Page 65 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“I don’t sleep. Once again, if you’re going to stand there—”

“Shh. You’re irritable.”

“I’m being insulted. These aren’t exactly flattering things a woman wants to hear half-naked and vulnerable. Ass.”

“My point is, your abuse is affecting your health. Those are the visible signs. I’m sure your heart is suffering. When was the last time you went to a doctor? Where are you getting the drugs?”

“I think it’s time for you to go.”

“Not a chance. We need to discuss my new terms.”

“Terms?”

“You quit. I’ll help you. And I won’t tell anyone you’ve been taking drugs.”

“No, I need them for school.”

“But you don’t. You think you do. You’re stronger than this.”

“No. No deal.”

“Be with me, and I can help you. Let’s just try it for a month. Be mine.” One of his hands releases my wrist and slowly trails down my body. “Just for one month.”

“Are you blackmailing me, again?”

“Again? Not again. I’m just renegotiating our terms.” His other hand slowly moves up to my shoulder and then to my neck. “One month. Give me one month. I won’t tell any of your dirty little secrets.” His lips press against my temple. He isn’t holding my wrist anymore, but I don’t move. Strong hands begin to caress my body as his lips trail from my temple to my ear. His breath sends a shiver down my spine as he whispers, “Maybe we can create new dirty secrets together.” I swallow. My chest rises and falls. “Denise? Do we have a deal?”

Right now, he’s the only drug I want. He is intoxicating. He may not be a stranger, but he is definitely dangerous. I turn around and face him. Gorgeous. He cups my cheek. “We’ll only go as far as you want. Hit the brakes at any moment. Okay?” When I don’t say anything because I’m too busy admiring what’s before me, he takes my chin and lifts it up. “Okay?”

“One month, I’m yours and you won’t tell my secrets?”

“Yeah.”

“None of them. And you’ll help me?”

“You got it, Babe. I’ll do anything to help you.”

“And keep all my secrets?” When he nods in agreement, I swallow and muster up the courage to finally unload some of this burden. “I have one more secret. I—I am the one that hurt Isabelle.”

His eyes widen as they search my face, I’m not for sure what he’s looking for. Maybe for signs of the monster within me. Is he starting to see how ugly I truly am?

“You? You did that to her? And you left her?”

I feel him emotionally pulling away so I wrap my hands around his wrists, afraid he is about to physically pull away. “I stayed with her, but I got scared when I heard people coming. I didn’t leave until I knew she was going to get help and was alive. Keaton—I was so scared.”

I hear my phone ringing in the kitchen but ignore it. Hesitantly, I place my hands on his face. “You promised.”

He’s going to reject me. I can feel it. I should’ve known better than to share my burden. Living in a lie alone was better than facing rejection.His lips press in a firm line as his eyes continue to study my face. Whatever he sees, he doesn’t tell. “I promised.” He grabs the back of my neck, brings his forehead to mine. “I’m going to help you. I won’t let you destroy yourself.”

“Keaton,” I whisper as I bring my lips to his. Our hands begin exploring each other, causing both of our bodies to have goosebumps.

Suddenly, we hear a door slam, followed by loud stomping footsteps. I watch as my bedroom door rattles from loud banging.

“Open this door right now!” Noah. “NOW!”

Keaton hurries and puts his clothes on. I grab mine and do the same as the banging persists.

My phone begins ringing again from the kitchen. I throw open the door and come face to face with a furious Noah. He looks past me at Keaton. “You.”

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