Page 121 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“Why are you crying? I thought you loved me?” he taunts, his voice tight and strained.

I hold his eyes as I say, “I thought I did.”

His face darkens into a scowl. “You loved me before he had his turn with you,” he spits venomously.

My heart is racing so fast it causes pain to hit my chest. I feel like I need oxygen; I’m lightheaded.

In the distance, heavy footsteps enter the studio, and an unfamiliar deep voice speaks. “You are under arrest, Mr. Cox. Anything you say can and will be used against you.”

“You fucking bitch,” he snarls, sending a spray of saliva in my face. I wince as it hits me, recoiling as sobs rack my body.

Someone touches my arm, and I instinctively try to hit it away, terrified it’s Bobby. I thrash around in panic.

“It’s me,” a voice repeats over and over.

Evan’s voice penetrates through the noise. I stop flailing and wipe my face one last time.

Blinking, I turn toward him. “Shell, it’s me, baby.”

My body is overtaken with a fresh wave of uncontrollable sobs.

“You’re safe now.”

He sits on the floor in his suit.

“You’re going to ruin your suit.”

“Fuck my suit. All that matters is you.”

His words sting, but it’s a different kind of pain. I want him, but one touch will make it harder to leave.

“Come here. I’ve got you. Lean on me.” He guides my arms around him. His familiar touch and spicy scent wash over me like a warm blanket.

My arms circle his neck, and he wraps me in his embrace. He holds me until there are no more tears, but my breath is still shaky.

When I’m spent, I slowly peel myself away. Our faces are an inch apart, his eyes scanning mine. His hands gently cradle my cheeks. I stare into his familiar handsome features, his square jaw visibly tensed.

Old familiarity and yearning crash into me. His lips part, revealing his white teeth, and I realize he’s talking.

“Okay?” I catch the end of his sentence.

“Better now,” I tell him.

He nods. “Are you ready to go home?”

He must sense my hesitation.

“My house. I need to hold you.”

I need to stay strong and say no.

“We sh?” I start.

His eyes call to me, making him irresistible. “Please. We can just talk. I can-n…” he stammers, shaking his head and running a hand through his hair.

If I thought Bobby shook me up, the pained lines on Evan’s face and his rigid posture show he’s struggling with what happened too.

“Let's talk to the police, and then I’m taking you home.”

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