Page 111 of Filthy Rich Temptation
The room explodes in applause, but I barely hear it.
I feel it. In my bones. In my spine.
‘I’m here because no one should have to feel powerless in their own life. I’m here because truth is louder than fear. Because healing doesn’t happen in the dark.’
When I finish, they stand. Every single person.
Cameras flash. People wipe tears. Lucile moves to the stage with a wide smile. The panel begins, questions are asked, and I answer them all. No shame. No stuttering. Just honesty.
I feel Theo’s gaze on me the whole time, a tether I don’t necessarily need, but most definitely want.
When the event starts to wind down, people begin to disperse. Handshakes, hugs, compliments. I’m basking in pride when I catch movement from the corner of my eye.
And my blood runs cold.
Danny.
He’s leaning against the far wall like he belongs here. Like this is his story. Dark eyes lock onto mine, then that slow, knowing smile curves at his lips, like he’s already two steps ahead.
I freeze. For a second.
Then I step towards him.
His smirk falters.
‘I guess all it took was a stage,’ he sneers, keeping his voice low. ‘You finally learned how to beg for attention like the rest of them.’
I stop two feet from him. I don’t shake. I don’t cry.
I burn.
‘I’m not begging,’ I say, voice razor-sharp. ‘I’m owning what you tried to destroy.’
He scoffs. ‘This little circus won’t last. You think these people will care when the buzz dies? You think he,’ his eyes flick past me – right at Theo, ‘will still want you when you’re not the poster girl for trauma?’
I don’t flinch.
‘You don’t get to talk about him,’ I say. ‘And you don’t get to talk to me. Not any more.’
‘I made you who you are,’ he hisses. ‘Everything you are is because of me.’
‘No.’ I step closer. ‘Everything I am is in spite of you.’
He starts to reach for me – some pathetic, knee-jerk grab for control – but then two large shadows step in. Axel’s men. Each grabs an arm, locking him down.
‘Danny Jones, you’re in violation of your restraining order. You’re coming with us.’
Danny jerks, tries to twist free, but it’s useless. His eyes find mine one last time, spitting fury. But I don’t return it.
I just watch.
Watch him be removed from my space, my moment, my life.
A second later, I feel a presence behind me. No words, just his soft breath.
Theo.
I turn.
