My phone buzzed again.
Feeling the anger begin to build up, I excused myself as I stood up and headed outside. Finding Robert’s number, I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.
“Miss me, angel?” Robert purred over the phone.
Making a gagging sound, I laughed. “Please. Do you enjoy harassing me, Robert?”
“Where are you? You haven’t been back to your house in a few days.”
Taking in a shaky breath, I tried not to let him know he got to me. “You do know we are legally separated? Having me followed seems at little stalkerish, don’t you think?”
“You’re mine, Sierra and I want you back,” Robert said with a grunt.
Letting out a fake laugh, I said, “You should have thought of that before you pushed your dick into another pussy, asshole.”
“Always the one for elegant words.”
Looking over my shoulder, I saw Aaron walking out and making his way toward me. “Isn’t that why you married me, Robert?”
“Let’s meet tomorrow for lunch. Sierra, I know we can talk through this. You’ve just been angry, baby. I’ll make it up to you.”
“I don’t think so,” I said as Aaron mouthed, who is it?
“You need to come home, Sierra. I want to talk to you before the trial. Maybe we can work out some sort of agreement. I’m willing to take less than half of your trust. I’d be willing to take twenty-five percent. Just go to dinner with me. Let’s talk this over. Hell, maybe we can even work things out, baby. I miss you, Sierra. I miss that warm body up next to mine.”
Now I really truly started laughing. “You’re living in a dream world, asshole. I’d never take you back. Ever.”
Aaron pulled the phone from me and gave me a look. “Dr. Jackson, I’m going to ask you again, if you would like to communicate with my client, please do so through your lawyer.”
I could hear Robert screaming over the phone. Aaron pulled the phone away from his ear and hit End. “What did he say?” Aaron asked as he handed me back my phone.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I said, “He wanted to meet for dinner. Talk about a settlement. He said he would take twenty-five percent of my trust if I would just meet with him. He mentioned getting back together.”
Aaron busted out laughing. “Fuck him, that fucking bastard.”
Kate placed her hands on her hips and said, “Language, Aaron Walker.”
Aaron shook his head and glanced over to his mother. “Sorry, Mom.” Turning back to me, Aaron’s smile faded. “You’re not thinking about his proposal, are you?”
Shaking my head, I said, “No! Of course not. It’s just . . . he knew I haven’t been home the last few days. I don’t understand why he is having me followed. What could he possibly gain from any of this?”
Brice walked up to us and looked at Aaron. “Aaron, I know you and Sierra have had a renewing experience here at the coast, but I think it is fair to say that once we get back to Austin, you both need to be careful about public affection toward each other. You’re playing with matches, son, and it could cause a terrible fire. Also, maybe I need to take over Sierra’s case.”
My whole body trembled. Why in the world was Robert doing this? It made no sense.
Aaron pushed his hand through his hair and cursed under his breath. “I know, Dad. I know. I don’t want to walk away from this case. Sierra and I will keep the relationship strictly business until after the trial.”
Brice blew out a long breath of air. “Fine. I’m entrusting both of you will keep your distance from each other.”
Nodding my head, I whispered, “I promise, Brice.”
“I won’t let Sierra or you down, Dad,” Aaron said.
“I think it’s time to call it a night,” Kate said as she walked up and kissed me on the cheek.
Aaron kissed his mother and Grams both on the cheek. “We’ll see y’all back at the house,” Aaron said as he took my arm and led me toward the parking lot. I couldn’t help but look around. Knowing there was someone out there following me. Watching me.
Lifting my hand to my mouth, I said, “Oh my God. Aaron, what if the guy following me was the one who broke into my house when I was home?” Stopping on a dime, I looked around. “What if there was a strange man in my home while I was in the bathtub?”
I could hear the panic in my voice and I didn’t care. I was scared shitless, but also angry as hell at Robert for making me feel this way.
“I hate him. I hate him so much,” I cried out as Aaron quickly pulled me closer to him and got me into his truck.
