Fat Cat Liar

“You think this is funny?”

“Hardly. I’m pointing out that if you’re going to continue to sling insults my way, get some new material. Because I’m not going anywhere and your creativity is boring.”

His expression hardens, eyes growing enraged, and I can tell he’s having a hard time reigning in his control. I tighten my stance and cross my arms, staring him down.

“You broke her spirit. The one thing I thought was impenetrable was destroyed. We didn’t know if she’d recover from your deception. I took a chance and went to Kevin, thinking he was in the dark on the situation. I thought if he knew what you’d done, he’d retract the contract from Morris and you’d be fucked. Whatever drastic measure he decided on would never be enough for what you’d done. But he refused; he knew everything and still refused. I tried to convince him we needed to get Greer far away from New York, at least until she could get her head on straight. Again, he rejected the idea, telling me she was going to work through this.”

“We are working through this,” I correct him.

“You think showering her with gifts and trips down memory lane are enough to atone for your intentions?”

“You know nothing about my intentions, nor do you know the depth of what Greer and I have together. The truth is out. I made a grave mistake that can never be excused. However, the moment I met her, everything changed. Each minute we spent together was real. The power and intensity of our relationship changed me, and it’s all because of her. When she left, I understood the meaning of living in Hell. You can despise me all you want, but it’s not going to make a difference. Dredging up the past is useless. You’re important to her, so that means something to me. Out of respect for Greer, we need to find a way to be civil.” I resist patting myself on the back for keeping my voice steady.

“How much do you want?” He stares at me blankly.

“Pardon?”

“How much will it take for you to end this ridiculous charade and leave Greer alone, let her live her life without you messing with her head?”

Any control I have snaps. I lunge, gripping his sweater and ramming him hard into the wall. His neck cracks at the impact, giving me a brief advantage. “You’re not as smart as I thought. I’m done with your bullshit. You obviously aren’t listening when I say I love her. I’m not going anywhere. I’m man enough to know that losing you as a friend would destroy her, so I’ll keep your little offer between us. But that’s the only favor you’re getting. As of this second, you no longer get to voice your opinion and upset her.”

My eyes are clouded with red rage, and my whole body quakes with craze. I’m so lost in my head, I barely feel his sucker punch to my side until my kidney bursts with pain. I loosen my grip, wincing, and he shoves me away.

“I don’t take orders from you. Soon enough, she’s going to see the man behind the mask and you’ll be exposed for the fraud you are. As soon as your womanizing lifestyle takes a hit—”

My hand jets to his throat, squeezing to shut him up. “You’re not getting it, so I’ll tell you again. Baby or no baby, Greer is my world. You’ve made your point. You want me gone, but that’s not going to happen.”

“Don’t hurt her again.”

I whip around to find Bessie watching me. Her face is deathly pale, and her glassy eyes lock with mine. I immediately release Enrique and step away, putting distance between us.

“Never,” I reply.

“She’s strong, one of the strongest women I know. You hurt her again, I’m not sure what it will do to her.”

“I can assure you she will never shed another tear because of me.”

She holds my stare, scanning my face, and finally nods. Her gaze slides to Enrique and turns heated. “He’s right. It would crush Greer if she knew you tried to bribe Lawson. Don’t you think she’s been through enough and deserves some happiness?”

“Bessie—” he starts.

“Don’t. I know you well enough to realize your temper is in overdrive and you’re not thinking straight. But I’ll let you in on what’s happening across the house right now. Jenny and Jonas are trying to calm Greer down and keep her from stressing out. The stress isn’t good for her or the baby. Our car is almost here, and I assured her things were fine. So, right now, you’re going to gather your composure, calm your attitude, and follow me to the foyer.” Her eyes dart between us and she clarifies, “Both of you.”

I give him one last glare, feeling the hostility still thick in the air. But Greer is my priority. “Let’s go.”

He mumbles under his breath and shuffles behind me. Bessie leads the way and rambles about Christmas all the way to where Jenny, Jonas, and Greer are waiting. When Greer spots us, she breaks away and comes straight to me.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders and kiss the top of her head. “It’s all good, babe,” I murmur into her hair.

She looks unconvinced, searching my face then moving her gaze to Enrique. All eyes are on us. Even though we spent the day working together, the mood is awkward.

“I enjo

yed today. Hope I was able to provide some insight.” I try to break the tension.

Each of them looks at each other, and it’s Jenny who speaks first. “You did, Lawson.”

“Yeah, I have to admit, you may be a dumbass, but you’re a smart dumbass,” Jonas adds.