Chapter 226: Getting Her Out

David’s POV

I stood there like a damn statue, watching Tyler lean against his Audi with that smug grin, holding the passenger door open for her like he was some knight in shining armor.

Holly walked straight inside without a single glance. Not one. Like I was invisible.

And maybe I’ve become.

My feet moved before my brain caught up. “Holly,” I called out, my voice sharper than I meant it to be. I grabbed her wrist gently, just enough to stop her. “Where are you going? Aren’t we supposed to have dinner? I promised I’d treat you tonight, remember?”

Why the hell did I even bring the dinner up, when I was the one that ruined it?

She didn’t turn around. Didn’t even flinch at my touch at first. Just stared straight ahead at the open car door.

“I have a rule, sir,” she said, ice cold. “I don’t eat with my bosses.”

Then she flicked my hand off her wrist like it burned her, stepped forward, and slid into the passenger seat without looking back. Her face was blank. Completely empty. No anger, no hurt, nothing. That was worse than if she’d yelled.

The door shut with a soft, expensive thunk.

Tyler, that little rich prick, finally turned to me. His eyes were laughing even if his mouth wasn’t full-on smiling yet. He walked around the front of the car, slow, like he owned the whole damn parking lot.

“I see what you’re doing, David Hunt,” he said, voice low and mocking. “Buried her in work all day, huh? Smart move. Too bad I decided to wait out here anyway.”

He chuckled, reached out, and tapped my shoulder twice…like he was comforting a sad old dog.

“Go inside, old man,” he added, grin widening. “Let the kids play tonight.”

Then he slipped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and pulled out smooth and fast. Taillights disappeared around the corner before I could even blink.

I stood frozen in the cold air, hands clenching and unclenching at my sides. My knuckles ached from how tight I was squeezing.

Should I go after them?

Part of me was already mapping the route…I’m pretty sure he’s going to take her to that Italian place downtown with the rooftop…just to show off. I could be there in ten minutes if I floored it.

But why the hell should I?

Because she’s Ava’s little sister. Because I’m responsible for her…somehow. Because she’s new in the city and Tyler’s an entitled playboy who’ll use her and toss her aside. Because if anything happens to her, Ava will never forgive me. Because I promised myself to look out for her. Because she shouldn’t be alone with some guy who only wants one thing. Because…because…

I ran through every single reason like a desperate lawyer trying to win a losing case.

But in the end, my hands dropped to my sides.

She’s twenty-four. She can date whoever she wants. I told her…minutes ago…that I feel nothing. That she’s just a kid to me. That she should stop chasing me.

So why would I chase her now?

I turned around, shoved my hands in my pockets, and headed back into the building. The elevator ride up felt like it took forever. Empty office floor. Her desk still had her box of belongings. She hasn’t even unpacked her things. A half-empty coffee cup. She'd really left with him.

Isn’t that what I wanted? For her to leave me alone?

I sat in my chair, stared at the dark screen of my computer, and pulled out my phone.

Scrolled to the contact I hadn’t used in months. The agency that always sent someone clean, discreet, no strings.

My thumb hovered over the call button.

It’s going to be a long night if I don’t.

I pressed call.

Minutes later, I sat there in the dark office, phone still in my hand, staring at the confirmation text from the agency. Booked. On her way.

Love.

I fucking hate that word. It’s a lie people tell themselves to feel less alone. It’s weak. It’s dangerous. It gets you hurt, or worse, it gets other people hurt. I learned that the hard way a long time ago, and I swore I’d never let it near me again.

And yet, for one stupid second today, when Holly said it…something in me flickered. A pull. A softness I haven’t felt in years. And the fact that it was for her? For Holly? I’m ashamed of myself. Sick to my stomach.

Holly. The same broken little girl I carried out of that parking lot while her dad swung a gun around. The same kid Ava begged me to help while she bled out in the ambulance. I rushed them both to the hospital that night, covered in blood that wasn’t even mine. I sat in that waiting room for Ava, and for the scared kid clutching my hand.

That girl is not someone you feel things for. That girl is someone you protect. Not someone you almost…cared about when she looked like she was about to cry.

Nah. This isn’t feelings. This is just sexual frustration. I need to get laid. Badly. Empty my head. Reset.

The building had gone quiet an hour ago. It’s a six-story office block…law firms, accountants, a marketing agency, our firm on the third floor. One by one, the lights clicked off on every level. Elevators stopped dinging. Doors locked. Security did their rounds. Even the janitors finished early tonight.

I heard footsteps in the hall, then a knock on my open door.

Norman leaned in, coat on, keys in hand. “Hey, man. I’m heading out. You coming? Drinks on me…we crushed that deal today.”

I didn’t look up from my computer screen, even though it was blank. “Got some stuff to wrap up.”

He sighed, loud and dramatic. “Come on, Dave. We need to celebrate the win.” Then he paused, smirked. “Still pissed you stole Holly from my office, by the way. You owe me a drink.”

I snorted. “Fuck off.”

He laughed. “Love you too, asshole.”

I finally glanced up. “We good?”

He rolled his eyes, but smiled. “Of course, man. Always.” He lifted a hand in a lazy wave. “Night.”

Then it was just me. The whole floor silent. The whole building silent.

My phone buzzed. She’s here. Lobby.

I texted security to send her up.

A few minutes later, soft heels clicked down the empty hallway. She stepped into the doorway…long dark hair, tight dress, red lips. Professional. Exactly what I asked for. Confident walk, slow sway in her hips, eyes locked on mine like she already knew what I wanted.

I didn’t turn on the lights. The city glow through the windows was enough. I didn’t want to see her face clearly. Didn’t want to know her name. Just wanted the body. The release.

She walked in, dropped her bag, slid onto my lap without a word. Hands on my chest, mouth on my neck, grinding slowly. Whispering dirty things in my ear. Exactly how they’re trained…sultry, eager, no hesitation.

Finally!

Time to fuck Holly out of my head.