Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Don’t You Dare Stop Me

ELLIE

“I’m sorry if I ever made you go through that,” he said, and when he opened his yes, they were glassy

I felt my own eyes well up.

“Good night, Todd,” I said before heading back to my room, my chest tightening with a familiar ache.

I never wanted to feel that again. I needed to get over whatever I still felt for Tod

Maybe there was a time when I wished he’d suffer as much as I had, but not anymore. I just wanted him to be at peace.

It was time to leave all of this behind. We needed to move on, without resentment

*

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Todd was still on my couch when I got up the next morning. I had already showered and changed into my workout clothes when I stopped in front of him.

I nudged him, trying to wake him up. He groaned, shifting before cracking one eye open.

“El?”

“You need to get up. I’m heading out.”

His eyes swept over my body, assessing. Then he sat up and stretched,

“Going to the gym?” he asked, yawning.

“Yeah.”

“Walking?”

“Maybe. Why?”

“Can

come with you?”

“Not hungover?” I crossed my arms, skeptical.

“Nothing a shower won’t fix.”

“I can’t wait.”

“I promise, five minutes.”

Move on without resentment, Ellie. Don’t forget.

I sighed.

“Then hurry up.”

<

1/5

1294 Fri, Jan 730 C.

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Chapter 25: Don’t You Where Stop Me

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onds way in the rum, 1 menged in takin teda exage to fund out the hadrome back to the country because he was now responsible for exporting

kai tiek runs out bud be the bayes berries between us, forcing him to return to Italy to expand the business.

few that they kek, they was shipping wheel the country. Todd’s life will revolved around work. Nothing seemed to have changed.

** **** ** **** ** ** amived at the gym, and I only sew him ageretter my workout. He was sitting at the front desk and stood when he saw

Was he wanting for me? talked toward the exit, ewers that he was following.

*****b* called, making we do on the sidewalk.

“What?” I turned, trying not to look at the sweaty shirt dinging to his muscular test,

fiest time, Ellie, remember not to date hot guys–because it’s hell when they become your ex,

Can i buy you a ceftes as an apology for lest nie

“w’s fine, in need!

I hoped he wouldn’t mistake my kindness for “I’m giving you second chance”

“But you haven’t had breakfast yet, heve you? Neither have 1. And I really do was to apologize–if we could just talk for a bit.”

“Alright, I sighed, giving in

I’d take the opportunity to make it clear that we could be civil, even friendly, but nothing more,

we walked almost three blocks to the cafe and bar where 1 usually had breakfast with Anna.

They served amazing coffee and the best pancakes in Manhattan, and honestly, I was starving.

We sat at a corner table. The conversation with Todd remained light while we waited for our food, even while we ate. But I could feel us approaching the inevitable, uncomfortable talk where I’d have to shut down any hope he might sell have.

He cleared his throat before speaking

I really sin sorry for showing up at your door last night,” he said, closing his eyes with a nervous smile and pressing his fingers to his forehead, “I’m dying of embarrassment right now.”

“It’s okay, happens in the best of families. Who hasn’t knocked on an ex’s door drunk?” I teased.

“Yeah, resept maybe me. Thanks for making me feel even less normal than I already do.”

Teste incredible, and you know it.” He smiled, gorgeous, sexy, and charming.

best moght mind me how little it would take for me to slip up.

Hell You’ve puing down the wrong road, Ellie,

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Chapter 29: Don’t You Dare Stop Me

I think I need to make something clear” 1 started, but the bar’s door suddenlywung open, grabbing my attention.

My heart pounded, and my entire body froze as Ethan walked in, followed by Wil

Shit. What were they doing here? Their clothes made it clear they were coming back from a run. I watched as they approached a table.

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Will sat first. Then, as if some invisible force drew us together, Ethan’s gaze met wine as he stood beside the table, scanning the room like he was looking

for something.

I wished I could disappear.

My whole body came alive with the memory of what we did in his apartment.

“Ellie?” Todd’s voice snapped me out of my trance,

“What?” I swallowed hard.

“You were saying?”

My heart was pounding in my chest, and my hands started to sweat.

“Excuse me. I need to use the restroom,” I said, getting up and grabbing my bag.

I hurried toward the bathroom at the back of the restaurant and placed my bag or the marble sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror as I tried to steady

my breathing.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Why the hell did he have to show up here?

As if seeing him wasn’t bad enough, I looked like absolute shit after my workout.

I pulled off the long–sleeve shirt I had over my sports bra, feeling the heat rise, then turned on the faucet to

wash

my

hands.

I was debating whether I should stay hidden in the bathroom for half an hour and text Todd to leave without me when I heard the door open.

I jolted, my whole body trembling, nearly letting out a scream when I caught sight of his back. I stood frozen, watching as he locked the door before turning

to face me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my heart pounding wildly.

Mr. Morgan crossed his arms over his muscular chest, his expression unreadable. He was wearing a gray shirt, black sweatpants, and black sneakers.

“One day.” He closed his eyes, shaking his head, his jaw clenched, making his irritation obvious. “You barely waited a day before running back to your little

ex?”

His words were dripping with sarcasm and anger.

“What?”

Did he think Todd and I were back together?

“Or maybe I’m wrong, and you didn’t even wait twenty–four hours after we fucked to let him fuck you.”

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