Incite (Sphere of Irony 1)

Good. Now you know you’re not the only one who’s an expert at putting up a fake smile.

“Andrew, I was just telling Adam in the car over that I was so pleased to see that you won “Sexiest Man Alive” again,” Kiera purrs. What the fuck is wrong with her? Jesus, even that jerk Forrester is uncomfortable with her flirting right in front of me, and he fucking hates me.

I make a rude noise at her reference to the magazine title, and his head whips up to lock eyes with me at my obvious jab. “Interesting,” he says, “I was told you wanted it.”

I bristle at the fact that he had heard this, even though it isn’t true, and have to clench my teeth together to keep from saying something that would probably not be in anyone’s best interest. My eyes drift and I see his hands balled up into fists at his side. Flicking my gaze back up, I notice his neck is bright red and his jaw is pulsing with rage.

It seems that as angry as he makes me, I drive him mental as well.

“I thought I did, when it meant something. Now I can see that it doesn’t,” I say smartly, laughing hysterically inside at the way his hands clench even tighter and his feet shift apart as if to take a swing at me.

Bring it on, fucking bastard. I’ve waited long enough. Just because I don’t like fighting, doesn’t mean I wouldn’t make an exception for this piece of shite.

Forrester notices the smirk that breaks through my calm exterior and he moves a step closer to me. It seems that Andrew Forrester has a bit of a hot temper on him. That could be very useful knowledge to have.

“I should have done this back when…” he begins.

“Andrew, I need you over here!” Someone in the room calls out to him, forcing him to step back and calm himself down. I watch as he takes several practiced breaths before scowling at me, then putting on his fake smile and walking away.

Kiera grabs my arm and drags me into a quiet corner. “What the hell is your problem, Adam?” she hisses.

“Problem? I don’t have a prob

lem.”

Then for absolutely no reason, I laugh. I can’t stop it from happening, so I go with it, laughing like I’ve gone barmy. When I see Kiera’s confused and angry face, I have another attack of the giggles until tears literally run down my face from the hilarity.

“Adam, get your shit together,” she whispers crossly.

It takes a while, but I’m finally able to calm down enough to breath normally. The giant smile doesn’t leave my face for the rest of the night, and this one is genuine.

Fuck Andrew Forrester. Fuck Kiera Radcliff. And fuck everyone else. I just don’t give a toss anymore.

chapter 36

Ellie

The door to flat 304 swings open and Gemma’s husband, Louis, stands there smiling at me.

“Ellie! Come in. Gemma’s in the lounge.”

“Thanks Louis.” I give him a peck on the cheek and enter their cozy little home. The smell of something baking fills the warm space.

“Gemma! I’m leaving love! I’ll see you later!” Louis turns to me, “Bye Ellie. Have fun.” He exits the flat and pulls the door closed as he goes.

“El! Get in here!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I mutter under my breath.

Gemma has become one of my closest friends, as close as Kate and I were in school. After I left James, I realized that my entire adult life centered around my job and my fiancé. I had nothing to call my very own, not even any friends. I fixed that right quick, and Gemma has turned out to be one of the best mates I could ever have.

“Hey! I’ve got cookies in the oven, chocolate chip.” Gemma is sitting cross-legged on the couch, holding a glass of ice water. “Have some water, it’s so hot out it’ll cool you off,” she says smiling.

I pour a glass from the pitcher on the coffee table and take a big sip.

“Thanks. It is really hot out, even for July.” I dramatically wipe my brow and sip the cold water. “Christ, that’s good.” I sink onto the couch next to her.

“So, what’s this problem you need help with? Is James begging you to get back with him, because I’m telling you El, I’m not going to allow it.”