Dangerous Rock (Dangerous Noise 3)

I turn to my lawyer. "Can I speak to my husband?"

His face screws. "Ms. Chase, I don't recommend speaking to your husband before divorce proceedings. It's best to keep emotions out of these things."

My skin burns. I'm hot, but it's not desire or embarrassment. I'm angry. How can this guy stare at me, telling me to keep emotions out of a divorce?

This is my life.

My marriage.

Sure, it's a week old, but it's still my marriage.

It still means something.

I push myself out of my chair. For some reason, my legs are steady. It's not like before. "Now, please."

"I'll confer with Mr. Young's counsel." The lawyer frowns, but he still leaves to fetch Joel.

Or to try to convince Joel's lawyer to convince Joel not to do this.

Sounds of office work fill the room. Maybe Mr. Shaw is right. Maybe it's wrong asking to see your husband before you're supposed to divorce him.

But I need to talk to Joel right now.

I need to get this off my chest.

A few moments later, there are steps in the hallway. Joel, plus both our lawyers, step into the room.

My lawyer looks at me. "Mr. Lux and I agree that it's best if the two of us supervise."

I shake my head. "I don't want that."

Joel nods to his lawyer. "It's fine."

"Mr. Young—"

Joel's voice drops to that demanding tone. "Now."

Slowly, our lawyers leave.

The door closes.

We're alone in here.

Tension flees my shoulders and back at an alarming rate. I move closer to Joel. Closer than I should, given the circumstances, but I need the comfort of his body.

He pulls me into a deep hug.

"I'm not taking your money," I whisper.

"You should."

"I won't."

He nods fine then he pulls me closer. "You're going to be okay, Bella. You'll bounce back."

"No." I pull back enough to look him in the eyes. His green eyes are bright. Not like before. This is a respite both of us need. But we need more than that too. "I don't want this."

"Don't want what?"