Art of Seduction

ding into the distance. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, staring at the half-empty glass of bourbon on the cof

breaking the stillness. He glan

Jacob snatched up the phone, pressing it t

h the line. "Jacob, I assume you've disc

e gripped the phone tighter. "Arra

ing. "Life is a game, my friend. And

your victory while it lasts, Russell. You've c

composed than that. This isn't about you and me,it's about Sharon. Maybe if you'd tre

rely contained fury. "Don't

ck her out, didn't you? It's what you always do when

ous growl. "You're a parasite, Ha

ell shot back, his tone sharpening. "We're not so different,

phone across the room, watching as it shattered against the wall. His breathing was ragge

at the floral-patterned wallpaper. Her suitcase lay open on the floor, its contents spilling o

, she considered ignoring it, but curiosity got

you out. You deserve better, S

elt hollow, used, and deeply ashamed. Everything Jacob had sai

essage ca

car for you. You do

l wasn't the savior he pretended to be. Yet, the thought of facing this new re

dialed a diff

r voice answered,

Sharon said, her

a, her childhood friend, ask

treaming down her face. "I messed up so

d before Maria spoke gently. "Whe

t. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each more damning than the last. He thought of the early

rom his reverie. He glanced at t

trusted confidant and closest friend. Victor's s

ictor said, stepping in

hotos on the coffee table. Victor

"Sharon and Russell? Th

e's been circling me for months, waiting for a weakness

e photo aside. "You're better than this, Ja

th the one man I hate most in this world. My company is hanging by a thread, and I

Hell, you're allowed to be furious. But don't let it consume you. That's exac

his jaw tightening. "

putation. Leave Sharon to her choices. If she thinks Russell is her s

his mind beginning to turn. He couldn't change

nt, clutching a mug of tea. Maria sat across from he

an?" Maria asked, b

t know. I've lost everything,

firmly. "You made mistakes,big ones. B

nd, tears brimming in her

ot just with Jacob or Russell, but for yourself. You've spent so lon

right. For years, she'd defined herself by her relationsh

ore," Sharon admitted, her

id, her tone gentle but firm. "And thi

ther the fragments of Sharon's shattered life. And for the first

dark horizon, his mind steeled with determination. He'

, and himself. And as for Russell Harper? Jacob promised himsel