Chapter 29
Dimitris had to go to London for the rest of the afternoon so I stayed indoors, mending and wondering how the hell I had managed to agree to his “extra few days” of being enslaved to him while remaining sane.
I was in the living room, lounging as I listened to some jazz, reading the thriller novel I’d been meaning to read when a snake interrupted my moment of relaxation.
“I see you’re quite comfortable in my future home. Enjoy it for another day because you won’t be stepping foot here again.” Claudine appeared into view, looking polished and catty.
How did she get in here? I hadn’t heard the doorbell. “What are you doing here? Dimitris is not here.”
“I know. He’s in London. I came here specifically to see you, Lindsey. Don’t you think it’s time to let go of your lost toy? You’ve forsaken Dimitris for a long time and then, the minute you hear he’s happy with me, you come back to pry your way in. Look at you, though, you’re his whore while he hasn’t promised you anything.” Claudine walked slowly, stepping before me, poised and determined. “You know why? Because he promised it to me.” She extended a hand, showing the reason why as she displayed the enormous engagement ring she was wearing. “I’m taking over as Mrs. Kosta soon. Are you sure you want to be around for that? I suggest you go home. I took the liberty of booking you a flight back. It’ll be leaving in the next hour and half. So, you best get your move on… unless you still want to be a whore to an engaged man.”
She’s lying! “I don’t believe you. Dimitris never said anything about going to Paris to see you.”
Claudine rolled her eyes, looking at me like I was the dumbest person she had ever encountered. “Who said I’ve been living in Paris? Dimitris bought me a penthouse. I’ve been in Athens while you chased my man around. You’re getting really pathetic.”
“I don’t want to hear anymore lies.” I stood up, ready to leave and hide upstairs when she unleashed her final barb.
Claudine snorted, tickled with laughter. “Where do you think he’s been when he’s not f*cking you? Have you ever wondered that? That’s all you’re good for—his plaything to visit once he needs to scratch a filthy itch—that need to feel like an animal once in awhile because that’s all you’re good for. Of course, you’re welcome to stay around when our engagement gets announced in the next few days. I’d have to convince him to house you somewhere else because I don’t want a whore around my house.” The stupid bitch had the audacity to give me a little wave before leaving me in a state of panic.
I was paralyzed, but my heart was breaking, so badly.
It’s over.
I thought I had a few more days with him, but after seeing that ring and knowing of his nightly visits to her, I just couldn’t stay. No matter how much I loved him, I couldn’t be around when any of this wedding stuff happened.
He did say he only needed a few more days before he was ready to let me walk away. Well, I’m taking hold of my destiny now and I didn’t want to be a part of that.
I’d had enough.
~Dimitris~
I intended to come back home two hours ago, but the meeting got delayed and there were too many problems to go through, so leaving the London headquarters early was out of the question.
Climbing the few steps before letting myself into my home, I went straight to the patio, knowing that she usually was out there, reading a book with a glass of wine. When I didn’t find her there, I went around the first floor rooms just to make sure I hadn’t missed her.
Maybe she was upstairs then, I decided as I passed my Thea.
“Kyrios, Miss—”
I shook my head, climbing the steps. “It’s fine. Dinner can be served later,” I said, interrupting her.
I was stretching my neck as I entered my bedroom, half expecting her on the bed or something, but she wasn’t in it—or anywhere, for that matter. My heart was palpitating as I listened to the tiny voice in my head, telling me that she had already left me.
“Lindsey?” I called out, entering the walk-in closet. As I entered, I saw it had been emptied of her things; she’d left nothing behind.
She had left.
Again. Will I ever learn?
I sat on the cushion, feeling at a loss. Her scent surrounded me here and I didn’t want to leave it.