BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT

pte

ight

line

no, n

d the silky white sheets around me. My body ached,

happened? My

.no, penthouse. From Floor-to-ceiling to windows. A skyline

hard. Think,

ina had convinced me to go out and s

hen..

Eyes that saw righ

G

eyes shut. Tel

t nothing but bare skin. My stomac

ompletely and

breath e

did

y clothes were everywhere, my heels were near the door, my d

d. This is so bad." Gina had given me a chance

e wa

her side of the be

cou

came out shaky. What did I expect

I don't even remember

chest. I didn't eve

I be thi

and wiped at my face.

to get ou

tood. The cold floor sent a shiver up my spine as I ti

uttoned my shirt, rushing to g

places I didn't even want to think about. I stil

r when my eyes caught something on the nig

it alone told me what was inside, just

d to it. I grabbed it, breath

ention at all. Take the money. It covers your paintings a

illed m

cheap a

ted to scream, but no sound came out. He was sorry? He wasn't even here to say

he money, shoving it into my purse. If this was

to leave, the door

th my heart hamme

id's uniform stood there, h

"Master asked that I assist you in leaving

the lump i

ord. Shame held

feeling her judgmental gaze on my

g on the couch with her legs crossed, enjoying her

ng a sip of her coffee. "So, how did

e table and sank into th

look like someone just su

y. "Gina... som

, giving me her full attention.

he hem of my dress. "I...

idn't react the way I expected. No shock, no judgment..

ause Gina had begged her bos

ed, bringing me o

" My voice cracked slightly. "He lef

sted her elbows on her kne

t wasn't his intention. That the money is

ed, rubbin

s name?" she asked, look

aking my head. "Just

face. "Caroline... you slept with a m

rt! He... " I stopped myself. None of that matte

to my shock, she pu

d. "You're

aro. I just... I want to make sure you're okay. It's j

ck fresh tea

ke me feel good. "We're going to find

move on. I focused on my art, on sell

started. The dizzines

I missed

w. I

sure. But nothing could have prepared m

doctor said with a sm