TIFFIN 3

35

My fists clenched the worn-out article in my hands as I stared at the photo and its headlines:

Tiffin mistress finds a new plaything.

If my fucking eyes didn't deceive me, that was goddamn Cole pressing himself against Kristina. And fuck, if she didn't look like she wanted it. I knew all of this was my fault. I'd told her how things were and she'd taken my advice to move on.

But fucking Cole? Really?

The thought made me see nothing but red. She'd moved on without any thoughts of how I'd feel. With a vengeance, I knew what I had to do, what I could do. I didn't need to look far for a good lay. With a flick of my wrist, I could bury myself in some easy slut.

Perhaps I could get my mojo back.

Oh, who was I kidding? Even as I thought it, I knew I couldn't rise up to the task. My wife was everything to me. I only loved her and not a single floozy in this state could measure up.

I remembered what I'd seen on the television. Kristina had looked a nervous wreck, bounding up to that news station. She was lost without me. Hell, I was lost without her. I'd been shocked to see not only Cole flanking what I considered mine, but another man.

Eli.

They both wanted into her pants, that much was clear. I'd seen the aired segment with Blake Gentry. My gut had twisted painfully when they both professed how they felt live and to make matters worse...

Cole had kissed her.

Geez. I needed to stop this self-destruction. I was beginning to sound like a pussy.

I needed to focus and finish my mission here. Because that's exactly what it was. Then... Perhaps...

Perhaps I could find my way to her. No way in hell did I plan on leaving forever. Even when I told myself that it would be best. I was too damn selfish. I was going to bury this fucker and grovel at my women's feet.

Before I could think more on this, the man I'd been working so closely with, exited out of the nearby room, having done god knows what. I couldn't judge. He'd been doing everything in his power to bring down the threat in Kristina's life. We still didn't know who the hell he was.

I felt guilty most days. 

He looked like he'd be an ass, but he really was a giant bear, the fruit loop. 

He'd given me so much these past weeks and I'd shown no gratitude. I didn't even address him by his name, even in my own thoughts.

Crap. I was such a dick.

"Hey... Leon..." I began, already feeling uneasy by my greeting. "Found anything?"

For a moment, he staggered as if surprised by my calm demeanor. He then grinned, nodding.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. You'll be pleasantly shocked at what I unearthed. This isn't just some everyday Joe. He has money and resources at his disposal. He is, however, violent. He plans..."

When he trailed off, I shook him by the shoulders.

"He plans what? Jesus."

He gulped.

"He plans to use... some photos of Kristina in compromising positions. And you. If she doesn't comply soon, he'll use far more than blackmail."

Fuck!

"How do you know that's his intention?"

Leon grimaced.

"You've forgotten I have my own outlets. His email is scattered with shit even you won't be able to fathom."

I let out a last curse before things went black.