Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) by Ahren Sanders (inspirational books for women .TXT) 📕

that morning, and the news of Tony Sanchez’s split, spread like wildfire. Tessa was inundated with meeting requests from nervous clients that heard a variety of rumors. Evin quickly eased their worries.

He mostly worked from home, but when he needed to be in the office, I tagged along. Unlike my first impression, I now loved his office. Even more, seeing him in his element. His small team of employees is fun to be around, and Tessa is wonderful.

Evin watches me closely, worried that I’ll be homesick. Daily calls with Ryanne and Dante keep me updated enough that hasn’t happened.

Something feels off and it strikes me this is the first time I’ve been alone in weeks. Evin’s irrational fear of me hurting myself has rubbed off on everyone.

I take advantage, warming up with a routine that Jesse has approved. All the yoga, Pilates, and kinetic exercises have been great, but working with weights is a pleasant change. The training regimen from Cirque clicks in, and in no time, I’m in the groove. I push myself until my arms and abs are burning for a break.

“Jesse! Oh my God! It’s been ages, how are you?” The fake screech from behind grates like nails on a chalkboard and tells me Jesse is near. “I have been meaning to call you.”

“Why is that?” Jesse deadpans.

“I heard about your situation,” Screecher continues.

“Situation?”

“Rumor has it they bullied you into taking on that woman as a patient. I’ve never actually known a stripper, but I can’t imagine she has any medical insurance that covers your services. Bless you. You’ve always had such a big heart.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but—”

“And to think the Grahams have to go through this humiliation. Not only does Evin elope, but he’s now forced to bring that woman back to his hometown. I know for a fact he lost business the first week they moved here. Respectable business professionals distanced themselves.”

Knowing this woman is referring to me turns my stomach. Bile pushes up my throat, and I force myself to swallow hard, aimlessly scrolling through my playlist.

Please, God, don’t let my eyes water.

“Where the EVER-LOVING-FUCK are your clothes?” The monstrous voice booms, startling me. Strong arms engulf me from behind, folding me to him.

Evin takes one look at me, notices my glassy eyes, and his murderous glare slices to the side. The muscle in his jaw ticks as he focuses on something. “What are you doing here, Rina?”

I draw in a deep breath, daring to glance at the gorgeous brunette who’s been talking to Jesse. She’s in expensive workout clothes with a face of full make-up, looking more like a model to my gym-rat appearance.

“Evin, I… I…” she stammers, her gaze coming to me and filling with jealousy.

He squats, his thumbs trailing over my tattoos at the edge of my sports bra.

“That’s Rina?” I barely whisper, pain stabbing in my chest. “She thinks I’m a stripper.”

He bolts up, his anger radiating in waves. “You called my wife a stripper?”

She goes pale, guilt written on her face.

“Oh, shit, here we go again.”

I peer around Evin to find Pierce and Miller standing there. My misery must be clear based on their expressions and the way they step closer protectively.

“Answer me, Rina. Did you call my wife a stripper?”

“That’s the woman you left me for?” The question is laced with disapproval and repulsion.

“Left you where?”

“Don’t play coy. We had something great happening.”

Even knowing the truth of their hook-up, it stings. He notices and urges me to my feet, pressing close. “There is no dignified response to that except you’re delusional. We had nothing except a handful of used condoms.”

A squeak escapes and I bury my head in his chest to hide the enjoyment that gave me.

“You asshole.”

“I’ll show you asshole if you keep talking shit about Poppy.”

“Everyone is talking about her being a Vegas showgirl that worked the strip. She probably fell off that stage on purpose. Guess it’s easy to see how she caught your attention.”

His already solid body goes to granite, his shoulders trembling. I peek up and catch the same expression from his office. Evin told me Tony had insulted his professionalism and dedication to his clients. I didn’t push, even though I suspect there was more to the story. Now Pierce’s statement clicks; Tony thought the same as Rina.

There’s no stopping the giggle that bubbles out. Evin’s hand goes to my scalp, caressing supportively. The giggles turn hysterical and he tilts my face to his.

“Baby?”

“Let me handle this.” Years of surviving in a competitive environment click into place. I remove the tie holding my bun, shake out my hair wildly, and whirl around.

Her reaction is instant, her mouth dropping open as she glowers at my appearance. The judgment seeps all the way to my bones.

There’s a low whistle from the side, followed by a strong jerk from Evin, which results in a grunt.

“I will kill you.”

“Sorry, man, heard about it, but couldn’t picture it. The new ink is…” Evin’s growl cuts Miller off.

Miller’s response boosts my confidence, and I smile sickly at Rina. “We haven’t properly met, I’m Poppy Graham. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Poppy,” Evin groans.

“No, sweetie. When was that first time she came up? Oh, yeah, during our date at the Cosmopolitan when she sent that pleading text wanting you back. That was such a buzzkill.”

“I remember it worked out pretty well in the end,” he joins in the fun, sliding his hand to cup my ass.

“Ahhh, and then that time in the airport. Ick, that was rough. Heard you had better days. Public rejection isn’t really in my repertoire.”

“Once again worked out in my favor that time, too.” Evin nips the tip of my ear.

Rina’s glare turns deadly, laser beams of hatred aimed at me.

“Not sure where you have been getting your information, but be careful. Don’t you think, honey?” I twist to Evin and run my hand down his soft cheek. “I miss the scruff.”

“Growing it back.” He grins, brushing his lips across mine.

I