A Dash of Desire (Spiced Life #2) by Charity Parkerson

Author:Charity Parkerson [Parkerson, Charity]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Punk & Sissy Publications
Published: 2014-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The sun peeking through the curtains pulled Riley from her dreams. Reality slammed into her chest with enough force to steal the oxygen from the room. She had managed to sleep off and on for a few hours, but every time she closed her eyes, Tristan appeared—his lips swollen from their kisses. His eyes filled with regret. It was over. Rolling onto her side, she stared at the lace pattern sewn into her curtains and tried to convince herself to get out of bed. It was pointless. There was nothing waiting for her. Shifting her gaze from the window to the clock, she took note of the early hour. She snuggled deeper into the mattress, pulling the covers tighter as if they could protect her from life. Her arm brushed something solid. A crinkling noise filled the air.

With a pat, Riley realized it was a box. Upon closer inspection it was a pink package with a yellow ribbon. Acid rose in her throat. She knew without a single doubt where it had come from. With a tug, the ribbon slipped loose. Inside were several papers and a smaller box. Horror clawed at Riley’s skin as she inspected each one. There were dozens of photos of her and Tristan, including shots of them by the pond. They were good quality to say the least. At the bottom of the stack was a copy of Graham’s divorce papers. He’d filed. A legal separation had already been granted. Her hands shook as she opened the smaller box. A chocolate diamond stared out at her. It was at least six carats—possibly more. The threat was subtle but Riley read it loud and clear. Marry him or he’d destroy Tristan.

“Unlike my marriage with Bella, I won’t ask you to sign a pre-nup.” A choked gasp left her throat at the sound of Graham’s voice. Flying upward, she took the blankets with her, making sure to keep her body covered as she found him with her gaze. On the floor, with this back against her bedroom door, Graham sat with his arms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed at the ankles. “I know you’re not going anywhere, and you’ve never wanted my money.” Tilting his chin, he appeared almost thoughtful before adding, “I’m not sure why I didn’t see it sooner. This whole thing is my fault.”

It was a trap. Riley knew it, but couldn’t see exactly where it would spring. She cleared her throat, doing her best to calm her racing heart, but not show it. “How so?”

He shrugged. “Some people cheat because the grass is greener on the other side. Other people cheat because everywhere they look the grass is dead. I’m one of those people. The only time I feel alive is when I’m with you. The day I met you, I should’ve filed for divorce. You’ve always deserved to have all of me. I see that now.”

“Seth,” Riley said, intentionally using his middle name in hopes of keeping him calm.

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