Chapter 33
Thane’s pov.
A cool breeze blew over my face, just like the way the week had flown by
gone
I had
before.
to the police department to meet with Officer Jerkins. He revealed that Andera and her father had been there the day
I was surprised. Andera’s father had come here from Boston to ensure his daughter’s safety.
He must care about her deeply, and I didn’t need to be a shaman to know he would hate me. Hell, I would hate me.
Throwing out my wife to the streets, even if I didn’t know she was homeless, wasn’t an excuse.
I had put a hold on my plans and stayed away from her for the space of a week. Let her enjoy her time with her daddy. But a week
was all I could take.
Each day, I would stare at my phone, hoping for a message from her, a meeting, strategy secession, new client negotiation,
anything, as long as it meant I got to see her face, hear her voice, and confirm that she was okay.
I knew she would be. She had a father who loved her and cared for her. The three fuckers who tried to mess with her were just
starting their life sentence in jail, but still, I wanted to see her, I needed to.
Her emails this morning put me out form my misery. Well, technically, It wasn’t her who sent the emails. But the invitation came
from her.
A meeting to discuss more strategies for the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Sweet timing.
Like the last time. I’m struck with admiring the sleek building of Auraspire Energies. Andera had gone out of her way to make this
place a state–of–the–art work.
I walked into Andera’s conference room alone. I didn’t bring Paul or any other person along with me; considering what I was
about to do today, I would rather it were just me and Andrea; I just hope to God she comes in alone.
I reach the meeting room and wait, and I wait and wait.
Fifteen minutes pass, twenty and thirty. I glance at my Rolex. It’s already one thirty. I could march into Andera’s office to demand why she would keep me waiting; she’s right in there, but that would be letting my emotions get the best of me and giving Andera
an edge.
Andera knows I will be pissed off to be left hanging, and I’m not going to give her that satisfaction to see me flare up.
Speak of a witch and she shows up.
My breath hitches as I watch Andera walk in, wearing a stunning black office dress, tight at the torsos with a square neckline; the
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Chapter 33
dress flairs out from the waist and falls to her knees, the color highlighting her auburn hair and hazel eyes.
+20 Bonus
“Did I keep you waiting, Mr Renihardt?” She crooned. Something about the way she said it had my eyes shooting up to meet
here. The last time I saw Andera, she was scurrying out of the hospital room; now those eyes were more cold, impenetrable.
We both held our gaze for far longer than was necessary. What had happened within the week? Her usual shift in emotion when it
concerned me wasn’t there today. She was just… composed…. stolc.
“I reckon you had things to do, or why else would you keep me waiting?” I had drawled the ‘me‘ part, to make it look like I was a
very important person in Andera’s life. With the way her lips thinned, I could tell my words had hit the spot.
If she was going to play games with me, I would play back.
After all, I love games.
“The last time was saw each other, you nearly made my jaw drop with how elegant you looked. Now today, you’re dashing. Did you pick this pretty black dress for me?” I asked with a smirk.
I saw her clench her fists as she flipped over the files on her desk.
“Let’s get down to business, shall we?” She hissed.
I chuckled, my eyes crinkling at the corners. “Always straight to the point, Andera. I admire that about you. Although you seem to
run away from what happened between us a week ago. It’s okay. I can find a way to live with that.”
“I’m afraid we don’t have time for small talk, Thane.” She snarled. Her voice icy
“You’re pathetic if you assume I’d waste my thoughts on a silly little make–out. Here’s the thing, if you want to mess around, go to the playground and join the toddler’s there, or you could sit your ass up and act like the CEO you’re supposed to be.”
Andera’s words carried venom. I ran a thumb over my lower lip; something had changed since the soiree night.
“Forgive me.” I apologized.
She rolled her eyes and slid some documents over t
to me.
“We need to determine the best renewable energy source for small towns and cities around Washington D.C.”
I leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving hers.
“I think we should consider solar energy. It’s clean, efficient, and-”
Andera cut me off, her voice firm and unflinching. The voice of a C.E.O.
“I agree, but we also need to consider wind energy and hydroelectric power. We can’t just focus on one source.
I nodded, feeling pride well up in my chest. “You’re right. I’m glad we’re working together on this project, Andera. How about a lifelong partnership?” I couldn’t stop the words before they were out. That was a bad thing to say because what was supposed to be our ‘lifelong partnership‘ didn’t end well.
+20 Bonus
Andera’s expression remained neutral, but a hint of annoyance crept into her voice. “Let’s just focus on the project, Thane.”
“Of course. I have some ideas for the project strategy session that I think you will find interesting.”
Andera raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued despite herself. “I’m listening.”
I launched into a detailed explanation of my ideas, the ones I had come up with in my bid to impress her. Andera listened with
rapt interest, jotting down a few things I said. Her commitment and attention fueled my enthusiasm.
“That’s great. I will communicate this with my board members and let you know what’s next. One question though. ”
“Shoot” I replied.
“I know the D.E.C. said 3 months. Is there any way we could speed things up a bit and narrow it down to…say…six weeks or less?
I shot her a quizzical look, but Andera didn’t flinch. She just kept waiting for an answer
“No. I don’t think so.
She let out a defeated sigh and rubbed her forehead
“Thought as much.” She murmured
Aridera shot up to her feet. It’s now or never. I tell myself.
“Till next time Mr Renihardt.”
“Melissa and I are over,” I announced; Andera’s hand paused mid–air. She was just about picking up the files spread in front of
- us.
“W..what?”
“I ended things with Melissa, she’s out of my life. For good.”
Well, technically, Melissa ended things with me, but I didn’t need to tell Andera those details.
She straightened and then began packing her documents. “That is none of my business, Thane.”
“I plan to make it your business, Andera.”
She snorted and looked at me like I had just spewed gibberish
“How so?” She asked.
I
I got up to my feet, my height towering over hers; standing this close, all It would take was a little nudge, and I would feel her body in mine.
I couldn’t afford that, not right now at least
Chapter 23
“Because.” I tilted my head to the side, studying the strands of hair that framed that heart shaped face.
“Because I want you to take your place back. As
s my wife.
