Page 73 of Addicted Lies

“Shit, I’m so sorry.” I attempt to wipe at his shirt, noticing it’s also spilled down his pants.

“Fuck. Maybe you shouldn’t be drinking.” He steps back, wiping at the spot himself as if I’m only making it worse. I’m shocked at his outburst, and I immediately know how I feel about him. He seemed too sweet, too perfect. And maybe that’s why I was doubting it.

“I think I’ll decline your invite for tonight.” He raises his head, his hands pausing on his clothes.

“Why? I’m sorry. I was just shocked, that’s all. It won’t happen again.” He tries to step forward and grab me again, but I back away from his reach.

“I’m just not sure this will work,” I tell him honestly.

I’ve been trying so hard to force it. Wanting to believe that someone so normal would be everything I need, but this man is not it. The clarity hits me like a sledge hammer, and I’m not even remorseful for it.

“And you think this is the place to tell me?” he quietly seethes. “Are you trying to humiliate me?”

My jaw drops and then snaps closed as I see him for what he really is. And perhaps I should’ve seen it sooner. He’s most likely only dating me for name recognition or the connections he could’ve made via my family.

“I don’t really care about your ego. I was just communicating how I felt.”

He scoffs, but before he can reply, a voice carries over my shoulder.

“Billie, dear. I think your date should leave.” I turn to find Anya standing next to me. When I don’t say anything, she turns to him. “If you don’t leave, I’ll have someone break your leg. And let me assure you, that’s me acting on my best behavior.”

Matthew looks at me in shock, but I don’t say anything. It’s not like anyone overheard me gently letting him down; he’s the one who started making a big deal about it. It takes me a moment to recover, but I outright refuse to have any man speak to me that way. Not even Ford, unless he’s making me come, that is.

“I’m sorry, Matthew. Really, I am. Do you want me to walk you out?” He looks stunned.

“No, I can see myself out.” He turns and storms off without saying another word to me, cursing about his expensive shirt.

“He isn’t meant for this world anyway. It was silly of you to think he was,” Anya says snidely. I understand it’s probably for her son’s sake, but though she intimidates me, I won’t have anyone challenge my decisions.

“That may be true, but I didn’t ask for your opinion,” I say to her, and someone close by gasps. Perhaps it was River. But it’s her I’m watching because disrespecting Anya Ivanov is deadly.

“You didn’t have to. I’ll always give it freely. But it’s good to see the little Taylor princess has a backbone after all,” she replies with a slight smirk.

“Billie.” Hawke slides his arm around my shoulders, and I know he’s trying to protect me from his mother. The tension is palpable. “Where did your date run off to?” He eyes Anya as he says, “Mother. Father is waiting for you.”

“Both of my sons seem to be turning on their own mother today. How interesting.” Anya offers me a smile before she turns and walks off.

The moment she’s gone, Hawke taps my forehead and shakes his head. “Going head-to-head with Anya? You have some balls on you, little tornado. Tell me, when did you grow them? Was it when you became a little baddie with a new tattoo?”

“Shut up, Hawke.” I push his hand away and make my way to the exit. Fuck today. Everyone was so sure I should bring Matthew to this party, and it turned out to be a giant fail. Besides, I’m not exactly in the partying mood anymore.

I need to get out of here, go for a walk, and get some air. When the elevator doors open in the lobby, I see Matthew waiting at the curb. I wait until he gets into his car and drives off before I exit the building. I don’t want any more confrontations tonight.

“Running off?” I turn to find Ford wearing a black trench coat with a cigarette in his hand. He usually only smokes when he’s stressed about something.

“Disgusting habit,” I state, nodding to the cigarette. He smirks and takes another puff before dropping it to the ground and stepping on it.

“I’ll take you home.”

“No, you won’t. I can’t keep doing this. You need to leave me alone,” I say as I step to the curb to hail a cab.

“But what if I can’t leave you alone?” he asks just as a cab pulls up.

“Billie.” I refuse to look at him as I open the cab door. He grabs it, holding it open for me. “Look at me.” I don’t.

“Just stop, Ford. Close the door and let me go.”

I yank on the handle once. He doesn’t budge. The cab driver is staring at me through the rearview mirror. “I mean it this time, Ford. I’m not anyone’s property, especially not yours since we only fucked.”

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