Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 95

Chapter 95: On the Edge of Control

ETHAN

On Tuesday night, everyone planned to meet up at the bar. I didn’t

want to show up, but Bennett had insisted, saying it would be even

stranger if I didn’t make an appearance, because it would be obvious I

was trying to avoid her. But that was exactly what I was trying to do.

A week ago, she had sent me away, and I’d accepted it because I knew

it was just the consequence of my choice.

But all I did when I got back to London was throw myself into work,

trying to sort everything out so I could come back. And here I was, a

week later, back in Manhattan.

I’d like to say it had nothing to do with her, but that wouldn’t be the

truth. I couldn’t stay away. I needed to be around, just to know she

was okay, especially after seeing her like that.

And when she walked into the bar beside Anna, with a relaxed smile

on her face, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. She didn’t look so

bad.

But her smile faded the moment she saw me. Then, she quickly

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looked away.

The two of them came over and took their seats around the table.

Anna cast me a look of pure disdain before completely ignoring me.

Will was mad at me, too; he was only talking to me as much as work

required. Zoe was also upset, though at least she wasn’t giving me the

silent treatment.

Zara and Jack wouldn’t be coming tonight, but they probably weren’t

happy with me either. I don’t know why I listened to Bennett; I

shouldn’t have come.

I focused on my drink, just listening as the conversation moved from

one topic to another over the course of the night.

Eventually, my gaze was drawn to her, but she didn’t look my way

even once.

The women were discussing something about work when Anna’s voice

snapped me out of my thoughts, grabbing my attention.

“Why don’t you tell Zoe about your lunch with the new hot scientist

who’s interested in your research?” she said loudly, looking directly at

me right after.

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That made it clear the information wasn’t meant for Zoe but for me.

Anna was trying to make me jealous, and it worked.

My whole body tensed. From what I understood, there was a new guy

at work who was interested in her, and apparently, they’d had lunch

together. What did that mean?

I couldn’t help but look at her, wanting to see her reaction. She

sighed and shook her head in disapproval.

“It wasn’t anything like that. We just talked about work.”

“You said, hot scientist?” Zoe asked, playing along.

I knew they were only trying to get a rise out of me, being completely

ruthless. But I also knew I deserved it.

“You have to meet him. He definitely looks like he walked straight out

of some erotic fantasy,” Anna said.

Will cleared his throat.

“We’re still here, ladies.”

“Then listen quietly,” Zoe retorted. “I need more details,” she said to

Anna.

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“His name’s Jorrick. He was brought in to replace El last week, but it

sounds like they offered him a permanent position in the lab.”

All I could think was: What the fuck kind of name is Jorrick?

“No, girl, I meant physical details,” Zoe corrected herself.

As I listened to them, I kept my focus on Ellie, trying to decipher any

reaction from her. But she just sat there silently, listening to the two

of them chatter.

I could bet she knew exactly what they were doing.

“Oh, he’s blonde, has blue eyes, and is totally ripped.” Anna

continued.

“That’s enough for me,” Will said, standing up. “Anyone else want a

drink from the bar?”

He looked at Bennett and then at me. He probably just felt sorry for

1. me. But I wasn’t about to be ungrateful. I got up, and Bennett

followed right after.

We followed Will to the bar counter and took a seat.

“Hope you’re satisfied,” Will said. “Thanks to you, I have to listen to

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my wife talk about another man like she cares.”

“Sorry, but it’s not my fault you guys married such ruthless women.”

“What are you going to do?” my brother asked.

“About what?”

“About the guy in the lab.”

“What am I going to do?” I looked at him. “What do you think I

should do?” I asked sarcastically. “It’s over, Bennett. It’s none of my

business.”

“Keep telling yourself that; maybe you’ll believe it someday.”

“Do you always have to be such an asshole?”

“He doesn’t have to do anything,” Will said. “After all, it was his

choice. Just deal with the consequences, which include watching her

go out and have sex with other men.”

I closed my eyes, trying not to picture that.

“Damn, Will… If you’re that mad, you could just punch me,” I said.

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He laughed, making me laugh too.

“You really have no intention of fixing things?” he asked.

I knew he genuinely cared about Ellie. It was clear from the concern

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