Growing up poor, she’d always found her clothes at second-hand stores. Her mother had taught her how to shop frugally and find quality items for less. Rory never appreciated that about her, or her desire to design homes without emptying bank accounts. When she’d moved into the condo with him, she was grateful that he’d let her switch out some of the décor to make their home more comfortable, but the museum feel that still existed in most of the place had never been to her liking.
When she turned she found him blocking her path. “Excuse me.”
“What the hell has come over you?” He looked her over from top to bottom, his nose wrinkling and his eyes growing cold.
“Move, Rory.”
“Or what?”
His raw tone made her throat constrict. He was notorious for pouting or throwing a temper tantrum if he didn’t get his way which was quite ridiculous for a man who was nearing forty. He’d never threatened her or raised a hand in an intimidating way, but then again, she’d never stood up for herself.
“Get. Out. Of my way.”
“You’re being a bitch,” he sneered and stepped back, but made it so that she couldn’t pass him without brushing against his chest.
“Sure, Rory. I’m a bitch, one who is tired of all the bullshit.” She sat down at her vanity, lifted the lid to a bottle and dipped her fingers in it. “I’m sick and tired of the suspicious business dealings of yours.” She smeared the cream all over her face. “The late nights at the office.”
“I told you, Wynn. I work hard to provide you with this lifestyle.”
“What about the police questioning you?” She lifted her gaze, meeting his through the mirror.
“They don’t have proof that I did anything wrong.”
She turned on the cushioned stool. “Interesting choice of words, yet not once have I heard you say that you’re innocent.” Giving him an annoyed look, she swiveled back, plucked a tissue from the box and removed her make up. “I can’t believe all this has been going on under my nose. All those social gatherings and parties you’ve asked me to attend. They were crooks, weren’t they?”
“Watch what you say,” he said in a menacing tone.
“You see, Rory. I’m exhausted of watching what I say. You’ve become a ticking time bomb, and the alcohol is the flint. I won’t apologize anymore and overlook how you have some crazy ass fetishes that are getting sicker. I’ve tolerated you picking out the clothes you want me to wear, the wigs, down to my thong, long enough. I’m not who you want me to be. I’m not sure who it is you want, but I have a feeling you’re finding her at the men’s club.” At his gasp, she nodded. “Yeah, Rory. I know you spend a lot of time there with your business buddies.”
“I close business dealings there.”
“I bet you do. Fact is, I don’t even care any longer. That’s sad for both of us. I’ve wasted three years.” She crumpled her tissue and tossed it into the trashcan.
“When I found you, you were living in a rat-infested apartment building living on beans and rice. Why? To have some overrated degree.” He sniffed. “I saved you.”
She stood and crossed her arms over her chest. “You saved me? Really? Well, let me give you a dose of FYI. I might never have a fancy degree, but at least I’m honest. You’ve embezzled from your clients and your elbow-rubbing buddies are criminals. That’s why you have the police pounding at your door. It was only a matter of time before we had this discussion and there’s no time like the present. I’m leaving, Rory.” Her plans weren’t to leave tonight, and she had no proof that he had embezzled money, but she’d heard the rumors. She also only suspected his involvement with the Irish mob, but the time had come that she needed to get away—needed to spread her wings.
“What the hell did you say?”
“I’m leaving. Moving out. Taking a different path. Hasta La Vista baby. You choose what you want to call it.”
“And go where? You have nowhere to go.”
“You shouldn’t worry about where I go. You have enough to think about with regards to the investigation your smack dab in the center of. Also, just so we’re clear, I know about you and Patricia, your secretary.”
“H-How?” he stammered.
She chuckled coldly. “Actually, I didn’t, but you just answered my question. Eventually the truth comes out.” She started for the closet, but he blocked her, grabbing her shoulders and hugging her.
“You can’t do this,” he said quietly.
“I can, and I will.” She faced him.
“Really? Then you should know that you’re as deep in this as I am. Do you think I hired you as my assistant because you’re handy with a keyboard and a phone? You signed your name to many documents.”
She wouldn’t allow his threats to change her mind. He’d manipulated her long enough, although he did scare her a little. Over the last few weeks it seemed the walls were tumbling down around him. She didn’t want to go down with the ship. “Say what you want, but it won’t change the facts. I’ll even leave all those tight dresses and wigs you like so much and maybe you can convince Patricia to change her identity.” For the first time in a long time she felt vindicated.
He gave her a glaring look that tore through her. “You’ll come crawling back. You wait and see. You have an easy life here and can’t make it out there on your own with no money or prospects. Or maybe you should take those fancy dresses because you might need them when you’re looking for a way to pay the bills.”
His words bounced off her. It was high time she got
