Chapter 3

Before Gidget could push the door open any further, a low, sloppy whistle echoed through the hallway behind her. She released the handle instantly. She spun around, her spine hitting the solid oak door with a soft thud. Donn Sharpe was walking toward her. He wore a wrinkled dress shirt, the top three buttons undone, his black bowtie hanging loosely around his neck. He had one hand shoved deep into his suit pants pocket. He swayed slightly as he walked, muttering under his breath about Cortney locking him out of their suite just so she could take an hour-long milk bath. Gidget's pupils contracted. A wave of pure, physical nausea hit her stomach. The memories of his past-life betrayals crashed over her, making her skin crawl. Donn stopped a few feet away. His bloodshot eyes raked over the thin burgundy silk of her slip dress. A nasty, mocking smirk twisted his lips. Gidget locked her jaw. She stared at him, her eyes dead and cold. She didn't say a word. "Dumped on your wedding night?" Donn slurred, taking another step closer. "Cortney and I are having a much better time." Gidget's hands curled into fists at her sides. Her nails dug so hard into her palms she felt the skin threaten to break. She lifted her chin. She looked down her nose at him, stripping away any trace of the timid girl he expected. "Brother-in-law," she said. Her voice was quiet, but it cut through the air like a razor blade. Donn blinked. The smirk faltered on his face. He clearly hadn't expected the venom in her tone. Gidget took a half-step forward. The movement forced Donn to shift his weight backward. "You reek of cheap liquor and cheaper cologne," she said, her voice dripping with disgust. "Where are your manners?" Donn's face flushed a dark, ugly red. The alcohol in his system flared into sudden anger. He reached out, his hand aiming for her bare shoulder. Gidget reacted purely on instinct. She raised her hand and slapped his wrist away. Smack. The sound was sharp and loud in the quiet hallway. "Watch yourself," Gidget hissed, her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "You are standing on the private floor of the CEO of Strong Holdings Group. Do not touch me." Donn froze. His hand hovered in the air. The sheer, dominant force radiating from her eyes pinned him to the spot. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Gidget let out a short, breathy scoff. She turned her back on him and grabbed the handle of the oak door. She didn't give him a second glance. She shoved the door open. The heavy hinges groaned softly. The sharp, burning scent of expensive whiskey immediately hit her nose. Gidget slipped inside the office. She grabbed the edge of the door and slammed it shut behind her. She reached down and twisted the deadbolt. Click. Outside, Donn Sharpe stared at the locked door. He rubbed his stinging wrist, a deep, confusing irritation gnawing at his chest. Inside the study, Gidget leaned her full weight against the door. Her chest heaved up and down. She forced herself to take a deep breath, pushing the anger down into her stomach. She lifted her head. The room was dark, lit only by a single brass floor lamp near the window. Doctor Strong sat in a massive leather executive chair. His back was facing her. He was staring out the floor-to-ceiling window at the city below. He held a crystal glass in his right hand. The ice cubes clinked against the glass, a sharp, clear sound in the silent room. Gidget steadied her breathing. She pushed off the door and began walking toward the heavy mahogany desk.