Oh God.
Monique felt like she was breathing through a straw, unable to draw sufficient air into her lungs.
He’s going to hate me.
She sank to the mattress, unable to meet his gaze.
Mitch kneeled, resting his large hands on her thighs. A vein pulsed in his temple. “Just say it, Mo. Please.”
She forced her eyes to meet his. “I’m technically…sort of…married.”
“What?” Mitch sprang to his feet, putting distance between them. He shook his head. “Not possible. I would’ve heard about it.”
“I was dating a drummer in an indie rock band. The band was performing in Vegas and—”
“You didn’t.” He dropped into a nearby chair.
She’d become a ridiculous cliché.
“I did.” Her voice was small. Her usual defiant attitude withered beneath Mitch’s glare, full of hurt and disappointment. “The next morning, I realized what a mistake I’d made. We agreed to annul the marriage, but when I tried to serve him with papers, he was gone. He even left the band. I’ve been trying to locate him for the past year.”
“Anything else I should know?” His voice was gruff, distant.
“Yes. It was the biggest mistake of my life, and I’d do anything to forget it.” She shook her head, muttering more to herself than to him. “Can’t believe we got matching tattoos.”
“The mandala on your shoulder.”
“Actually, the mandala is covering his name.”
Mitch slumped against the chair. The pain marring his handsome face broke her heart. “Does Ray know?”
She nodded, tears blurring her vision.
“He never mentioned any of this.”
“I begged him not to tell anyone—you especially.” She swiped a finger beneath her eyes and sniffled. “I was embarrassed. It was an impulsive, childish thing to do.”
“Like sleeping with your brother’s best friend?” His voice strained and his hands balled into fists, Mitch’s gaze didn’t meet hers.
“It wasn’t impulsive.” She stood, arms folded. “I’ve had a thing for you since I was twelve years old.”
“We aren’t kids anymore, Mo. Our choices have consequences. Not telling me you were married—even an impulsive Vegas marriage you’re trying to annul…” His chest heaved and it seemed he was trying to calm himself. When he looked at her again, his eyes were cold. “Is a deal-breaker.”
“Mitch.” She reached for him, but he recoiled.
“Don’t.” He gathered his clothing and shrugged on his boxers beneath the towel, then finished dressing, ignoring her pleas. “Now I understand why you don’t want Ray to know about us.”
She followed him through the condo, her heart breaking, unable to stop the tears. “Mitch, don’t leave, please.”
He turned back to her, brows knitted, his gaze still not meeting hers. “My brother Nate knows a guy with a gift for finding people who don’t want to be found. I’ll have him contact you.”
“Thank you.” There was so much she needed to say, but the words caught in her throat.
“And, Mo…” For a flash, the affection in his eyes when they’d made love reappeared, but his stony expression quickly returned. “Don’t lie to him.”
The door clicked and he was gone.
Monique sank to the sofa, shoulders shaking as she sobbed.
After the most wonderful night of her life, she was more in love with Mitchell Johnston than she’d ever been.
And in an instant, she’d lost him forever.