Page 23 of Billion Dollar Revenge

Pushing away from the wall, I stand up as straight as possible. I don't want Evan feeling sorry for me, so I need to appear in control. Breaking up with Bobby was the best thing that could have happened and what unfolded today was proof of that. This was the closure I needed.

I’m just exhausted by the weight of the emotions Bobby brings out of me, and the unexpected connection I feel with Evan.

He turns around, and the doors close, leaving us alone and a new set of nerves taking over. It’s silent in the elevator as I watch each floor light up, and when we reach the lobby, he finally speaks. “I feel like I need a drink. Will you grab one with me?”

Chapter 8

Evan

Her head twists toface me, eyes widened slightly. “Now?”

“Yeah, unless you're busy?”

Now, I wish I had kept my mouth shut, but the moment I saw Bobby, her face dropped. Seeing it reminded me of how I felt like when I discovered my fiancée fucking another man. Devastation.

I knew Bobby was dating, but I had no idea he was with Chelsea. If I had, I would’ve told her he was cheating on her and to break things off. No one deserves to feel like that. Bobby told her the same lies my ex told me.Working late.

What a cop out. What's worse is she gave Bobby a way to come clean after she caught him almost kissing Shyla. Karma will get him, just like it did my ex. Knowing the guy Connie cheated on me with and left her for someone else was the best revenge.

“I’m not busy…”

“But?”

“I’m surprised, that’s all.”

“Why?” I ask. We’ve hung out before so it shouldn’t be a big deal.

“I thought you’d have somewhere to be.”

Does she think I’m with someone?

We exit and stroll through the lobby. I text my driver to take us to a bar I know has private spots. I’d like to talk to her more, and I don’t want a lot of people around. There’s something about Chelsea that reminds me of myself. A strength in her ability to keep moving forward and stand her ground when the odds are against her. I find it incredibly compelling and attractive. And it’s frustrating because I haven’t been with anyone since my ex, and that was eight years ago. I’m unable to move on from the betrayal.

“Where are we going?” Her sweet voice pulls me away from my phone.

“A bar nearby. It felt like the right private spot.”

“Are you just pitying me?” she asks, almost hesitantly.

“How could you think that?” I ask, my voice steady and sincere. “I want to be here with you.”

“It will be nice to have a chance to get to know you better.”

I doubt that…

I was always the solemn, brooding one. In big groups, you’ll forget I’m there. It’s not that I don’t care. I do, I’m just more comfortable inside myself. I find comfort in my own thoughts and feelings. It helps me handle situations with a calm, centered approach, but it’s also safer.A place I can’t be hurt.

“If I can get to know you…”

She offers me a small smile.

We arrive twenty minutes later, and she pauses before turning and grabbing my suited arm with a gentle squeeze.

“This is around the corner from the studio space.”

I nod.

“This could be trouble,” she murmurs.

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