Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“Hey, Chloe, what’s up?”
“Hey, girl. How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine. Thinking about going shopping tomorrow for some retail therapy.”
I snort. Just like Sid, she’s a shopaholic. I bet that’s how she plans to celebrate her victory. Not on my watch.
“Well, I think we should celebrate. I’m taking you out tomorrow. No arguments allowed. You can buy something to wear when you go shopping.”
I can almost see her rolling her eyes in my head. I bite my lip to keep in my excitement. I don’t want to tip my hand too soon.
To be honest, I’m not even sure why I’m so excited. I don’t know if it’s for Sid or for me. Maybe it’s time I explore dating. This could be an opportunity for me to get out of this funk and move on with my life.
“Okay, fine. I’ll let you take me out, but where are we going?”
“That, my dear, is a surprise. Just make sure you look sexy. I’ve got the rest.”
“Chloe,” she groans in warning.
“You’ll thank me later.”
“Will I really?”
“You make me sound like I’d sell my best friend to the highest bidder. I’ve got your back, hun.”
“It’s because you say things like that I worry.”
“You love me. You know I’ve got you. I’m so excited. This is the first time you’re going out in a year and a half. We’re going to make it a night to remember.”
“Okay, I’m in, but let me call you back. I’m trying to get this last blog post of the day up. Love you.”
“Love you too, Sid. Later.”
Chapter 6
Shock
Chloe
I think I’m still in shock. I can’t believe Brodi is pulling this shit. All I want is to go home and crawl in my bed and pull the covers over my head.
Instead, I’m still at this club. I look across the room at Sid as she stands next to Clayton. I would laugh if I weren’t so pissed off. She looks totally bewildered. I’ve never seen her look so frazzled, not even during the trial.
Each time Clayton leans in to kiss her, it’s like I’m witnessing more of her brain cells fry. I remember those days. It’s a family trait, the ability to hypnotize with a single kiss. I used to have the same goofy lost look.
I take a deep breath and it feels like I’ve inhaled fire. Looking down, I allow the memories to come through to fuel the resolve I need to start building now, if I’m going to come face-to-face with that man.
Tears build, causing me to ball my fists. A waitress walks by with glasses of the free champagne that has been floating around. I grab two glasses and down one immediately.
“Hey, beautiful. I’d ask to buy you a drink, but they’re free tonight.” I turn to glare at the person speaking, only to find a handsome, tall guy is the owner of the voice.
I should take this guy to the nearest bathroom and fuck his brains out.
That would serve Brodi right. Even as I think the words, I know I won’t. I’m not even sure why I thought I’d go through with that contract before I knew who it was attached to.
You thought you could move on.
I snort at my thoughts. Seven years and I haven’t been able to move on. The thought alone burns my belly. Brodi is so wrong for this.
“How about a dance instead?” Handsome gives me a blinding smile that does nothing for me.
“Not this one, buddy. Keep moving.” I turn to find Clayton’s guard. I think he called him David.
His lips are pursed as he cuts a hand across his throat and shakes his head at the guy. Now this guy looks like he might be able to make me forget Brodi once and for all. However, that thought makes my stomach turn as well.
I down the second glass of champagne. “David, right?” I say as I look up into his eyes.
He looks back at me and nods. “I suggest you let your boss know, if we don’t leave soon, I’m fucking the next guy who looks promising.”
He lifts a surprised brow and gives me a crooked grin. “I was sent to collect you so we can all leave,” he replies.
“Great,” I bite out. “Take my ass home.”
I push past him and start for the door Clayton and Sidney are walking through. Finally, I can put this night behind me.
Chapter 7
Hurting
Chloe
I wish I never agreed to go to that damn club. I wish I never opened that invite to that place. My heart aches so bad, I can feel it in my bones. I was all for that contract a few hours ago, before Clayton said the name Brodi.
How can a single name turn my world upside down? I refuse to go down this road again. He promised he’d stay away. I want to sob in pain as I realize who Brodi truly is.