Sebastian glared at her. “I didn’t start this twisted game. I finished it.”
“Congratulations, Sebastian. You won.” She almost choked on the words as she opened the door and crossed the threshold before she slammed the door shut. “I hope it was worth it.”
* * *
Ashley didn’t notice the aggressive lines of steel and glass as she strode into the Cruz Conglomerate headquarters. The impressive lobby and stunning artwork no longer intimidated her. The anger coursing through her body silenced the noise and the crowds of people surrounding her. She didn’t care about anything other than saying a few choice words to Sebastian.
She crushed the buff envelope in her hand as she waited impatiently at the reception desk. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing Sebastian. It had been a month since she’d left Inez Key and she didn’t feel ready.
She still loved the rat bastard. She shook her head in self-disgust. It was a sign that she was definitely her mother’s daughter.
Her first instinct had been to ignore the letter he sent. But how could she? She had felt numb for the last few weeks until she had seen his name on the envelope. She had been pathetically pleased that he knew where she lived. That he was still aware of her.
That ended when she read the letter. Her body shook with anger and hurt, confusion and despair. Every dark emotion whipped through her body until she leaned on the wall and slid to the floor.
This was why she’d cut him out of her life. She couldn’t go through this pain. She wasn’t going to let her unrequited love tear her apart.
The elegant receptionist hung up the phone and gave her a curious look. “Mr. Cruz will see you right away, Miss Jones.”
Ashley nodded as the surprise jolted her system. The last time she was here she had been ignored and forgotten. Now she was given immediate access to Sebastian? She hadn’t been prepared for that. Ashley glanced at the exit and took a deep breath. She wasn’t going to hide from him. Not anymore.
* * *
She was here. Ashley was here to see him. Sebastian stood in the center of his office and buttoned his jacket. His fingers shook and he bunched his hands into fists. This was an opportunity he couldn’t squander. His future, his happiness, was riding on the next few minutes.
The door opened and Ashley rushed inside. “What the hell is this?” she asked as she held up the envelope.
He barely noticed his assistant closing the door and leaving them alone. Sebastian greedily stared at Ashley. This time she didn’t feel the need to dress up. He was glad. She looked stunning in her black T-shirt, cutoff shorts and sandals. Her hair was a wild mane and her skin carried the scent of sunshine.
He frowned as he saw that Ashley was vibrating with anger. “That is payment for Inez Key,” he said. He thought he had explained everything in the letter.
“Why would you give this to me?” Ashley asked, shaking the envelope close to his face. “You got the island because I couldn’t pay back the loan.”
“I want to pay you my highest offer because I made a mistake. I went after this island even though it wasn’t for sale. My actions were legal but unforgiveable,” he admitted through gritted teeth.
“And you think throwing money around is going to make it all go away?” she asked, tossing the envelope onto the floor. “Typical. You rich and powerful men are all the same.”
Ashley may look sweet and innocent, but she knew just how to hurt him. “Stop comparing me to your father.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Oh, is that what this is all about? You’re uncomfortable with the idea that you are just like Donald Jones? Refuse to believe it even though you think like him. You act like him. You destroy lives like him. The only difference is that you out–Donald Jones the original.”
“The difference is that I regret what I did. It’s tearing me up inside, knowing that you hate me. That your opinion of me is so low.” He cursed in Spanish and thrust his hand in his hair. That you loved me once but I destroyed those feelings.
“And so you send me a check because you feel responsible? Because you think if you throw enough money at me you think I’ll forgive you?” Her voice rose. “Don’t get me wrong, Sebastian. I could use the money. I’m flat broke and I don’t know if I can make rent next month. But I won’t take a penny from you. You think this will absolve what you did? It won’t.”