I tidy up my desk, making it more presentable, not knowing when she said someone would be here to see me that meant I’d find Lex fucking Edwards standing in my office only moments later.
What. The. Fuck.
I stand up and extend my hand as a polite gesture. If he sees my hand is as solid as a rock, he won’t know I think about Charlie almost every second of the day, and that last night, my lips touched her. I retract my arm as it’s evident he doesn’t want to play along with my game.
“Lex, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
He stands at my door, his glare fierce. Lex is a tall man, pretty much on par with me. He’s standing there dressed in a business suit and tie, arms folded. He’s trying to intimidate me. Perhaps it’s working, but all I have to do is remember that I was once inside his wife, more than once actually, and with that thought alone, I know I’m not the only person scorned in this room.
I motion for him to take a seat, which he declines by remaining silent.
“Do I need to be more cautious of my wife’s whereabouts?” he grits.
“Excuse me?”
He pauses, trying to remain calm, but I can see the vein almost popping on his forehead. The way his words come out strained to the bitter gaze he can’t seem to control in my presence.
“First, I hear that Eric is dating your nephew.”
“I wouldn’t call it dating, considering Tristan is straight.”
“Not according to Eric,” he snarls, eyes wide as he continues to fixate on me. “I can’t stop Eric from doing whatever the hell he wants, but I can stop Charlotte from having any contact with you.”
“Interesting. Your wife hasn’t contacted me, and if you know Charlie, she’ll do whatever the hell she wants. Remember, once upon a time she was going to marry me. I know her inside and out just like you do.”
Inside and out, especially inside.
I watch him as his fists clench, his eyes bulging out of his head. My defense is up, and I’m certain he’s going to strike at any moment. We’ve gone head-to-head once at the restaurant, and although I’d gladly smack my fist into his face right now, Charlie will never forgive me.
He shifts his neck, creating a slight crack. “Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
I think about his question carefully, but know I must answer promptly because my hesitation can be interpreted as guilt. He’s calling my bluff, and I’ve studied this man enough to know this tactic will not work on me.
“Could you be more specific? C’mon, Edwards, I’ve got shit to do, and I don’t appreciate my time being wasted.”
This time, he inches closer, his hands leaning on my desk for support. “Someone has been at my house, and I’m this close to ending your fucking life right now.”
I look him straight in the eye, refusing to allow Lex fucking Edwards to intimidate me despite the fact he’s hot on my trail. “Do you think I’d be that stupid to break into your house? Besides, Charlie made it perfectly clear to me she’s married. You won. Game over. Leave now.”
“Game over?” He lets out a chilling laugh. “I believe it’s still being played. I’m warning you, so listen carefully… if I catch you anywhere near Charlotte, and I mean anywhere near her, I’ll personally hunt you down and beat the fucking shit out of you with my bare hands.”
“Oh, c’mon, Edwards… if you did that, do you think Charlie would be happy?”
He almost spits out the words, “My wife doesn’t get a say in this.”
I laugh at the thought. I’m safe. I know Charlie. She wouldn’t wish anything bad to happen to me despite my faults. But perhaps, him hurting me will effectively end their relationship, so that might be good?
“Here’s the thing. Charlie loved me. Yes, loved me. Wanted to be with me the rest of her life… wanted kids… five, to be exact. If you hurt me, you hurt her. Simple. I’m not doing anything wrong here. I wish you guys all the best.”
Lex’s ragged breathing is the only noise filtering throughout the room, and I’m so close to punching his fucking face. He has Charlie, he fucking married her and made children with her. The nerve of the fucking idiot to walk in here and parade what was once fucking mine.
My calm demeanor is compromised as burning rage hisses through my body. The ferocity is like a venomous poison—the hatred toward this man engulfing my moralities and destroying my plan to climb out of this mess called my life and create a future with Charlie.
“Don’t think this is over, you understand me? I’ll do everything to protect my family. Watch your back, Baker.” With those final words, he storms out of my office.
Sweat beads trickle down my forehead as the realization that in the blink of an eye, my life can be over. That was a close fucking call.
You fucking idiot, Julian, why can’t you just get your fucking life together for once?