Chapter 15
Days of passion had left Melinda’s voice rough, her soft words now grating on Patrick’s nerves instead of charming him. Since the moment he’d finally had her, Patrick’s interest in Melinda had dropped off a cliff. The way she threw herself into things in bed–so wild and eager–made her feel just like any of the mistresses his buddies kept on the side.
Honestly, if he wasn’t still physically attracted to her, he might have kicked her out the day after their wedding.
That thought left Patrick feeling restless. He didn’t bother acknowledging the woman behind him, just reached for his pack of cigarettes and lighter from the drawer. A quiet click, and smoke started to curl up around his fingers–like it was forming a barrier between them, pushing her away.
Melinda bit her lip, hesitated, then let go and slipped back under the covers.
Two weeks living together had taught Melinda a lot about Patrick. He loved her, sure–but only on his own terms. Once he’d made up his mind about something, no one was allowed to question him. Not even her.
The last time she’d tried to push back, Patrick had disappeared for days. In the end, she’d had to swallow her pride, dress up in lingerie, and beg him to forgive her. That was when she realized: the deeper her feelings for him ran, the more afraid she was of losing him.
So she stopped challenging him on anything.
Patrick smoked in silence until the cigarette was gone, then stubbed it out in the ashtray and finally turned to her, the smell of smoke lingering on his hand as he gave her cheek a rough
squeeze.
good and stay home. I’ll come back when I’m done with work,” he said.
d with that, he got up and left–no pause, no second glance, no hint that he wished he could
stay.
Melinda’s eyes went dull as the door shut behind him. The longer they stayed married, the less she felt like Patrick’s wife, and the more she felt like a secret mistress he kept tucked away. She was his wife, but he never took her to events, never introduced her to his family, barely even let her leave the house. Every time she tried to bring it up, he brushed her off with the same excuse: he just loved her too much to let anyone else look at her.
At first, she’d wanted to believe him. But lately, Melinda couldn’t ignore the truth–Patrick’s attitude toward her was just off.
Her hands clenched in the sheets. She needed to find a way to talk to him, to get real answers.
–
At a bar across town, Patrick’s friends greeted him with loud cheers and teasing shouts as soon as he walked in.
1/2
Chapter 15
“About time you showed up! Can’t believe you finally dragged yourself away from paradise,” one joked.
“Seriously, man, ditching us for a girl? You owe us three shots for that,” another chimed in.
“So, how’s the mistress treating you? If you ever get bored, mind passing her my way? I’ve never had a stubborn little nurse before!” someone else laughed.
Everyone was cracking up, but Patrick just spun his glass between his fingers, looking bored.
“No need to wait. She’ll be yours in a few days,” he said, almost offhand.
The table went silent for a beat, then erupted in disbelief.
“Wait, what? Patrick, are you serious? You’re just giving her up?”
“Dude, you’re already tired of her?”
“You’re not worried she’ll be hurt?”
The dim bar lights cast shadows over Patrick’s face, making it hard to read his expression, but his smirk was impossible to miss.
“Why should I care? She’s just a mistress. If she’s upset, that’s her problem, not mine. If you want her, go for it.”
From the very start, Melinda had only ever been a mistress to him. Besides, his divorce with Maisy was about to be finalized, and it was time to get his life back on track–back to where he belonged. He knew he’d hurt Maisy with everything he’d done lately. Why else would she have avoided him for so long? Once they were back together, he’d make it up to her. He owed her
that much.
With that thought, Patrick tipped back his glass and finished his drink in one go.
His friends cheered and clapped him on the back.
“Thanks, Patrick!”
“Come on, let’s drink!”
212
