Page 21 of Lush

“We both know what’s at stake now.”

You don’t love him anymore. Your emotions don’t matter. All that matters is your money.

“Is that the same conversation you had with Conrad?” He flicked his cigarette into my roses.

“Let’s keep it simple,” I said. “You don’t want to marry me, and I get it. There’s a way for both of us to get what we want without turning this into a war.”

Reese only stared at me. I didn’t have money, but he didn’t know that.

“When our parents check in, just say we’re following the rules. We can lie. We’ve done it before. You don’t want to live with me. I’ll make it worth your while—monthly payments, upfront, no drama. You play along, and eventually you walk away with money you didn’t expect.”

“You think I’d just roll over for some cash?” Reese looked at me in disgust.

“I’m not asking you to love me.”Again. Love me again.“I’m trying to find a solution that benefits both of us. We werefriendsonce.”

“I also fucked you in the back seat of my car once, but that means shit now, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t be petty.” I shook my head. “We both know how this world can chew us up and spit us out. You think I’m asking you to play the good guy and sacrifice for my sake? Hell no. I’m asking you to do what’s in your best interest.”

I didn’t have a leg to stand on, and I was praying he didn’t bluff me out.

Reese flashed me a look of disdain. “Is that what you and Conrad secretly planned? Keep it strictly business? Marry the good son, but fuck the bad one? Did you not give a damn that the man who loved you would have had to watch from a distance while you married someone else? Never again able to touch you? Love you?”

My breath hitched. I forced myself to hold his gaze, but the cracks were already forming.

I was trying to protect both of us.

“Wow,” he muttered, shaking his head. “How did I not see it before? You don’t give a fuck. None of your family cares for anyone but themselves.”

What if I had chosen differently? What if I had been brave enough to fight for us instead of running away?

“C’mon, Reese, it’s not a hard choice.”

Then, without warning, he was on me. At first, panic surged through my veins, but then—just as quickly—something else ignited. His fingers brushed my cheek, a soft touch, but the heat of it spread like fire, and for a second, I felt exposed in a way I couldn’t explain.

“Every time I look at you, I’m torn,” he murmured. “I hate you. But I can’t shut off what I feel. I guess that’s my flaw, huh?”

My heart pounded; it felt like hell not responding.

“I have a planforyou, Laurene.”

I tensed, recoiling inwardly.

“You’ll play the perfect little wife. I heard about our…terms and conditions. Let’s not forget, we were always good in bed. We’ll take care of the kid, and you’ll stay with me. Here in town.Holidays, weddings, and funerals—we’ll speak only then. I will get a cut of that money.”

I pushed myself up to stand, taking a few steps back from him.

His smirk was sharp. “I’m not the same man you left behind. What if I expose you for who you really are?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You know damn well what I mean.” His smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “We had a plan—our escape.You ditched me.”

I shook my head. “Conrad was a happy accident.”

Reese’s eyes grew cold, and I knew I said the wrong thing.

“My brother’s death was a ‘happy accident’?”

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