“The important question…” Brandon’s voice was teasing. “Did you earn the million dollars?”
“No,” Chase said, his voice vehement.
A million dollars? How could Chase earn a million dollars?
“You didn’t make her fall in love with you?” Madelyne asked, her voice full of despair.
“I don’t know.” Chase sounded miserable.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Brandon’s voice was forceful. “If I can determine that Lizzy loves you, you’re taking my million dollars, whether you like it or not.”
Lizzy backed away from the door, appalled. She tiptoed as quietly as she could to the bathroom, shut the door, and walked on wobbly legs to the shower. Turning it on, she tried to comprehend what she’d just heard.
Chase would get paid a million dollars if she fell in love with him?
Had she misunderstood? It seemed pretty clear.
She took off her clothes and stepped into the shower. The hot water mingled with her warm tears. It was Darren all over again. How could this be happening? Apparently, men only wanted her to love them for money; then they turned into monsters and hurt her.
Chase would never hurt her physically. Not Chase.
Lizzy rested her forehead against the glass shower wall.
No, Chase was destroying her emotionally. No wonder he’d been so charming and fun their first week together and then conflicted their past week. She had thought it was because hewas focused on keeping her safe, but he was such a good person he most likely felt guilty for making her fall in love with him for a million dollars.
Everything clicked into place. It made sense.
Chase was incredible, but he didn’t love her.
At least she was safe now, with Grady Worthen captured. She could go home and lick her wounds, use the hundred thousand from Brandon to fix up her center and buy much needed supplies. She’d stretch the funds as far as she could.
Forcing herself to leave the shower, Lizzy used some of the products Madelyne had gifted her and put on a darling Anne Klein pale blue romper. It had a high neck and capped sleeves, classy-looking with the silky material. She looked as good as she could.
Now to face Chase, Madelyne, and Brandon.
She kneeled on the mat in the bathroom and prayed she could keep her emotions from showing on her face. Then she held onto the cabinet and struggled to her feet.
Walking out of the bathroom, through the bedroom, and into the main area, she felt her knees bowing in and the anxiety of Chase not loving her pressing down on her. He’d worn that blindfold for her, looked at her scar and said she was beautiful, kissed her like she was his world, fought like a hero for her …
How could he do all of that if he didn’t love her?
He had a million reasons to trick her into loving him.
No. Not her Chase.
“There she is!” Brandon called out as soon as she opened the door. “How are you, Lizzy?”
Lizzy’s gaze was drawn to Chase. He was rumpled and in a T-shirt and shorts from sleeping. Next to Brandon’s expensive, polished suit and Madelyne’s lacy tan dress, he should’ve looked outclassed.
He didn’t.
He looked incredible, appealing, tough, protective, kind, and invested in her. Everything she’d ever wanted.
She forced her gaze away and pasted on a smile. “That was so kind of you both to come,” she gushed. “I’m doing amazing.”
“Ah, are we still best friends?” Brandon asked. “I’ve been a mess worrying about you these past two weeks. I swear everybody’s trip is imploding.”
Madelyne shot him a glance, and Lizzy wondered what he was talking about. Chase had said something about his ‘Squadron 7’ all doing trips. They were all going poorly? Why?
