Page 92 of Beautiful Secrets

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But so is she. Five million isn’t much these days, but it’s a start. A new, happy life. For me. Don’t I deserve it?

Doesn’t she?

I don’t know what kind of woman would lie about being raped…but that’s just it, isn’t it? I don’t know Mika. Sticking my neck out for her makes zero sense.

I’ve always looked out for my own interests, and that’s served me pretty well for most of my life. Whatever karmic bill I rang up, I already paid it with five years in that hellhole of a facility.

My slate is clean.

Whatever it is I feel for this girl with her messy hair and her even messier life—it’s as fleeting as a stick-on tattoo.

All it’ll take is a good scrub, and she’ll be gone.

“Fortunately, you won’t have to keep Daddy Dearest in suspense much longer.” I lean a little closer, trying to ignore the pain her incredulous expression shoots through my heart. “Tomorrow you can break the news in person. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know he’s about to be a Grand Daddy.”

Mika flinches, drops her eyes.

Aye, little rabbit. Predators aren’t known for their compassion. Might as well get used to it.

32

Mika

“Pel-meni,” Maddie announces for the fifth time before shoving one of the butter-slathered dumplings into her mouth.

“Aren’t they just delicious,” Sarah says.

Probably for the tenth time.

I glance across at Cole, but he has barely touched his plate.

I cannot decide if I want to puke or cry my eyes out. Knowing it is because I am pregnant makes it worse. Even if I wanted to control myself, it might be physically impossible to do so.

“No,” I blurt out, shoving away my plate. “I cannot do this.”

Cole immediately locks eyes with me. “What, not hungry? Should be.” He waves a hand towards my stomach. “You’re eating for two.”

I let out a frustrated growl and almost throw my cup of tea in his face.

Almost.

“You take me home!”

When Cole does not even blink, I stab a finger at the floor. “Now!”

He laughs, and gets slowly to his feet. “What the hell makes you think you’re in any position to make demands?”

I bunch my jaw. It takes every ounce of willpower I have to murmur, “Please, Cole. Just take me home.”

Something flickers over his face, but too quick for me to make sense of it.

I doubt it would be sympathy. He obviously does not have a compassionate bone in his body.

He was just using me for sex. I understand that. But what kind of sick man would act as if—

What, Mika? Like he was falling in love with you?

I turn to Sarah. “I wish you a happy and fulfilled life.”

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