Page 94 of Reckless Deal

“I can’t.”

He walks away and I don’t stop him. I finally made it to our master bedroom, and now I’m here alone. It doesn’t feel like a win, but as the events of the night flicker through my mind, I realize it isn’t a loss either.

In the morning, I find a note in the kitchen.

Unexpected business in LA. GC.

I tear the note apart, and for good measure throw a mug against the wall.

Chapter28

Gio

The incident with my brother pushed me to her bed. She smelled so good, her body fitting against me. She took the initiative and… I felt used.

She spent our evening together blabbering about her work. Nothing else to say to me.

And then she seduced me. Why? To ensure I keep footing the bill? A part of me argues there was more behind her need. But that’s wishful thinking. Mila doesn’t want me for me. Nobody does.

I’ve been spinning in circles. Hating her and being pulled to her. She is like a fucking magnet.

I stayed true to my decision, to accept our co-existence without the resentment and unresolved disappointment. It would have worked.

But then she talked about her work, and I grew impressed. In a few months, Mila turned the company into a cash cow.

While the opportunity was handed to her on no merit, other than snatching me in the process, she exceeded all expectations. As I listened to her, pride brewed inside me.

We were close in that car, discussing business. I felt even closer, holding her hand in the gallery. She was mine. She was mine after Andrea’s stunt, but what happened later was too intimate.

Too real.

I can’t afford to be vulnerable. So I ran. The hurt in her eyes when I refused to stay in bed with her has been haunting me for days now. But as alluring as she is, I can’t trust her.

It’s fucking exhausting. I buried myself in work again. My only salvation. Still, Mila is stealing most of my attention. I need to break this engagement. I can’t trust women.

My life would be easier if she weren’t so fucking sexy. I got engaged to the most beautiful, smart woman in the world, and now I have to avoid her because she is too tempting. Not just her body. Her mind. Her heart.

I don’t even make sense to myself anymore. Fuck.

I get off the plane and two messages wait for me. One from my sister.

Sydney

Andrea is out of control. Go see him when you get a chance.

The other one is from my mother.

Mom

You and Mila are expected today. No excuses.

I love my family, but sometimes I wish I could love them from afar.

As the car pulls into traffic, my phone rings. Marnie?

“You don’t trust Portia?”

What the hell?I groan. “Of course I trust Portia. What are you talking about?”

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