Page 63 of Resisting the Brit (Dirty Hot Resistance 1)

My breath catches in my throat. “You did what?”

He shrugs. “Each time you refuse me, he’ll pay.”

“You’re blackmailing me?” I breathe out, horrified.

He tucks his hands in his pockets. “You can call it whatever you like.”

Outraged, I hiss, “I’m not some prostitute you can just—”

I can barely finish the sentence, my breathing harsh. The bastard had the gall to look amused. “If you’re quite done with you little temper tantrum, I suggest we move this t

o your apartment. I believe you owe me an apology and dinner. You can apologize on your knees.”

The double meaning in his statement isn’t lost on me. I gnash my teeth, trying to calm myself down and think through the situation. Finally, I say, “How much money does Fred owe you?”

That takes Matt by surprise. He snorts. “You think you can pay me back? That’s cute. Even for you.”

I don’t falter. “How much?”

He studies me, smirking, then quotes a sum that has my knees turning weak. That’s three times what is in my bank account from all my savings over the years. But I don’t lose my composure. Instead, I release the can and take out my phone.

Maintaining eye contact with the bastard in front of me, I dial Caleb’s number, putting him on speaker.

He picks up on the second ring. “Lana?”

“How long would it take you to come up with a million in cash?”

Caleb pauses before he calmly replies. “Two days, minimum. When do you need it by?”

Matt’s face darkens, and now it’s my turn to smirk. “I’ll let you know in a few minutes.”

I’m about to cut the call when he suddenly says, “Are you home?”

I can hear something in the background, indicating he’s not alone. “Yeah.”

“All right.”

He cuts the call, and I smile at the man before me. “Don’t underestimate me. I have connection in places you couldn’t dream of.”

Maybe that’s not entirely true, but what does he know?

Matt watches me carefully before his lips curve. He murmurs, “Well, well. Aren’t you interesting?”

“I’ll repay Fred’s loan. You stay away from him and my family.”

There’s a hint of anger in Matt’s eyes, but he smiles, nonetheless. “I see.” He steps past me, then says, “This isn’t the first or the only loan your family has taken from me, Lana.” He shifts to see me, a cruel glint in his eyes. “How many millions do you think your friends will cough up for you?”

My mouth turns dry at his words.

Millions?

Why has my family borrowed millions from him?

Numbly, I stare at his back as he leaves.

Unable to move, I stand frozen for a long time. It’s only when I hear familiar voices that I raise my head to see Oliver, Caleb, and Lucas hurrying toward me. I don’t ask why they’re here.

Oliver takes me by the arm. “What’s wrong?”

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