Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“What the fuck was that back there?” he growls.
I ignore him, counting to a billion in my head so I don’t lose my shit.
“Look at me, dammit. What the fuck was—”
I whip around, jabbing my finger into his heaving chest. “It was you being played! That’s what it was.” I want to turn away from him, but he doesn’t allow it. He clutches my shoulders, forcing me to keep eye contact with him.
“I got your note. You sent me to that room.”
“Did I?”
He doesn’t immediately reply so I continue. “So, since we’re just assuming now, I should go ahead and assume the message I got to show up here was from you, wanting me to catch you and her together?” My entire body is trembling. Just saying the words has me on the verge of sickness again.
Damien stands there just as distraught as he studies my face. It takes a few seconds until it finally registers. We were set up. “Jensen.”
“Oh, don’t. Save your breath trying to bullshit me. I know you don’t care about me.”
“Of course I fucking care! I would never have touched—”
“But you did, though, right? How long have you two been in there? Or did I show up just in time for the big show? She’s probably not even the only one, is she? God, I’m so dumb!” I shake my head, laughing a cynical laugh. “Well played, pal. Well played. I’m done with your fucking game—”
“Jensen, for Christ’s sake, I told you I walked in just before you did. And stop saying you’re some game to me. You’re more than—”
“Stop! Stop lying to me. Ms. Phillips already blew your cover. The lies about selling the club. God! I’ve been so stupid with you.”
He moves into me, clenching his fingers around my biceps. The touch of his warm hands burns into my skin. I fight him, needing space. Having him this close confuses me. Clouds my judgment. His eyes are on fire, and I want to wrap my arms around him and beg him to tell me what I saw wasn’t real. His grip only tightens, and I groan as he corners me back against the wall.
“I don’t know what you’re going on about. I never lied to you about the sale of the club. What did Patricia say to you?”
“So, you and your ex whore are on a first name basis? How cute. Did she have a contract too?”
He pulls me off the wall, hugging me too tightly to his chest. “Stop.”
“No. Fuck you.” I raise my hands to his chest and shove him with all my might, but his grip only squeezes harder.
“Watch your tone with me, Jensen. I am not a man you want to provoke.”
“Oh, so scary. The big bad son of Satan and his big bad sex club. I’m not scared of you. Or your threats.”
It’s like my words flip a switch. I’m off his chest and being pushed forward until my back is against the closed elevator door. He towers over me, his face mere centimeters from mine. “You fucking should be scared of me,” he growls in a low voice, sending a wave of shivers down my spine. No longer do I see a man, fighting for me to believe him. He’s been pushed too far. I quickly regret being so mean. I want to understand. Want him to fight for my forgiveness. But his eyes cast a shade of darkness, showing me, I’ve lost. The only thing I can do now is free myself from his hateful scrutiny. I shove him again and again and again, but he’s like a steel wall.
His voice becomes eerily calm. “Remember, pet. You’re the one who walked into my club. I make you sick, do I? How sick? Do I repulse you? Just how much? Not enough to sign a deal with the devil. Tell me, Jensen, who’s the sick one here? I know exactly who I am. But do you? What does selling yourself to me for practically nothing make you?”
His words are painful slivers cutting deep into my skin. How dare he cheapen what we have like that. Is that how he really sees me?
“Go to hell. I hate you!” I yell, causing my throat to burn. I shove him hard, the wave of tears cascading down my face. “I should’ve never gotten involved with you!”
Fury explodes behind his searing stare. I’m forced to jump back as he’s in my face. “No, you shouldn’t have!” he roars. His hands go for my wrists, lifting them above my head. “You should’ve listened the first time I threw you out on your ass and told you to stay the fuck away. But no. You didn’t. You had to come back like a lost cat, needing attention. Needing someone to take your childish bullshit!”