Brittany curled her lips into a sly smile. “Do I hear a hint of jealous?”
Horace stared at her bright, confident grin. “Where was I wrong? Back then, you gave birth, handed our daughter away, and disappeared for twenty years without a word. If I hadn’t come looking for you, would you have ever planned on coming back?”
Brittany scoffed bitterly. Ida had poisoned her back then, and that woman had been staying by Horace’s side. That was why their daughter could never stay in the Capital.
When Brittany gave birth, it was a near–death experience. Someone quietly took her away after that. She had been unconscious from the poisoning for years, only waking up recently.
“Well, the past is the past,” Brittany replied. “There’s nothing more to talk about now. Let me know when you have the DNA test results. I have things to do, so I’m leaving.”
She turned sharply to walk away.
Fury flared in Horace. He reached out and grabbed Brittany’s arm, pushing her hard against the wall. His tall, imposing frame trapped her in place. “What’s with your attitude? You left with Jessica all those years without a single explanation. How dare you act so arrogantly!”
Brittany looked up at him coolly. “Why are you so worked up? Do you need a woman to help you blow off steam?”
She lifted her leg; the sharp, slender heel of her stiletto slid slowly up his black trousers. Her red dress had a high slit, and as she raised her leg, a flash of pale, flawless skin peeked out, looking utterly seductive.
Horace’s hand shot up to press on her shoulder. His eyes flickered with anger and a dangerous glint. “We’re out in public. What are you doing, teasing me?”
Brittany loved watching him act so seriously. “I thought this was what you wanted when you pushed me against the wall. Or did I misunderstand?”
Her hand moved to his chest. Underneath his black coat, he wore a matching business vest over a white shirt. Brittany slipped her hand inside, tracing downward over the fabric.
His six–pack abs were clearly defined.
She couldn’t help but admire his muscular physique and sculpted features. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with amusement. “You’re over forty now, but your body’s still so well kept. It’s just like when you were younger.”
She poked at his abs with a delicate fingertip, laughing softly.
“Wow, you’re strong.” (1
Horace’s gaze darkened. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he leaned down to kiss her lips.
But he missed. Brittany turned her head sharply away.
Horace stiffened, his voice low and rough. “Are you playing with me?”
Brittany pulled her hand back. “Have you forgotten our relationship? We’re divorced. Even if you’re aroused, don’t take it out on me.”
Horace sneered, “Divorced? If I remember correctly, we never actually filed for a divorce. Get your facts straight—you’re still Mrs. Larson!”
Brittany raised her chin defiantly. “So what? It’s just a piece of paper. We’ve been separated for over twenty years. Tomorrow, I’ll have my lawyer file for divorce, and that certificate will be in my hands before you know it.”
