Chapter 209: The Unexpected Turn

Holly’s POV

If I had a dollar for every time a man mistook drama for power, I’d own half the city by now.

My David…with his perfect looks, pride, permanent scowl…had just provided live, in-diner proof that ego could be folded, rolled, and shoved into a napkin.

I watched him kneel like he was auditioning for a tragic commercial and felt the kind of giddy, small-joy victory that ought to be illegal.

People glanced. Phones tilted. The kid who’d dropped his fork stared like he’d seen a magic trick.

Tyler pretended not to look, but his grin gave him away…that familiar look that translates to living for other people’s chaos. I like that about him, because I’m like that too.

Also, I loved that my lavender shampoo did half the PR for my mood.

I let him suffer. That’s the thing with vengeance…best served slow, with a side of iced coffee and dramatic timing. I’d planned this little scene like a mid-level heist…precise, dramatical, and absolutely devastating to the hairlines of fragile men.

The second his pride hit the floor I pocketed my victory like a cool coin.

“Back already?” Tyler elbowed me as I slid into the booth, somehow managing to be the picture of nonchalance and smugness at once.

“Back,” I said, and the word was buttery. “For now.”

Tyler’s eyes flicked toward the diner door. David had gone. He’d made the scene and left like a knight who’d realized the dragon was actually a fire hydrant. I couldn’t believe that I had done that!

I made David kneel and beg in public?!

“Did you…” Tyler started, then laughed. “You did not.”

“Oh, I did.” I toyed with my cup, watching the steam curl like tiny surrender flags. “We have this…special situation where he doesn't have a choice when it comes to our relationship.”

“Relationship?” Tyler asked almost immediately, and I could tell he was curious to know the kind of relationship I meant.

But I didn’t have time for background stories. The thrill of what just happened earlier was still buzzing through me. The thing about small victories is they tend to echo.

Because he begged, I’ll resume work. Not because I missed the office (I didn’t…office air conditioning is a crime against the human spirit) Let’s be honest.

I came back for David Hunt. My David. Not the job, not the coffee, certainly not the fluorescent office lighting that makes everyone look like a guilty documentary subject.

Him.

The way he wore arrogance like an expensive suit. The way his mouth tightened when things didn’t bend to him. The way, apparently, he could fall on his knees like the world had taught him nothing about dignity. It was ridiculously, dangerously delicious.

“You look pleased with yourself,” Tyler said, as he caught me smiling.

I know that he wanted details. But I fed him breadcrumbs instead.

“Very pleased,” I admitted. “Also, unusually hungry. Let’s eat.”

A couple of minutes later, we were done with lunch and left the diner together as the day continued like nothing happened.

Like my world did not just kneel in front of me and beg me to take him back.

I know…it sounds insane. Like I’m some delusional girl who writes fanfiction about her boss.

But no. This is real life. He actually did it.

David Hunt, my arrogant, cold, impossible obession… was on his knees in front of me.

Back at Tyler’s workplace, I froze for a whole minute earlier, staring at my reflection like I’d grown a second head.

Now that the shock has worn off? I wanted to scream. Literally scream. In excitement of course.

“Oh my God, Holly,” I muttered under my breath, slapping a paint roller against the tray when the scene replayed in my head, “you made him kneel. You! Made! Him! Kneel!”

If there were an award for this moment, I’d give myself a damn trophy. I was so proud of myself I even patted my shoulder.

“Good job, Hols. You’ve done well,” I whispered.

“Why are you murmuring to yourself again? Should I be worried?”

I jumped so hard I almost dropped the brush. Tyler was standing there, eyebrows raised, looking way too amused.

“Huh?” I blinked like I hadn’t just been talking to myself.

He tilted his head. “You literally just said, ‘you’ve done well.’ Is it because of what happened earlier at the diner?”

“Umm…it’s nothing,” I said quickly, focusing way too hard on the wall. “I was just… admiring my work.”

He looked at me suspiciously, but thankfully didn’t push.

“I think we’re done for today,” I said, peeling off the apron and brushing paint off my jeans. “I need to go prepare for work tomorrow.”

“Wait.”

I froze when his hand grabbed my arm…not roughly, just enough to make my stomach flip. His tone changed, quieter. “You didn’t tell me how you know Mr Hunt.”

Neither did he. Obviously they know each other as well. Did he see me asking him about it? Hell no!

Did I owe him an explanation? No.

But ignoring it would make me look shady. Right?

I took a slow breath, forcing my sass back into its cage. “He’s my boss,” I said simply. Then I added, “And I’m sorry, Tyler. I won’t have time to keep helping out here. I’ve been asked to resume work, so...”

“Oh.” His voice dropped a little.

He looked… disappointed? Like a puppy who just got left out in the rain.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound light. “I’ll still come around if I’m free. Especially weekends.”

That got a small smile out of him. “Don’t worry, Hols,” he said, and then added with a weirdly confident grin, “I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other more often.”

I blinked. Was he psychic? Or just plain delusional?

Either way, I forced a polite laugh, grabbed my bag, and headed out before he could say something else that’d make me overthink.

By the time I got into my car, I couldn’t stop smiling.

David Hunt…my hero, my headache, my favorite source of obsession…had actually knelt for me today.

I buckled my seatbelt, grin growing wider. Nasty thoughts swirled like confetti in my brain…gleeful, precise, shockingly affectionate. I smiled without meaning to. This was going to be fun.

David was a good boy today.

Maybe it’s time I reward him, I thought with a mischievous smile as I drove off in the direction of the only place he can find Candy.

A few minutes into the ride, I called the matron and told her to set up a scorching afternoon session with David.

He should know I was on my way to give him the best fuck of his life after denying him for days.

She rang back less than a minute later. I picked up the phone, still excited about how the day went.

But as soon as I swiped to receive the car, the excitement died down. The brakes locked before she finished the sentence. The car stopped hard in the middle of the street with a screech.

I stared at the phone in my hand.

“Say that again,” I said.