Tugging the top of my green strapless dress up, my eyes search the crowd for any sign of Scott. I haven’t seen him since the night we went to dinner. He’s called me a few times. I didn’t answer the first time and he immediately sent me a text ordering me to answer. I didn’t dare push my luck for fear he’d follow through with his threats against Josh. When I forced myself to answer the second call, he informed me I’d be his plus one for this charity auction. I wish Josh was here, instead. We’d have fun checking out the items being auctioned and I’m sure he would even bid on one or two of them.

We haven’t spoken in a week now and I miss him more than I thought possible. My heart aches to hear his voice or feel his strong arms around me. I want him to pull me into an embrace and promise me everything’s going to be fine...but it’s not. I realize no matter how much I long for him, he can’t save me from the current mess I’m in. I’m hopelessly in love with Josh Dawson and I’m sure I always will be. Time apart won’t diminish my feelings. I only wish I’d told him before Scott sent our relationship off the rails. Now he’ll never know how I feel.

“Hey, baby. Don’t you look nice,” Scott says, coming up beside me. His eyes roam over me from head to toe. “I’ll be with the most beautiful girl in the room.”

“Thank you.” When he says things like this, it’s easy for me to realize how he sucked me in all those years ago. He’s charming, handsome, wealthy and a couple years older than me. All the qualities every woman would find to be attractive in a man.

Scott kept up the charade of being a good guy until we’d been together for a few months. Once my virginity was gone, he became a different person. He’s the reason why I’ve never had another relationship until Josh. If men change after a few months, then why keep them around for more than a fun time? I imagined after three months of Scott telling me he loved me and treating me like a queen, things would always be that way. I couldn’t have been more wrong. His personality changed almost overnight and he became someone I didn’t recognize or want to be with.

Our relationship taught me to keep my distance and not to let my heart become involved. Fucking was fine, but I had to construct an emotional barrier so no one would ever be able to hurt me again. And I’d succeeded beautifully until Josh and I shared our first kiss in Las Vegas. It’s hard to believe that was nine months ago. I can still feel the heat of his lips on mine and the way he tugged my head back controlling the kiss. It was incredibly hot. Every moment Josh and I spent together since is special. I wouldn’t trade any of them. Especially now, when my memories are all I have.

“Did you take care of tattoo boy or do I need to?”

There he is.

I knew his bastard side wouldn’t take long to show. “We broke up a week ago.”

“I wish I could say I’m sorry, but we both know that’d be a lie.”

“I don’t want you to say anything about Josh. I’d prefer you never speak his name again.”

“Well, don’t give me a reason to. The ball is in your court, Elle. What happens next is up to you.”

He says this, but he’s the most unpredictable man I’ve ever met. He can turn on a dime. I never know which personality I’ll be dealing with.

“How do you figure?”

“Do what you’re supposed to and Josh will never have to deal with the ramifications.”

“What does that even mean? Talk about vague.”

“It means you do whatever the fuck I say.”

Biting my tongue, I hold in the retort that wants to escape. “Gotcha.”

Two hours later and all I want is to already be home as far away from Scott as possible, but instead I’m trapped on the dance floor - in his arms.

His large hands roam over the length of my back, before moving down to cup my ass.

“Scott, please move your hands.”

He chuckles. “I like where they are just fine.”

“I don’t. Get them off my ass, now.”

His smile fades from his lips, transforming into an angry scowl. “Don’t tell me what to do, Elle. I’m the one who gives the orders, not you.”

“I don’t want your hands all over me. I might have to pretend to date you, but that doesn’t mean you get to touch me anytime you want.”

“There’s no pretending about this. We’re together and it’s a fact whether you want to admit it or not.”

“Just because you say so doesn’t make it true. I’m only with you to save Josh’s reputation. You can pretend it’s because I can’t live without you, or whatever the hell you want to tell yourself. Either way I don’t want your hands on me.”

“What are you going to do, tell your daddy? I’m pretty sure he’d side with me. I’m the son he always wanted and never had.”

The truth in his words find their mark, spearing into my heart and playing on my insecurity. No matter how hard I try, I’ve never had my father’s approval. I doubt I ever will. Reminding myself I don’t need it, doesn’t seem to help. Deep down it’s what I want the most from him. I work hard at my profession and make a great living. I pay my own bills and haven’t asked him for anything. Is it too much for him to say he’s proud of me?

* * *

It’s been ten days since I’ve seen Josh and I can’t make it a second longer. I want to touch him and kiss him, but neither of those things can happen. At the least, I can see him - speak to him.

Walking into Canvas, I smile at Tatum behind the front counter.

“He’s with a client now, but he should be done soon,” she says without missing a beat. I guess it’s no big secret who I’m here to see. Unless, he’s told his friends we’re no longer together.

I’m about to take a seat on the black leather couch in the reception area when my eyes land on the man who strides up to the front counter as if he owns the place.

Oh my God. Scott.

What the hell is he doing here?

My heart races and my throat tightens with fear. My fight or flight instinct kicks in. My legs carry me to the door in a hurried stride. My hand’s on the handle when Tatum says my name.

“Elle, he’s done now, if you’d like to see him.”

I freeze in place, squeezing my eyes shut. Every hair on my arms stands on end. My lids raise, and I push out the door without acknowledging that I heard Tatum call to me.

Racing down the sidewalk, my lungs get tighter and my breathing becomes more labored with every step. I dart into the alcove of a building and lean forward, my hands on my knees.

“Well, this day keeps getting better,” Scott says, in a smug voice.

Fuck. Why can’t he go away forever?

“Would you like to see my new tattoo?”

I fight the urge to look. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction, but curiosity wins out and my eyes sweep in his direction. His sleeve is rolled up past his forearm. There’s a large black capital E inked on the inside of his forearm. A vine artistically twists it’s way around the letter. As repulsive as this gesture is coming from Scott, there’s no denying the artwork is impeccable.

“Why would you tattoo that on yourself?”

“You’re my girl.” He winks then his eyes narrow, glinting with anger. His emotions can flip without notice. “It’s to remind you I can get to Dawson any time I want to.”