Fool By My Ruthless Billionaire

he instant I walked in. In the years apart, he had not altered much. He still had the same magnetic draw, but now his eyes showed steel. One that made me shiver. I had not anticipated being this d

k's eyes flared, a quick burst of something raw before his composure snapped back into place. Sofia, you never really trusted me, did you?" he said icily. I assumed you knew me better than that. Struggling to suppress the feelings roiling within me, I tightened my hands at my sides. "You exploited me. You always do. Though they tasted like acid in my tongue, I couldn't stop them. His face fell, the mask of apathy cracking for only a second. You always believed I was using you, didn't you? Perhaps this time I require you more than I have ever said. The words struck me like a slap and I froze. His stare was so strong that it made my heart race, but I would not let him know how much it impacted me. I would not fall for it again. Not this moment. You want me to think that? I said, my voice low and full of scepticism. Kendrick, you have used me. You've always had your way with me. You believe I'll succumb to this once more? For a little period, the past between us hung thick in the air as we just stared at one another. Truthfully, I had no notion whether I could oppose him. Not now, not after all we had experienced. His gaze stayed on me as he got up. You will do what required to live. So shall I. He stopped, the space between us charged with unsaid tension. Sofia, decide. You have more to lose than you believe. There was an electrifying air between us. Though my heart raced, I tried to remain cool and pushed aside the dread that held my chest. Kendrick Blackwell was my past, my future, all knotted together in a chaotic, unresolved tangle. I had not anticipated seeing him again, much less under these conditions. But here we were. "Deal," I murmured, the word dropping from my mouth with more certainty than I felt. I had given in, but my concerns hung like a rain cloud over my head. His gaze was constantly on me, always watching, always figuring. Though I would not shatter it, the stillness between us was oppressive. Questions filled my head. What did really want Kendrick? Was he using me once more? When it came to him, I had discovered the difficult way that nothing came free. He slid the contract over the desk, his fingers grazing mine for only a second. Though I tried to ignore it, the touch jolted my body. I was not here for it. "Just so we're clear," I continued, meeting his eyes with as much defiance as I could conjure, "I'm not doing this for you." He grinned, but it was frigid and hollow. Sofia, that's not how this functions. Whether you acknowledge it or not, you will do it for yourself. I could feel the walls closing in as I signed the document, my signature completing a decision I couldn't erase. It weighed heavily on my shoulders. Rising to depart, I found myse