Danielle turns to me. “Ms. Pope, if you would like to begin, please.”

I smile, harnessing my indignation so that I can use it. “Thank you, Danielle.” I gather my now useless boards and set them aside.

My eyes are sharp as I look over at Neil, and my voice is strong and steady. “Well, Neil, it sounds like you and I are in agreement for once.” I stand up, moving over to the projection screen to set up the video I put together.

“Danielle, let me show you the mock-up on what CJJ would want to hit the sites with. I won’t bore you with statistics and numbers—we all know this market. Instead, I’ve prepared a video to showcase how we’ll approach the campaign.” I go on explaining how I’d work with Raven’s marketing people and the press to strengthen the brand and image of the company. While I talk, I try to hit on points Neil didn’t mention to differentiate my presentation from his.

I finish my initial pitch, press the start button, and watch, hoping the video is enough to sway the vote to my side. It’s short and raw, and it certainly isn’t flawless, but it’s powerful. Part of being a publicist is marketing and helping clients create a plan. Whether I secure this or not, I know that I’ve shown my dedication and ability to think outside the box.

As the video ends, I look at Neil with my eyebrow raised and a smile that clearly says, “Screw you, asshole.”

I turn to Danielle and Piper, giving them my final pitch. “I assure you that my ability to work with the press along with my vast experience in marketing will help us skyrocket Raven to the top.” I’m completely composed because, like it or not, Piper is going to have a say on whether or not I get this project. It’s out of my hands now. I have faith that I did enough. If not, there’s nothing I could’ve done differently. Neil, on the other hand, better pray for mercy—I’m going to rip him to shreds.

When Danielle speaks again, I wonder if she’s more than an assistant. I can’t put my finger on it, but she seems assertive, not at all intimidated by handling a big meeting like this. Taylor is one of the best assistants I’ve ever known, but I’d still never send her into a meeting of this magnitude. “Thank you both for your presentations. I have a contingency that Mr. Cole needs to be in agreement before we make a final decision.” She looks at both of us for confirmation.

Neil cuts me off before I can speak. “Danielle, we’re prepared for whatever your company needs.”

“Both of your presentations were quite similar, but Piper and I will speak with Mr. Cole about our impressions. Typically, he isn’t involved in these projects, but this campaign is important to him. He’s aware that he needs to be the face of Raven now. We want the publicist to be available whenever necessary. That person will also need to travel on short notice at times.”

I nod in agreement. “Yes, of course, that’s all included in our contract. My schedule is open to Mr. Cole and the team here at Raven.” My eyes don’t waver from hers, which I hope assures her of my sincerity.

“Thank you both. We’ll be in touch.” She and Piper stand to shake our hands. “I truly appreciate your time.”

Now the waiting game begins. As for Neil, he should start running because my patience has reached its max. It’s about time he pays for his sins.

Chapter Four

I step out of Raven’s building into the warm air, but a chill settles over me. I can’t believe what happened in the meeting. Of all the possible scenarios I was prepared for, Neil being the other publicist and Piper being a consultant was not one of them. I heard she’d been busy with her firm, but her attempt at surprise when she saw me was complete bullshit.

Then to have my research stolen by Neil? I’m at a loss on what to do. All I know is there’s no way I’ll allow him to get away with this. I’ve never been aggressive with him—I was always the perfect girlfriend, quiet and supportive. Good thing I’m not his girlfriend anymore. I deserve an explanation for this, among many other things.

I stand off to the side of the main entrance, waiting for Neil to exit. I hear him before I see him. He’s talking on his phone as he walks out, so I stand and wait. With each passing second my anger grows more and more. Who does that to someone? It’s so unethical. So … fucked-up. I’m about to lose it. He continues talking to whoever’s on the other line while I stare incredulously at this man I loved with every fiber of my being. The man with warm brown eyes, a smile that could light up a room, and soft sandy brown hair, which I used to run my hands through to put him to sleep. That was then. Right now all I see is a liar and a thief. I’m ready to get this confrontation over with. I walk over, grab his phone out of his hand, and end his call.

“What the—” Neil starts to say, whipping his head up. When he realizes it’s me, his mouth quirks into a self-satisfied grin.

That’s all I need to release the fury I was barely holding on to.

“How dare you? You son of a bitch!”

“Now Cat, you need to calm down. I’m not sure why you’re so upset.” A red haze begins to take over my vision.

“Not sure? Are you stupid? Oh wait! I already know the answer to that, you prick!” The scales deciding whether or not to inflict bodily harm are tipping decidedly toward inflicting. If I were on a seesaw, I’d be on the downside, heading to hell.

He looks at me as though I’m insane. I’m sure I appear to be to anyone passing us on the streets of New York City.

He raises one eyebrow and smirks. “You should really be more careful. I hear it’s very easy to forget things when you’re not paying attention. Like the funny way passwords save when you login on someone else’s computer.”

“Wow! You have some balls. You hack into my email, steal and use my presentation, and this is what you say to me? No ‘I’m sorry?’” I’m trying to control myself, but each time he speaks the fight is leaving me.

“Well, love, it’s not hacking if I have a password. Plus, we were going to share a life together. I didn’t think you’d mind sharing a few statistics for old times’ sake,” he replies smugly.

That’s it. I raise my hand, rear it back, and slap him across the face, enjoying the bite as it connects. The sound reverberates, causing a few people to stop and stare. My palm stings, but it reminds me that this is real. I’ve hit him. Finally. I’ve done what I wanted to for far too long and it feels damn good. Considering I had to sit through a two-hour meeting next to his self-righteous, project-stealing ass, I’ve earned the right to do a lot worse.

The shock blankets his face before he recovers, rubbing his now reddened skin. “Well that wasn’t very nice.”

I continue forward, pure hatred flowing through my body—it’s red, ugly, and can no longer be controlled. He’s quick, though, and anticipates my next move. His arms wrap around my shoulders, pulling me against him. Using whatever strength I have, I punch him in the chest over and over again. I know I’m not causing any damage, but I can’t stop. Each blow is a release of the pain he’s inflicted on my life. The cheating, stealing, lying, and the way he makes me feel worthless expels with each fist I land.

“I hate you! Don’t touch me! You asshole!” I scream and continue my assault. Neil grabs my arms, pinning them to my sides so that I can’t hit him any more. I’m flush against his body. My brain ceases to make rational decisions as I sink into him. Memories of being in his arms surround me. I remember the strength and love they once held for me, the way they used to hold me for hours after making love, how he would wrap them around me from behind when I would do dishes. Why am I leaning into him? I close my eyes, pretending I’m his fiancé again and that the last three months were just a misunderstanding, a bad dream. As angry as I was a few minutes ago, it’s gone now, morphed into pain and sadness. I wanted him to love me. I needed him. He promised to cherish me. I inhale, taking in the scent that’s all Neil—cinnamon and coffee. Losing myself in the past, a tear falls from my lashes and slowly glides down my cheek to rest upon my lip.

I turn my head into his chest as his grip tightens around my arm. “You don’t hate me. You’re just pissed because you want me back.”

The words force me to remember he’s not the man I loved—this is the man who destroyed my world. He took from me and made no apologies for hurting anyone. This person has allowed me to spend my time wondering what I did wrong and why I wasn’t worthy while he moved on with Piper. He’s not a man—he’s a coward.

Gathering the hate and anger I previously held, I shove back against him. “No, Neil, that’s where you’re wrong. I want to be around when karma finds you so I can sit back and watch with a big bowl of popcorn.”

“You should save your energy, love. You’ll need it if you think you’re going to get this account,” he scoffs.

I lean in close and whisper, “Let’s be crystal clear, you cheating bastard. You fuck with me again, I’ll ruin you, love.” I kiss his cheek and lift my knee straight into his balls. With him hunched over and clutching his junk, I turn and walk away before he can reply.

I start walking as adrenaline floods my system. Oh my God, I physically assaulted him. While I’m relieved that I stood up for myself, I can’t believe I actually slapped him, punched him, and then kneed him where it hurts. I’ve never in my entire life hit someone, and I’m not sure how to handle the high I’m on right now. I need Ashton and I need a drink.

I walk another few blocks, letting my pulse return to normal, before I hail a cab. Once my hands are steady, I grab my phone and text Ashton.