Page 331 of Billionaire Temptations

“Okay. I’ll admit that it was pretty damn good.”

I picked up my shake and placed it between us.

“Dip all you want.” I grinned.

“Listen, Anna. I’m sorry for everything you overheard. I was just talking out of a place of confusion.”

“Why? Because you like me but are afraid to admit it?”

“Something like that. I’ve told you before that I don’t trust women, and this is the reason why. With my status and wealth, a lot of women are just interested in my money and what kind of lifestyle I can provide for them. It’s happened numerous times over the years, and about three years ago, I met a woman named Alexa. We dated for a while, and I liked her. I wouldn’t say I loved her, but there was an attraction there. We had gotten into an argument one night, and I told her that it wasn’t working out and I didn’t want to see her anymore. Just as I was about to walk out the door, she told me she was pregnant. To make a long story short, I did the right thing and married her, and she was never pregnant. She faked the whole thing. We got divorced, and she got a huge settlement that set her up for life. It was a bad time in my life, and I don’t like to talk about it.”

“That’s awful. I’m sorry, Wes.” I placed my hand on his arm.

“Ever since her, I’ve been extremely cautious with whom I’ve dated. Nothing ever seemed to work out, and I haven’t found anyone worth trying for.”

“Do you still talk to her?”

“No. She moved to Seattle and started a new life with my money, which I was grateful for. Because, honestly, I never want to see her again.”

“You feel the way Matthew feels about me.”

“Why did you do it, Anna? Why did you just leave him standing at that altar? I know there’s something you’re not telling me.”

Chapter Nineteen

Anna

I sighed as I finished off my Big Mac, crumpled up the wrapper, and threw it in the bag.

“We need some drinks and a more comfortable spot for this story.”

“What would you like?” he asked.

“A glass of scotch would be good.”

“A woman after my own heart.” He grinned. “Let’s go into the living room.”

He turned on the elegantly designed white fireplace and walked over to the bar that sat in the corner. I walked over to the double doors leading out onto a fabulously designed balcony overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

“I like your place,” I spoke.

“Thank you. Are you impressed?”

“No. Actually, I’m not.” I smiled. “This is exactly what I expected you to live in.”

He gave me my drink with a smile, took my hand, and led me over to the couch.

“Matthew never loved me. He was using me.”

“Using you how?”

“He was using me to get his hands on the company, only I couldn’t prove it.”

“Didn’t you have him sign a prenup? Certainly, your father wouldn’t allow you to marry him without one.”

“My father loved him like a son. They had this sickening bond, and when I suggested a prenup, he said it wasn’t necessary and that I would offend Matthew if I even suggested it, so he told me to keep my mouth shut. I left him at that altar to spite both Matthew and my father. I wanted to embarrass both of them. For once in my life, I wanted the upper hand. I wanted to make the decision and not have it be made for me. I didn’t have a normal childhood like you did. You had two loving parents who loved you and wanted you. I had parents who couldn’t even look at me.”

“Anna,” he softly spoke as he took hold of my hand. “What are you talking about?”

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