Page 118 of Devil's Bargain

He doesn’t lower the phone, so I scramble off the couch and launch myself at him. I’ve never wrestled anyone before, but there’s a first time for everything.

Shocked, the others watch me tussle for the phone and climb his big frame as I fight with the arm he holds out of reach. “Give it to me, Ben!”

He finally does.

“Are you ready to talk yet?”

I turn the phone on silent, then place it in my pocket and climb off his lap. “I don’t even know why I came here. I thought I could trust you.”

Nina gets to her feet. “What are you doing?”

“I’m leaving.”

“Don’t be like that, April!” Ben chuckles disbelievingly. “Stay.”

“What’s going on?” Matt asks, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

Ben waits for me to say something. When I don’t, he looks at Matt and replies, “April’s had to sell herself to afford the rent.”

A hush falls over the room.

I stare at Ben, my eyes blurring with tears as he meets my gaze.

“They deserve to know.”

“The bruises?” Nina mumbles.

Ben nods. “He hits her.”

“What the fuck!?” Matt growls, shooting to his feet.

The first tear falls. “I told you I like it!” I say to Ben. I can’t believe this break of trust. From him of all people!

Matt gives me a questioning look as he comes to stand next to me. “You like it when he hits you?”

“Oh god!” I wipe my cheeks with my sleeve. “Yes! Okay. I’m sick! I fucking like it!”

Ben jumps to his feet. “Do you like the blackmail? Is that part of your fetish too?”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Dallas growls at Ben as she puts her arm around my shoulder.

“What blackmail?” Nina asks, her eyes bouncing between Ben and me.

Ben’s gaze is intent on me as he replies, “He won’t pay her, and he uses a video as blackmail to coerce her into sex.”

There’s so much more to the story. So much more!

“I don’t know what to say?” Steph whispers.

Nina’s eyes are glassy with tears. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

I blink rapidly and wipe my wet cheeks with my sleeve. “I didn’t want you to worry.”

She opens and closes her mouth. I hate the hurt in her eyes, knowing I placed it there. “I’m your best friend.”

“I know you are.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

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