Chasing Her Discarded Ex-husband

THE WARNING

ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV

My eyes immediately notice the two enormous men in dark sunglasses and sharp black suits as soon as I enter the lobby of the grand restaurant. They are intimidatingly big not to notice. Who needs bodyguards the size of Goliath in a public place like this?

I approach the counter, where a young woman in a black uniform stands behind the desk.

"I'm here to meet with Ms. Raven," I say and the woman's lips curls into a friendly smile as she quickly check the guest registry.

"I'm afraid there is no reservation under that name, sir. However, we would be happy to seat you at one of our tables while you wait for her arrival."

Before I can respond, one of the large man in dark suit and sunglasses steps forward, his deep voice rumbling, "Ms. Aubrey Raven?"

I glance at the counter lady, who shrugs. "Yes, that's who I am here to meet," I reply, turning my attention to the imposing figure.

The man nods curtly. "Please come with me."

I hesitate for a moment, then follow the man as he turns and heads towards the grand staircase. Maybe he's Ms. Raven's bodyguard. As we ascend, I notice the other suited man follow behind us, effectively sandwiching me between the them.

We reach a quieter level of the restaurant, away from the bustling crowds. The lead man gestures towards a secluded table in the corner, where a striking woman sits alone, sipping a mug of coffee. My heart freeze because that woman is Vanessa sterling. What a great way to start my day.

Did her bodyguard mistake me for someone else? I clearly told him I was here for Ms. Raven. If I just turned around and walked out now, how ridiculous will it look?

Vanessa looks up as we approach. She looks as stunning as usual. Her wavy black hair cascading in loose strands down her back. Her makeup is light, and perfect. Such a beautiful disaster.

"Ms. Sterling," the man announces, "your guest has arrived."

"Good morning, Angel,” Vanessa says and I notice the lack of surprise on her face. In fact, she seems to be smiling, as if she had been expecting me.

Is there a way I can excuse myself and leave without making a scene?

"I’m actually here to meet someone else. Someone more important." I say with a dismissive smirk, turning to leave. But she raises her hand in the air and snaps her fingers. Her two big bodyguards immediately step forward blocking my path. Great.

“Aubrey isn’t here, Abel. In fact, she is not coming,” she says, her tone casual. I turn back to her, confused. “It was me who sent you that message, not Aubrey.”

“Excuse me?”

"Sit,” she commands, motioning for me to take sit across to her at the iron bistro style table for two where a tray is set with carafe, mugs, and a dish of cream and sugar.

She pours a splash of milk and two heaping spoons of sugar into a mug, just the way I take it. I didn’t think she even knew. She catches my eye and pushes the cup toward me.

“I don’t want your coffee. I need your men to move so I can leave,” I say, because there is no way I can take breakfast without choking while she is seated on the same table.

"You can’t leave,” she replies matter-of-factly. “Not until we talk.”

“I’ve already made it clear that I want nothing to do with you,” I snap, my fists clenching. If I could just get past her bodyguards, I'll would be out of here. They are intimidatingly big and I'm sure any one of them can take me blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back.

"Don't struggle dearest we have a huge Audience." Vanessa says, smirking. I glance around and see that our little standoff has indeed drawn the attention of other customers.

“Ten minutes. That’s all I’m asking for, Abel,” she says, her tone softening.

Ten minutes will be too long sitting here with her, but I reluctantly pull out the chair and sit down. "Better make it fast."

She smiles and pours herself more coffee before speaking. "So tell me, are you in a s****l relationship with my friend Aubrey? Your boss?"

I stare directly into her eyes. I can’t believe she has the nerve to ask me about my s****l relationships. I never agreed to be with Aubrey, I only said I’d think about it. But that’s no longer my ex-wife's business.

"Would it bother you if I were? Are you jealous?” I raise a brow at her and she looks at me disapprovingly.

"I know I f****d up big-time, but I still care and love you more than anything"

"Just stop, Vanessa. Save yourself the time and energy. You aren’t fooling me, not anymore. You got the Cyrus you wanted, so why not just stop?”

"I can't stop when it's you I want."

"Well, it’s a little too late for that!” I say.

“I know, but let me prove to you that I love and care for you. I’ll do anything, Abel. Anything.”

"You already proved enough to me, Vanessa. The only reason I’m even sitting here right now is because I owe it to myself to listen to what you have to say so I can move on with my life."

"I don’t want you to move on,” she says, her eyes pleading.

She really has some nerve. “This isn’t about what you want! This is about how you hurt me."

"And that's why I'm here saying I'm sorry."

Sorry?” I scoff, shaking my head. “If I had done what you did, would you forgive me?”

She glaces at me not answering.

“Didn’t think so. And stop with the tender act, it's so unlike you "

"Fine,” she concedes. " You are right. I'm a shitty person. And don't deserve your forgiveness. But at least promise me you won't be with Aubrey."

I roll my eyes.

"I mean it,” she says, “You shouldn't be with Aubrey or anyone else."

“No one? You mean no one but you?” I fold my arms across my chest.

"Abel,” her face changes and she looks serious, “I need to know you’re not going to try getting in a relationship with her. There is so much you don't know about her.”

“And if I do, then what?” Wouldn't be good if I could get back at her with the woman she dislikes? But how different will that make me from her?

“You do not want to go there,” she says, glowering at me, “I’m being very generous by asking. You know I don’t typically ask."

Just who does she think she is? What kind of egotistical psycho believes they can dictate someone else's love life?

"Has anyone ever told you that you’re a controlling b***h?"

She smirks. “Not quite as confidently as you.”

"You know what, I think your ten minute time is up,” I say as I stand. She rises too.

"If Aubrey asks, you’re off limit,” She says, stone serious.

"Seriously?” I laugh, incredulous.

“That’s right,” she says walking forward and looking at me as if to challenge me to do something about it.

I hold my ground as she invades my personal space.

"Screw you Vanessa. I'm not your property." I say firmly."You don't tell me what to do with my life."

She leans forward further. "Actually I do, Abel. I'm either going to have you or no one will have you. There's no in between." Before I can react, she catches me off guard by wrapping her hand around the back of my neck and pulling me to her, crashing her lips to mine. The familiar warmth of her mouth nearly brings me to my knees. My tongue moves along with hers before my mind catches up to what’s happening. I immediately pull away and she tries to reconnect our lips, but I turn my head and step back.

Her eyes soften. “ I know you miss that."

“I don’t” I finally manage to say, my brain reconnecting with my mouth. I can’t do this. I need to get out of here. I turn and walk away, and this time her men step aside, letting me pass.

VANESSA STERLING'S POV

“You’re being too soft with him. Just say the word, and I can make him accept your terms.” Clark, one of my men offers as we watch Abel disappear past the stairs.

I know I made a mistake divorcing him, possibly the biggest one of my life. But I'm not letting him go. Walking away would mean letting him find happiness with someone else, and that’s not an option.

I’m also not accustomed to hearing “no,” but I'm determined to win him back in a non coercive way. I will suppress my need for control, and love him in his own terms.

"Let’s not rush it. I want to regain his trust." I reply. "Follow him. Let me know where he goes.” I need to know if he'll head to Aubrey’s place. They immediately leave to catch up with Abel.

Aubrey wants into his pants and more. I didn't want to tell Abel about her actual intentions, he sees me as the villain right now and he wouldn’t believe a word I say.

Deep down, I know he wouldn’t be interested in someone like Aubrey, but that doesn't change the fact that she is after what’s mine.

My phone buzz in my pocket, and I glance down at the caller ID. It's Mary, my housekeeper. I step away.

"Hey, Mary. What's up?" I answer.

“Your husband is back at the house, ma’am.”

Annoyance flares within me. Cyrus is back at my villa?

“Thanks, Mary. I’ll be there in ten,” I reply, my tone clipped before I hang up.