A Night Before Ruin

I

image too long, but I did not move. Damon Rowe. That was the n

nged, but the picture stayed burned behind my eyelids. "He owns the ho

because my knees forgot how to hold me. "He was... that was hi

ed like he had swallowed his breath. "Lila, are you sure? Maybe yo

. The way he said my name. I could feel it even when I tri

l you? Not even once?" I shook my head again. I could feel

hat he did. Or who he was. I thought he was just..." I paused.

red?" My father leaned forward, coughing into his sleeve. "I me

not do that. He did not seem like that kind of person." But I

he wanted." My father's voice dropped. "Lila, people like him do

el real?" My voice cracked halfway through. "He looked at me

s how he gets what he wants. Not with money. With something wors

ir, but I also needed answers. I grabbed my phone. Searched his

thropist. Real estate mogul." I paused. "Voted New York's Most Eligible Bac

ence. Smiling. Suited. Hands behind his back like he never had

that night. The one with the fireplace and the navy sheets and

ce. His. He brought me into his world like I was a secret

ou going to do now?" he asked. I could not answer that. I did

ng to make him look me in the eyes and say what happene

ack to his lap. "Just be careful, sweet pea. Men like that do not

oudly. I sat on the edge of my bed. My phone still in my hand.

I did not even have his number. I had nothing. Not even proof it

rned up the volume. A reporter was asking him about expansion. About

t knowing what people will give you without being asked." I froze. His

if I figured him out after. He walked away knowing he

e popped ont

SHOULD STOP L

cold. I stared

er on

. STAY OUT OF HIS WAY IF YO

ropped the phone. It c

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te envelope resting

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