Page 78 of Dirty Temptation

My chest tightens when I see the name in bold lit up on the screen.

HARLOW.

I pick it up and read the message.

Call me. I have an answer for you...and I think it will make you smile.

My blood turns cold.

“No,” I whisper shakily as my heart aches and closes up shop once again.

I don’t need to know what the question was. Harlow is someone important to him and she’s agreed with whatever he’s asked.

Was it to be with him too?

Hearing Ward Montgomery ask about her yesterday made it clear she’s someone who is a part of their lives.

I don’t belong.

I know that.

Has Atlas been trying to get her back or, as I’ve assumed, she’s been with her unwell father?

Whatever the truth is, she’s saying yes and it’s making him happy. You don’t need to be that smart to work out what the question might be.

They are a couple either way.

I drop my hand, with the phone in it, and stare at the bathroom where he’s showering.

Tears prickle my eyes.

I feel betrayed all over again.

If Payton wasn’t getting married today, I’d pack my things and catch a fucking bus home if that’s what it took.

Instead, I pull on a pair of jeans and a sweater, grab my purse, then run downstairs.

Fuck its cold.

Biting my lips, I glance back at the staircase and decide there’s no way I’m going back. I pull open the cupboard in the hallway, finding a white puffer jacket and scarf.

Probably Leilani’s.

I’m a tiny bit smaller than her, so I slip into it and race out the door and drag in a deep breath like I’ve been starving for oxygen.

When I hit the sand, I let my emotions out. I stomp into the sand angrily. “Goddamn liar.”

“Stupid ass.”

“Cheater. Ish.”

“How dare he.”

“Double standards.”

“Stupid billionaire.”

“Beautiful stupid liar.”

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