Seven Nights of Sin (Penthouse Affair #2) novel Chapter 32

“Presley,” Oliver says.

I’m standing in clear view now, my eyes glued to the television. I don’t even know when my feet carried me into the room, but Oliver’s spotted me.

“Why are you . . .”

But I can’t hear him. The anchors casually toss grenades back and forth with their words—phrases like “outed by an anonymous source” and “public shame” and “reputation on the line.” I can barely make sense of it.

Dominic’s face is angled away from me, and I look at him imploringly, unable to read him. I just want to know what terrible thoughts are running through his head right now. His body is pulled tight like a string, like he’s about to snap.

Oliver sighs, pulling me out of my tunnel vision. When we make eye contact, he lets loose a strangled sort of laugh. “Well . . . this is awkward. Are you guys together?”

Dominic says, “No,” at the same moment I say, “Yes.”

My face flushes hot with emotion. Well, that’s humiliating.

Oliver takes that as his cue to leave.

“I’ll see you both at work.” Before he closes the door behind him, he pauses. “Just let me know if I can help you, man.”

The door clicks shut.

I take a shaky breath, processing everything that’s just happened.

Help Dominic? The idea that Dominic would let anyone help him almost makes me laugh. If he could, Dominic would do everything himself. I don’t know how he’s going to get out of this shit show without the help of Oliver, his PR team, me . . .

“No.”

The memory of Dominic’s hollow answer to Oliver’s question about us resounds through me. Staring at the stony wall of his back, I finally comprehend the bitter reality of his feelings for me.

As much as he cares for me, for my body, or for my popularity with his daughters . . . he will never make room for me in his life. He has told me in so many different ways, so many different times over the past couple of months. Every time we had the chance to grow closer or shut the door on our issues, he chose to shut me out. I romanticized our relationship in my head, but the truth is, he neglected or completely ignored me more times than I can count.

Latent rage bubbles like lava beneath the surface of my calm, and my eyes flood with angry tears. You tried so hard, Presley. You’ve done everything you can for him. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want you. Are you going to go down with him too?