Taming The Billionaire-He was never meant to fall for her, She was paid to destroy him

ia's

ally dragged myself through the door

hardwood floor as I stepped inside, each soun

ect

ga

ached, only to be told they were looking for someone

rld existed. I had texted him on my way home. He hadn't replied, but I wasn't worried. David was

r with a tired sigh as I s

it-grapefruit, from the color-and the other looked like it ha

eague, maybe. Or one of his freelance photography clients. He always entertained them here. He was c

heels and made my w

imbed, I

sou

Familiar in a way I

rt began

inced. David always watched those late-night thrillers, th

tairs, the sound became clearer. A

moving. My hand gr

hallway stretched too long. Too narrow. The w

was slightly ajar. Light spilled through the crack. Laught

ned around. Shoul

I di

ed the d

e world

bare. His hand tangled in the hair of a red-

the sound came

was too caught up in the moment, too l

eyes flicked t

is she?" she a

-Malia?" He scrambled, grabbing a towel and clut

wasn't l

ldn't b

o work. My chest tighte

ut no words came out

che

defended, even when my parents warned me he was se

on my heel

s as I fled, the hot sting of tears blinding me. I ran out the door, past the securi

ybe

f the life I

have enough money, but I gave the driver ever

from where I'd caught myself after tripping. I didn't even ring the bell prope

hit me al

led to it. The five years of compromise. The sacrif

was

's face appeared, startled

pered. "What happen

l into

with someone else. In our bed. Ivy.

e tighter. "

vy's lavender shampoo, the feel of her arms around me,

idn't drink it. I c

m when I used to crash there afte

g on?" she asked gently as s

into nothing. "I never thought he wou

hing, Malia. You paid the rent for six months when his gigs

ow," I

job-hunting for how

" I said

ver once off

chest

ak laugh that tu

er. That we'd find our rhythm again. Tha

" Ivy said firmly.

ed at m

from here. I don't have a job. I don't

me," she s

t moment, th

umb and heavy, something inside me shifted. Beneath all

Sm

t th

me wanted to

one David had underes

bro

didn't de

ot