The Tango Read Free Page B

to say it’s okay that you abandoned me because you decided to have an affair and it made you happier than you were when you were with me? Not one affair, but two!”
    “It’s not that simple,” he said, rubbing his palms on his pants. He was clearly terrified and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why.
    “Don’t worry, sweetie, just make me an offer I can’t refuse. Your reputation will be safe. I mean, it’s not that big of a scandal.” He buried his head in his hands.
    “Vi, you know it is. You know my parents would flip. I would lose my trust. I’ll have Joseph draw it up. I shouldn’t have listened to him.” He looked at me, and for the first time, I could see the red around his eyes.
    “What do you want, Alex? I want this over.” I crossed my arms as I glared at him.
    “I’ll give you a divorce settlement and you will give me confidentiality. I don’t want a scandal. Irreconcilable differences stated as the reason.”
    “Fine, I don’t care. Let’s get this over with.” I stood, watching the perspiration roll down his forehead. Incredulous at his reaction to me, I continued, “Is it really that hard to admit you were a shit husband, that you abandoned me and had an affair?”
    “You know my parents,” he snapped.
    “Yeah, I know them, but I don’t know a damn thing when it comes to you anymore,” I said, watching him squirm. “Make a better offer and do it soon. I want this done just as much as you.”
    “Vi—” he grabbed my arm and I pulled it away quickly, disgusted at his attempt to touch me.
    “Don’t touch me, don’t look at me. Stay far the hell away from me. Have your offer sent to me. I really don’t ever want to see you again.”
    “Vi, I’m sorry I hurt you, but it’s better for the both of us.” He stood then and met my eyes.
    “I have to agree with you on that. You weren’t the man for me.” My confidence was undeniable when I left his office with my head held high. I was finally about to be free of the hell of being Alex Harvell’s wife.
    I strode through his floor with no intention of staying a minute longer. I stood waiting for the elevator when I noticed a meeting going on through the glass in the adjacent room.
    It was her.
    Sandra stood at the head of the table, a commanding presence. She truly was beautiful. She had a lean body and curvy hips. With long dark brown hair, blue eyes and perfect high cheekbones, it was easy to understand an attraction to a woman like her. I couldn’t hear her talking, but I could see she exuded confidence. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The few times I had met her, she had been formidable but stiff. This was the woman who ruined my marriage. I watched her walk around the room, gesturing with her hands here and there. She smiled at her audience before her eyes drifted over to me. She’d seen me watching her. I stood my ground, hoping my confidence showed in my stance. I wondered if she knew she wasn’t the only one Alex was seeing and then resigned quickly that it didn’t matter; I no longer cared. I was done playing detective. I was done with him.
    He’s all yours, honey. Good luck.
    Her smirk was unmistakable in its meaning, and I almost didn’t catch it . She thought she had won, and in a way she had. I felt sorry for the fool she was; the way you feel sorry for a mouse at play before the snake strikes to swallow it whole.
    The elevator dinged, and as the doors closed behind me, I realized I was smiling.

    I’d made it a new routine to work out in the mornings with both cardio and lightweights. If I had a chance in hell of keeping up with Rhys, I needed strength, and stamina. I made it a point to start hanging out with a few friends. I’d been out with my old school girlfriend, Molly, a few times for drinks. She was fun and had a mouth like a sailor. I enjoyed my time with her, but still kept my relationship with Rhys a secret. I hadn’t heard from Rhys and knew the text was either coming soon, or wasn’t