Chapter 210: The Hard Way

Holly's POV

I pulled the car over to the curb the second the horns started blasting behind me…some asshole in a pickup leaning on his horn like it was personal.

I threw on the hazards, grabbed the phone with both hands, and pressed it to my ear, already chewing the skin around my thumb.

“What do you mean he said he’ll pass?” My voice cracked higher than I wanted.

The matron, madam Ruth sighed like I was the dumbest person she’s ever had a business with. “Exactly what I said, Miss. I put the call in, told him you were on your way over and that you are all his for the night. But, he said to tell you thanks, that he’ll pass tonight. Done. Click.”

“Are you sure you dialed the right number? His private one is—”

“Girl, do not insult me in my own damn house. This is my business and I’ve been running since forever.” Her voice dropped into that whip-crack tone that I imagine she would use when one of the new girls she’s coaching tries to sneak a phone in the rooms to record. “I have been getting that man’s call since your little ass refused to show up here. I know the number. I know the voice. And I damn sure know when a man says no.”

I bit down harder on my thumb, tasting blood. “What happened? He doesn’t say no to Candy.”

“He just did.” She clicked her tongue. “Look, I got three whales downstairs right now asking for a wild night with our very best. Japanese businessmen, big spenders, polite. Since your mister is crazy about you, I’m pretty sure they will die to have you too. One night with you and my lights stay on for a month. But no, you got me chasing after Mr. Moody who only wants you and never leaves a tip. Are you sure you don’t wanna come work for me?”

My grip tightened on the phone as anger and disgust roared through me. “That man is the love of my life, Ruth. My pussy is not on the menu for your fucking salarymen and I’m not a hooker! We have a contract. You get your cut when David books me, and only when David books me. You try to slide me to someone else, I swear to God I’ll burn your shabby little empire of yours to the ground and smile while it happens. And as a matter of fact, the deal is off. Go fuck your spenders yourself!”

I hung up before she could get another word in.

The car felt too small. The air tasted like metal as anger and frustration boiled over. I stared at the screen gone black and felt my heart trying to punch its way out of my ribs.

That money shark thinks I’m a fucking whore? Nah! I blame myself for making a deal with her in the first place. I felt my self-respect go from a 99.9 to a 4 within seconds as I tried to digest everything.

What just happened?

What does he mean by he’ll pass?

Pass on me? Pass on Candy?

He’s never supposed to pass. Never. Even when I make him wait weeks to teach him a lesson, he’s supposed to wait, to crawl back angry, desperate, perfect. Just for me.

Did he think I’m replaceable?

My vision blurred. Not tears. Never tears. Rage.

Did he find someone new already? Is that it? While I was holding out…playing hard to get…making him sweat, was he sliding into someone else?

Some new girl? What’s her name…Cupcake? Vanilla? Peppermint? Since “Candy” suddenly wasn’t sweet enough for him, I’m dying to know what other flavor he decided to sample.

I started the engine so hard the car jerked. “Alexa, call Justin.”

Thumb back in between my teeth, I pulled into traffic one-handed, weaving through the lights.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring. I bit down until the nail bed went white.

Pick up pick up pick up—

“Hey, Holly.” Justin’s voice rang out, warm and easy, like nothing in my world was collapsing.

“Hey you,” I forced out, trying to sound light, bored, anything but unraveling. “What are you up to?”

He laughed softly. “You really called to ask that? You okay? You sound…weird.”

“I’m great. Amazing, actually. Just wondering if you’re home because I’m around your neighborhood. I could use some company. It’s been a long day.”

“Lucky for you, I literally just walked in the door. Went to the mart for supplies. I've been taking this baking class online and I’m dying to try this salted honey pie. It’s gonna be fun, you should—”

“Can I come? Like right now?” I cut in, too fast, too sharp. “I’ve never watched anyone bake before.”

He paused, then snorted. “That’s the worst lie you’ve ever told me.”

“Okay, fine, I just want to see you.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

“Get your ass over here then. The door's open.”

I laughed…actually laughed, even though it felt like glass in my throat. “On my way.”

I killed the call and floored it.

First I’m going to Justin’s. I’m going to drink wine, eat pie, pretend like I’m interested in his baking show, whatever I need to do to stop shaking.

Then in the process, I’m finding out if David is home and why he thinks he can just pass on me.

If he’s with someone else…Cupcake, Bambi, doesn’t matter…if he’s touching another girl with the same hands that are supposed to be mine, I will find out.

And if he is?

I swear on everything, I will cut his dick off, feed it to him and still help him stop the bleeding.

But no. Calm down, Holly. You are not that vile.

Yet.

He’s probably buried in work. After all, Mr Griffin almost walked out of the deal today. Maybe they are all trying to recover from the shock at the company. He’s probably just stressed.

That’s all.

He’s not in anyone else’s bed.

But if it turns out that he’s with another woman…if he’s replaced me, if he’s dared to think he can live without me—

I will make him remember who he belongs to.

I will make him bleed for it.

He doesn’t get to pass. He doesn’t get to walk away.

He’s mine. Mine.

And if he forgot that, I’ll remind him the hard way.