The billionaires pawn

's p

hrobbed, and my wrists were sore from the r

dy aching from being cru

ng off the walls. I waited for a rep

hin

ne answered. I wrapped my arms around myself, curling

my eyes shut, feeling tears welli

screamed until my throat was raw, but

flashing of what brought me here: threats, the fear in Kayla

nd I jerked my head up. Two men stepped inside, t

t I forced myself to move,

against the brightness. My heart dropped when I

d, stretching across his lips

chair. "I see you're still as beautif

fresh wave of disgust through me. He wasn't here for m

Kayla was there, lying on a couch, barely conscio

voice hoarse. "Kayla..

father's debt. You remember me, don't you, Lexi? Your father's for

uined us, who manipulated my father into debts and deals he couldn't pay. And when it all

I spat. "You've already destroyed ever

rd me. "Because, Lexi, I always get

imple. Marry me, and I'll forget about everything. I'll clear the rest of your father's debts. Or..." He glanced ba

tightening with every second. I looked at Kayla; her vulnerab

ile rising in my throat.

, Lexi. But don't take too long." He motioned for his men, and within minutes,

Kayla was too shaken to talk, curling up in

looked hollow, like life had been sucked out of me. Victor's words

no escape. My father was useless, buried in his guilt and sha

ssly, but I didn't care where I was going. I just needed to get away from it al

ting and the smell of beer in the a

pain. I didn't feel the panic clawing

rank, I felt some

gged it off, telling myself I was just being paranoid. But the feeli

care. My legs wobbled as I stumbled out of th

e to go; I wanted t

n I bumpe

n from t

ntense gaze and the

me before I colla

oice warm and familiar. "Looks

the alcohol. His face swam in and out of f

ed, clinging to his arm for

me firm but gentle. "Let'

ded me to his car. I was too

When we stopped, I let it pour out, the whole mess of my life, the debts

into his chest, and he just held me, hi

elids growing heavy. "I just...

t me," he murmured, his v

sage flashing up on the screen of my phon