Page 82 of Owned By a Billionaire

“I don’t need your pity, Mark.” The words stuck to my upper palate, making them taste bitter. “You wanted to know about my life growing up, and now you do.”

The tears ceased, and I cleaned up my face as he stared into space.

Chapter 27

Mark

Itwasasthoughsome preternatural entity had turned back time, and Caroline was now that girl whose innocence had been ripped out by a demon.

“You’re still looking at me like that.” Her tear-soaked eyes penetrated deeply.

I rubbed my lips together. “I’m sorry.”

“Why do I get this feeling you won’t look at me the same anymore? Like I’m tarnished?”

I exhaled. “That’s not true.”

“Am I no longer attractive to you?” Her appeals made me recoil. When it came to talking about feelings, I’d somehow missed that lecture.

“That’s crazy. I’m lost for words—that’s all it is.”

However, it was as though she’d read my mind because I couldn’t bring myself to share what had jumped into my brain. Now that she’d opened up about her past, I couldn’t help but wonder about that dark side to her sexuality.

By enacting those disturbing games with me, was Caroline on some subconscious level trying to normalize forced sex? And, by so doing, dilute the severity of her own violation?

Despite my efforts to push these questions aside, they kept popping up.

“Why do I keep getting this feeling that something’s the matter?” she pressed.

I sucked back a breath while searching for the right words, given her delicate state. “Reflecting on what you’ve confided, I can’t help but wonder about those intense encounters we’ve had at shabby hotels.”

She turned away as though trying to hide again. Caroline Lovechilde didn’t crumble.

But I wasn’t merely a bystander—I loved her unconditionally. The more fragile and exposed she seemed, the more my unwavering affection and resolve to stand by her deepened.

Her breath broke the tense silence. “I don’t know why I am the way I am. Gregory introduced me to that alter ego.”

“Does she have a name?” I asked, recalling how she’d refused to give me one.

“No. I didn’t want to make her a flesh-and-blood woman. Instead, she was an anonymous creature of the night, lost to herself. That’s probably the best way to describe her.”

“Did it always involve being taken by force?”

She nodded. “Mostly.” Turning, she looked at me, that lost child facing me again. “I think you should go. I need to be alone, Mark.”

I needed space, too. It had been an intense discussion, and I had my own epiphany to mull over.

We walked in silence to the door.

“I love you, Mark. Whatever you decide, I understand.”

I frowned, studying her closely. “Nothing has changed. If anything, I love you even more.” My mouth curved slightly. “I just needed to understand you a little better.”

“And do you?” she asked, her eyes warming a little.

I nodded pensively. “I think so.”

“If you don’t wish to stay here, then let me buy you somewhere comfortable close to your college.”

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