Page 56 of The Billionaire and the Maid

I frown. How is that possible?

“You think Chase wouldn’t tell me that stuff? I’ve known him since he graduated college. He tells me everything. You’re just lucky it was me who found out and not his parents. I’ll keep it quiet, for a price,” he says.

He runs a single finger up my arm.

“I should go stand closer,” I say, just wanting to get away from him.

But he grabs my arm and I look up at him.

“You know, he’s going to dump your ass after the board meeting next week. He even told his brother that he’s getting some ass out of this whole arrangement. I’m surprised Nancy Foster’s stepdaughter puts out so easily,” he whispers as he leans in. “But then again…”

“Let go of me,” I growl as I wrench my arm free and look to the nearest exit. Luca is speaking, saying something about how proud he is to announce the company’s next leader, but I’m too frantic to listen. I need to leave. Now.

I make it to the hallway and run into the bigger bathroom.

I lean on the counter and stare into the mirror. My eyes are red-rimmed and tears are falling from them. I can’t go back out there like this.

“Ella?” I turn to see Greta at the door.

And something about seeing her has my will crumbling. She’s at my side pulling me into her arms before I can manage words.

“What happened?” she asks. I look around, but we’re alone. I pull back and meet her gaze.

“It’s all fake. As you know. And Ken just confirmed…I thought…shit. I thought things were real between us now. I felt this connection, but…he told Ken it’s all pretend. Ken thinks I just go around fake dating people. He propositioned me, and got all handsy, and…” I trail off as I wipe tears away from my cheeks. “I have to go. I can’t stay here.”

Greta’s hand comes out and cups my cheek. “I’m sorry, Ella. That doesn’t sound like Chase, but…why don’t you take the limo and go out to my beach condo? You can lie low for a few days and just…think.”

She pulls keys out of her small bag and unhooks one from her keychain, holding it out to me. “Here, take it,” she says as she places it in my hand.

“Greta…I can’t. I have work tomorrow. I should just rip this bandage off, right? Get it over with,” I say.

“Hey, don’t make rash decisions. Maybe it’s not what you think. Did you try talking to Chase?”

“And say what?” I ask. “Oh, did you actually text your brother about getting sex out of the deal? No way. Why would this Ken guy make that up? That’s so specific. And the fact that he knew? What the hell? Why would Chase tell him that?”

“Go. I’m texting our limo driver now. He’s pulling around up front. I’ll stop by later, and you can tell me everything in detail, OK?” Greta says.

She’s not wrong. I need to get out of here. “OK. But just for a few days,” I say.

“Of course. Text me when you get there,” Greta demands.

“I will.” I hug her. “Thank you.”

She squeezes me harder. “You’re welcome. Now, get out of here.”

I nod and take off toward the front doors. A valet opens the limo door as I rush toward it. And then I hear him.

“Ella! Where are you going? Wait!” Chase yells from the front doors.

I rush to get inside, and my shoe goes flying. I don’t bother getting it. The valet reaches for it, but I just jump into the limo and slam the door.

“Go, please,” I say to the driver who nods and takes off just as Chase reaches the limo.

I watch as the valet hands him my shoe and then I keep watching as he pulls out his phone while staring at me. He gets smaller and smaller with the distance. My phone rings and I turn it off after I text Gus that I’m heading out for the night, and I’ll talk to him tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll talk to Chase though. I need time.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Chase

---