose his plan could have been to keep stealing secrets. Did he think I was that stupid?