Chapter 12: Fragile Masculinity
’Ms. Anita’, she said.
Not Mrs. Wales. Not Mrs. Blackwood. Not even Mrs. David. No. She said, ’Ms. Anita.’
And worse—she dared to call her husband Dave.
That was a name reserved for golf buddies, college friends... and occasionally Anita whispered in bed as a term of endearment. It was intimate and off-limits for mistresses.
Yet, Linda said it like she owned it. Like she owned him.
Anita didn’t flinch, but the offense was taken. Not because she feared Linda or cared—but because the audacity was almost laughable.
Because, for her to waltz into Anita’s home, smirking on glossy lips, and tossing around "Dave" as if the weight of "husband" no longer existed, was funny.
And as for her dear husband...
David’s heart almost leaped. Almost, as he shot Linda a sharp side glance. How could she introduce herself with that sultry tone, laced with innuendo? Yes, he was cheating. But that didn’t mean he wanted his marriage to end.
He turned to Anita. Her gaze was locked on her purse. She seemed to be thinking.
He expected a reaction from her – he silently wished her to explode. To claim him like her prized possession. To throw Linda out and remind him – and her – that he still belonged to her.