Page 51 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“I’m not wasting my breath repeating myself to someone who clearly thinks I’m a cheater.”

“You are! But I’ve had enough. Get the fuck out of here and leave us be,” I command, unable to listen to any more of his lies.

His face is tight, and I expect some pushback, but to my surprise, he flicks his gaze from mine to Chelsea’s before storming back inside.

And fuck, his stomping reminds me of a toddler.

Once he’s completely gone from our sight, her eyes come back to mine. A hint of shame settles on her face. “I’m sorry,” she murmurs, dropping her crossed arms.

“What are you sorry for?” My fingers brush her arm, which earns me a small smile.

“Bringing this much drama to your work function. I didn’t think he’d care this much.” Her chin dips again.

My fingers touch her jaw, and she looks up. “That’s not your fault.”

“It is.”

Regret fills her, and I hate that I forced her into getting revenge because of my own past.

“It’s mine, actually.”

I drop my hand and rub the back of my neck, self-disgust filling me.

She shakes her head. “No, it’s not.”

“I thought of this revenge idea. This isn’t something you’d naturally do. You’re kind, and I’m bitter.”

She comes closer, and she leans her hands on my chest. My heart beats faster as she stares up at me with her brown eyes.

“No, you helped me realize he was hurting me. I agreed to the revenge and, to be honest, I wouldn’t take it back.”

“You wouldn’t?”

Biting her lip, she shakes her head. “No, I enjoyed hanging out with you. It’s the first time I’ve felt something real.”

She means butterflies, and I understand because I have that same feeling with her.

“I like being with you too,” I say quietly.

Her face brightens as her eyes grow wide.

I don’t want to end tonight here on this note, but we don’t want to return to the party.

“Did you want to go do something?”

I want to spend some more time with her before she goes home.

“Can we go back to my studio and order takeout?” she asks.

“Sounds perfect.”

I turn, and we walk side by side to the car. I want to hold her hand, but I don’t know if she wants to. All my reasons for not wanting a relationship fade away. Because I want her in a way I’ve never wanted anyone else. There’s never been a time I wanted to hold hands, yet with her, I do.

Inside, she makes me feel young again. Light, fun, and as if we’re in high school. When Chelsea cares about something or someone, she gives it her all. What would it be like to be on the receiving end of that attention?

It wouldn’t be lonely?she sees me, touches me, she could heal me.

Before her, all I was, was a hollow version of myself, and now, I don’t think that’s true. Since she entered my life, I’m more trusting. From the way she wears her heart on her sleeve, no hidden agendas, and more importantly, no fucking lies. She makes me want to try for the first time in my life.

---