The temptation of my brother-in-law

Chapter One Hundred and One

Alicia’s POV

I woke up with swollen eyes and a pounding headache. The kind that came from crying yourself to sleep. From emotional exhaustion that went bone deep.

Travis was gone from the bed. Probably already drunk somewhere or sleeping it off in another room. The passport he’d been clutching was on the nightstand. Emily’s face staring up at me.

I turned it face down. I couldn’t deal with her ghost this morning.

I dragged myself to the bathroom. Splashed cold water on my face. Tried to make myself look presentable. The reflection staring back at me was a mess. Red eyes. Pale skin. The necklace Malachi had given me still around my throat like a brand.

I took it off. Couldn’t wear it today. Couldn’t wear his claim while he paraded his girlfriend around.

When I emerged, I called for the maids. "Can you please take care of the room? Change the sheets. Air it out."

"Of course, Miss Alicia."

I left before they could ask questions. Before they could see the evidence of my breakdown.

Downstairs, I headed for the kitchen. Maybe I could grab something quick and disappear to my new office. Bury myself in work. Anything to avoid people.

But when I entered the dining room, she was already there.