Page 74 of Owned By a Billionaire

“From all that you’ve said, and knowing Crisp as I do, you can’t rely on his word, darling.”

I looked up at him upon hearing that endearment, and a warm blast of sunshine massaged my shivering spirit, a momentary break from troubling questions about Alice’s death that wouldn’t stop plaguing me. If I’d called the police, she might still be alive, because Mark was right—no one could believe Reynard Crisp.

By listening to Rey without considering the repercussions, I’d not only been handed a key to paradise but also nightly visits to hell.

“Do you hate me now?” I asked in a thin, pathetic voice.

He shook his head resolutely. “Oh no, I don’t hate you. I think I love you more.”

I searched his eyes. “Why?”

“Because I understand what it feels like to make decisions on the run, when your heart is pounding so loudly you can’t hear yourself think. And you were young, Caroline. Crisp’s the culprit here. He took advantage of your situation.”

“Yes, well, Reynard took advantage of my desperation by luring me into his wealthy circle.” I stopped myself there. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Mark about all those rich clients and how Reynard Crisp had also become my pimp.

“You didn’t intentionally murder her. That’s the point. It was an accident. And I probably would have done the same thing.”

“Like allow someone to clean up your mess?”

He shrugged. “Probably. At that age, we’re a bundle of nerves. Often at the expense of good sense and judgement. More invested in hearing about the next party than working on some kind of twenty-year plan.”

“I thought about my future as early as eighteen,” I admitted, thinking of how I’d made that pact with myself never to face hunger or depraved men again. “That’s why I cozied up to Harry Lovechilde.”

He flinched, which made me curious.

“Does that strike you as immoral? The Pontings were certainly unimpressed when our marriage was announced.”

“That I can understand.” He rolled his lips as he studied me. “Did you love him?”

I nodded. “Not in the true, passionate sense. Not like how I feel about you. He didn’t make my heart skip a beat like it does around you.”

He smiled shyly. “I felt a little weak at the knees that first night I laid eyes on you.”

“And you don’t anymore?” I tilted my head, welcoming the distraction.

“I missed you like mad. Now, with you here close, I feel like I’m sitting by a warm fire after being caught in a storm out in the cold.”

“But not passion?” I asked.

“I would have thought that was patently obvious.” He cocked his head slightly, looking so boyish that I wanted to undress and fuck him right there on the sofa. “I love being inside you, Caroline.”

Simmering desire gave me a much-needed respite as blood traveled through my veins again.

“Have you seen the forensic report?” he asked, snapping me out of that romantic interlude.

“No. Not for lack of trying.” I sighed. Drake had informed me that Billy withdrew his efforts due to fear of being caught.

“Lawyers are privy to police reports, I believe,” he said. “As are the family.”

“Showing any kind of interest would be self-incriminating.”

“True. But maybe you could talk to someone who knows her family. I take it they’re still alive. It’s an easier option than breaking into police systems. Now, that would be dangerous.”

“You make good sense. The horror of reliving that night has clouded my judgement.”

“That’s understandable.” Mark squeezed my hand gently.

“I have to tread carefully, since the Pontings view me as persona non grata. They’re convinced I did it. That’s why the police keep circling me.”

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