Cut Too Deep (47 page)

“Wow, you really are desperate? Our grandparents were friends. I’ve known her since I was twelve-years-old. I know everything about her. And, unlike you, there are no tricks with her. Now, if you’re finished, I need to get back to work.”

“That’s it? It’s over?”

Miller felt a miniscule amount of regret, but he was tired of putting up with her shit. He couldn’t bring himself to sound remorseful.

“I’m sorry, but yes, it is.”

Theresa opened the door and stormed out. Renee had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. She never cared for Theresa Jensen, and watching Mr. Genetti send the woman packing made her want to stand up and cheer, or wave, maybe sing, “Hey, Hey, Hey, Goodbye”.

Theresa Jensen took the elevator to her brother’s floor. She needed to sulk to someone who cared about her. Paul’s secretary wasn’t at her desk, and Theresa showed herself into her brother’s office.

“Oh, Paul. Miller is leaving me for good this time.”

Paul glanced up mortified by the interruption. The woman sitting in front of Paul’s desk only furthered Theresa’s resentment. She was seething as she approached Hadley.

“You again?” Theresa sneered, pointing her finger. Hadley stood up, taking on a defensive posture. “Are you trying to seduce my brother, too? Have you no shame?”

Hadley cowered out of old habit, but then straightened with her hands on her hips.

“Theresa! Hadley works for me and we are in the middle of a meeting.”

“Yeah, I bet,” Theresa huffed. “He’s married, you know, and he’s Miller’s cousin.”

Paul stood and leaned over the desk.

“You’re making a fool out of yourself. Hadley is very close with Katherine. She’s been to family dinner numerous times.” Paul turned his head to address Hadley. “I apologize for my sister’s rude behavior. I obviously need to speak with her. Why don’t we meet again tomorrow morning?”

“Of course, Mr. Jensen.” Hadley gathered the paperwork she brought in with her from his desk. On her way past Miller’s hostile ex, Hadley couldn’t resist a small poke. She smiled, and sweet as candy said, “Have a lovely afternoon, Theresa.”

Hadley heard loud grumbling when she closed the door. It may have been a bit spiteful, petty even, but it felt terrific. Hadley didn’t care for Theresa Jensen any more than the woman cared for her. As far as Hadley was concerned, Theresa was a user and as abusive to Miller as Hadley’s father had been to her mother. A different form of abuse, yes, but a hurtful, cruel, mind-fuck kind of torture all the same.

After the way Miller defended her, Hadley couldn’t be upset with him for not telling her about the letter. It had probably been painful for him to read, and with everything going on between the two of them, she understood. Hadley went back to her office content not to let Theresa’s words bother her.

Paul stared icily at his sister.

“What the hell is wrong with you? And, when did you get back?”

“I flew in yesterday. God, way to make your sister feel welcomed.”

Theresa sat in one of the chairs and tried to force tears.

“Oh, cut the crap! I know where you were and what you were doing.”

“I know you don’t understand my lifestyle, but you don’t have to be cruel. Miller is divorcing me. You could show a little sympathy.”

“Good! It’s about goddamn time!”

“Paul!”

“I’m sorry, but I’ve watched you manipulate him for years. He nearly got himself killed this time. Do you have any idea what he went through to find you? God, they beat him, and the things he saw while he was there can’t be erased. You need help, and I’m sorry, but if you don’t get it soon, I won’t be in your life. It’s exhausting and it creates problems in my marriage. I love you, but I love my wife more.”

“I didn’t ask him to come after me.”

“No, but you expected him to. You love that he drops everything for you. He’s happy. Let him go.”

Theresa stood and smoothed her skirt with her chin in the air.

“It’s obvious I’m not welcome here. I’ll leave.”

When Theresa reached for the knob, Paul called her name. She turned her head.

“You’re welcome anytime, if you get yourself straight. I love you, sis.”

She opened the door and walked out, as though they merely had a civil conversation, mindful of the watchful eyes of his employees. Theresa noticed Hadley Walker engraved on one of the doors nameplates. Beneath her name read Senior Creative Director. Theresa considered the girl may not be as unsophisticated as she thought. She was going to have to up her game if she didn’t want to lose Miller for good.

Theresa swung the door open. Hadley’s eyes flashed in surprise. She stood. Completely composed, Hadley said, “How may I help you, Miss Jensen?”

“You mean, Mrs. Genetti.”

“Funny, from what I heard, you refused to claim the name.”

“Oh, but you’re dying to aren’t you? The idea of being Mrs. Genetti thrills you?”

It was time for Hadley to shut her down. She knew her fair share of dramatic women and also knew the only way to stop them was to be blunt. Up until a couple of months ago, Hadley never had the courage to be blunt. Maybe it was Miller’s love, or the truth being out, but Hadley was no longer a meek lamb. In fact, currently, she felt like a fierce lioness, and it was time to fight for her pride.

“Look, I know you’re upset, but I also know your game. I’ve been bullied my entire life by people a hell of a lot nastier than you, for far worse reasons. Let me assure you, if you came in here to threaten me, to make me doubt my relationship, or simply to fuck with me, you’re wasting your time. I’m sorry if you think I stole Miller from you, but in truth, he’s always been mine.” Theresa stared at Hadley, flabbergasted by her audaciousness. She started to open her mouth, but Hadley spoke first. “You can leave now.”

Hadley sat, picked up a pen and pretended to work. She ignored Theresa. The room filled with ire silence.

A few moments later, Theresa made one final attempt to get under Hadley’s skin. “It won’t last. He has needs you can’t fulfil.”

Haley looked up unaffected and waved.

“Goodbye, Theresa.”

Theresa made a strangled sound and stomped out. Hadley stood, feeling euphoric and fist pumped the air. Standing up for herself had become a habit and it felt freaking incredible.

When her high dissipated, Hadley got back to work, finalizing a few presentations she needed to go over with Paul when they met in the morning. A woman walked into her office carrying two vases of red roses. She stood, took one of the vases and set it on her desk, instructing the delivery girl to put the other on a side table. Once alone, she opened the card.

Miller: I’m sorry. Please don’t doubt us. I love you. x M

Hadley pulled out her phone and sent him a text.

Hadley: The roses are beautiful. I love you, too! I trust you. Rain check on office couch sex. x H

Moments later, Miller replied.

Miller: Count on it! SOON! x

Hadley: Going to lunch with Mac. Will take the babysitters and buy them lunch. Their boss is a slave driver and starves them.

Miller: Yes, they look as though they’re withering away. Be safe. Xo

After work, Miller informed Hadley he had a special surprise and would need to blindfold her for the drive. She was hesitant, but agreed. He wrapped his tie around her head, covering her eyes before helping her get inside of the car. As they drove, Hadley could hear every breath he took, the sound when the road changed surfaces, the wind. It was a little surreal. The car slowed and came to a stop. She reached up to remove the blindfold.

No, not yet,” Miller instructed.

Hadley heard him exit the car, and then the door on her side opened. She held his arm as they walked. When they stopped, Miller removed his tie. They were in an office park. Hadley glanced at him, her wrinkled brow showing her confusion. She wondered if he owned the building, if maybe he was starting a new company, or taking one over. The building was suburban and considerably less grand in scale to the building they worked it.

“What is it?”

“You’ll see.”

Hadley followed Miller to the door. She couldn’t see in through the tinted glass. He inserted a key into the lock and opened the door. As soon as she took her first step inside, she wanted to cry. The studio had been deserted, but the floors were in mint condition, and the barres brand new. Hadley walked through the space, an exuberant smile stretching ear to ear.

“Do you like it?”

Hadley spun on one toe to face Miller.

“It’s amazing.”

“It’s yours to rehearse for the audition.”

“You didn’t have to do this. I could have rented studio time.”

Miller shook his head.

“And what? Gotten in when they had available times. I meant it when I said, I support you. You need a studio and the owner needed out from under the place. I wanted to do this for you.”

Hadley ran to him and leaped into his arms. He caught her and held her close.

“Thank you. I love you so much.”

Miller kissed her quickly and set her down, an impish grin plastered to his face. His index finger tapped his chin as he looked around.

“Now if you only had someone incredible to train with.”

Hadley smiled.

“You already spoke with Sasha, didn’t you?”

His smile widened, his dimple glowing.

“She’ll meet you here Saturday morning at six am.”

“Oh, my God. This is actually happening, isn’t it?”

“It sure is, Love. And, you’re going to be ready. Dance for me?” Her mouth opened. “I mean it. Not a full routine, something easy.”

“You’re serious?”

His eyes darkened. He stared at her blankly. She took that as a yes.

Hadley slipped off her shoes and stood on her toes, hiking up her skirt slightly. Miller’s eyes stayed on her as she ran away from him, and leaped high in the air, her legs split into a flat line. She landed and twirled across the floor back to him.

His hands found her waist, lifting her up. Hadley didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms and legs around him, her skirt hugging her waist. His eyes bored into hers as he walked backwards until her back hit the mirrored wall, her bum resting atop the barre. Hadley saw their reflection in the mirror across the room. Miller pushed his hips into her to keep her balanced. Her legs tightened around him, and she gripped the barre with her hands.

Miller reached for the buttons on her blouse. A primal need flashed in his eyes as he ripped open the silk fabric, exposing her lace bra. Buttons sprang free, skipping along the hardwood floor. Miller had never been rough or rushed with Hadley. Her heart pounded as heat scorched her skin and desire warmed other places. Miller judged her reaction, careful to make sure he hadn’t scared her. He hesitated.

Something about the spontaneous location, the windows she could see out of, the way she struggled to stay on top of the barre was especially stimulating and sensual.

“Please, don’t stop.” Her hands left the barre to hold his face. “I’ve never been more turned on.”

A groan vibrated against her skin as his lips blazed a trail of kisses along her collar bone. He moved lower until she felt his hot breath on her nipples through her bra. Hadley closed her eyes, hearing him unzip his slacks, his belt buckle hitting the floor. His hot breath was now in front of her lips.

“Open your eyes,” he commanded softly.

Hadley did, and before she could catch her breath, Miller tore her panties and entered her. She moaned loudly, looking into the glass across the room at Miller's perfect backside, her heels digging into his flesh. The sight, the most erotic thing she had ever seen. With their foreheads joined, his hands dug into her hips, helping her to balance as he thrust into her again and again, urgently and forcefully. She slipped her hands under his shirt, and her nails clawed at his back, all the while maintaining his gaze. The earnestness, the aggression from Miller awakened a fierce desire in her she didn’t know existed. He fucked her, and she loved every mind-numbing moment of it.

Within moments, the ballet studio came alive with Hadley’s pleasurable cries, a sound Miller savored. She shuddered around him, unraveling until her body went limp. He couldn’t contain himself a second longer and followed her into ecstasy.

Her teeth sank into his shoulder. He smiled against her neck.

“That was incredible,” Miller said, setting her on her feet. “Best I’ve ever had.”

Hadley smiled. A while ago, Hadley would have doubted him, not now.

“Me, too,” she whispered.