“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Poppy, it’s my job to be observant.”
“Not sure about that,” I mutter under my breath.
“I take full responsibility for failing,” he responds sullenly.
My gut rolls with shame for the comment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“Shit, don’t apologize to me. I failed at my job.”
“No, you didn’t. This isn’t your fault. I’m just angry, pissed, and worried. There’re a ton of emotions running through me. Blaming you was a reflex reaction.”
He pulls his bottom lip through his teeth in a move I’ve watched Evin do a hundred times when something is on his mind. Then a thought occurs to me that turns my stomach. “Grady, did you sleep with Tasha?”
His eyes slice to mine, unmistakable repulsion in his glare. “No.”
I let out a breath on a whoosh. “Thank God.”
“For over seven years, I’ve watched that women bulldoze over people in her quest for the highest ring in the social circuits. She’s severed marriages, broken engagements, and destroyed careers, to name a few. Marco has paid with his blood, sweat, and tears to cover her ass. All for nothing. She never saw the consequences of her actions.”
“She’s never changed.”
“Exactly. I wouldn’t bang that bitch if she was the last piece of ass on this earth. Doesn’t mean she hasn’t tried, many times.”
I cover my smile.
“Pardon the vulgarity.”
“You’ve met my husband. I’m not offended by vulgar. Isaac flat out said her puss—ahem—I mean she had more miles than his vintage mustang.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, he’s always been entertaining.”
My mood shifts, thinking about Isaac. “Dante said there were pictures online of Isaac and me. Those would have to be ancient. Where’d they come from?”
“Isaac’s phone. He kept a file from college. You were in a lot of them.”
“I can’t imagine how you dealt with things over the years.”
“I enjoy my job. Marco is more than a boss, he’s a friend. Although he’s not going to like this decision.”
“He’ll get over it.”
“And Evin?”
The air in the cab of the truck takes on a different mood. “We were married a little over a month before my career collapsed and the Bindels crashed back into our lives. He deserves better.”
“Better than what?”
“His wife is related to a psychopath fixated on wrecking our future.”
“You are his world, Poppy. No one is wrecking your future. Her lies are already unraveling and you’re in the clear.”
I stare out the window and think about exactly how to answer him. “I’m a fighter.”
“Knew that from day one.”
“I’m also a dreamer, drifter, free-spirited lover.”
“Know that, too.”
“When she sees me, I want her to know she’s lost. Her reign of power is over.”
He revs the gas, picking up speed. “I’m looking forward to this.”
Chapter 39
Evin
The truck isn’t to a full stop when I wrench open the door, pop the belt, and haul Poppy into my arms.
“What are you doing?”
My mouth closes over hers, my tongue sweeping through urgently. She clutches my sweater, giving me what I need. The faint taste of champagne and her body pressed close helps soothe the wrath searing inside. Her whimper shoots straight to my dick, and I fight the itch to throw her over my shoulder and get us the hell away from this place.
“Man, you want to let her up for air?” Jackson jokes behind me.
I slow my assault, savoring another taste before breaking away.
“How’d you know?” she whispers breathlessly.
“Because I know my wife.”
“But how did you find me?” Her eyes go wide, cutting to Grady. “You snitched on me?”
“Nope. Like him, I had a hunch you’d demand to come here. When you ditched your phone, I sent him the address.”
“Nark,” she mutters.
“You think I’m letting you do this alone?”
“It’s my battle to fight.”
“Our battle,” I correct her.
“I’m here for legal representation,” Jackson notes.
“He’s here because he’s nosy and I was his ride.”
She grins, running a hand through my hair. “It’s good to have a lawyer on our side.”
“Two,” Grady adds.
“You’re a lawyer?” she asks cynically.
“Among other things.”
“When we get through this, you need to learn to share more details about yourself.”
“What’s your plan?” I bring the conversation back to the reason we’re here.
“I’m winging it.”
Jackson clears his throat uncomfortably, and she lets out a little laugh. “I know you obsessive-minded businessmen would have a plan. But my way has always worked for me.”
“You don’t have to do this. All the shit she spewed about you is shredded. Marco’s team has the real video, and my family has it posted on every one of their social media accounts. No one will believe anything she insinuated about abuse.”
“You should know something before we go in. It’s odd.”
“Tasha went somewhere no one expected. I already spoke to Marco.”
“How is he?” Typical for Poppy to ask about someone else when she’s been fucked over.
“He’s pissed she got access to run a fraudulent story and concerned about you being thrust into this mess.”
“I read the article on Grady’s phone. She took a leap on me, but she sliced open Marco and Karen. Their lives are messy and riddled with deceit, but they always loved her. She desecrated your reputation! I’m not letting that slide.”
“My reputation is solid. All that was written is complete bullshit.”
“She thinks she’s protected by these walls. Time to prove her wrong.”
“I’m looking forward to your show.”
I take her hand and we trail behind Grady into the facility. He stops at the desk, flashes some sort of badge, and the lady jumps to her feet, rushing around the corner. In less than a minute, she returns, accompanied by two men in suits. They look at our group grimly.
Grady’s demeanor changes, going directly into don’t-fuck-with-me-mode. There are no pleasantries exchanged as he tells them Poppy will meet with Natasha Bindel.
The older one’s expression turns stern, his beady eyes heating, but his counter-part agrees instantly. “Tasha is currently in the common area. Would you like a private room?”
“No,” Poppy answers cheerily, “privacy isn’t necessary.”
I exchange a look with Jackson, both of us thinking the same.
Common area could equal public humiliation. My devious wife has a plan.
When we get to the room, I’m pleased to see it’s packed with people. The televisions are on the playoff games, and at least twenty men are watching intently. The far side of the room is more like a library with a state-of-the-art computer center. Each station is occupied with patients that have technology privileges.