Lizzy’s eyes widened. A million dollars. He’d been paid a million dollars to get her to fall for him. Maybe he hadn’t earned it yet. He hadn’t proven to Brandon and Madelyne that she loved him. Her gut churned. She wanted to shove him away and at the same time she wanted to yank him in close.
“I don’t know,” she said, forcing a smile. “I’ll be busy, busy with the new money for the center and catching up after being gone. You’ll be busy with your police work.”
Chase’s eyes hooded, and she could tell she’d hurt him.
Well, good; he’d hurt her worse.
“Thank you for watching out for me, being heroic, and all the fun and incredible experiences,” she chirped. Their kisses were at the top of ‘incredible experiences’. Her face flared, and she wanted to grab him and pull him in tight. Instead, she whirled and yanked her car door open.
Chase backed away and held onto the door as she slid inside.
“Bye,” she said, all bright and happy.
Chase swallowed and nodded. He didn’t say goodbye, but he didn’t beg her not to leave either. He slowly closed her door.
The car was sweltering inside and sweat instantly popped on her forehead. Kansas in June was nothing like the Austrian Alps in June.
Lizzy started the engine, embarrassed at the loud rattle. Putting it in gear, she drove carefully away so she wouldn’t run over his toes. Why hadn’t he backed away from the car? She glanced in her rearview.
Chase watched her go. He looked like a man who’d lost the love of his life.
She almost broke then. Almost stomped on the brakes, spun around, yelled at him for only loving her for a million dollars, begged to know if he could ever love her for her.
But no. She had some pride. The pain of a million dollars being involved, just like with Darren, was too much. She had to go.
Chapter
Sixteen
Tears streamed downLizzy’s face as she drove to the center, parking out back. She should’ve said hello to her workers and all the darling kiddos, or called her mom or Janie. They all would’ve made her feel better. Instead, she slinked up the back staircase to her apartment, lugging her too-heavy suitcase. Her legs were tired and bowing in.
She made it inside, and it was hotter in the apartment than it had been in her car. Sweat poured down her face, back, and chest. She hurried to turn on the air conditioner and then took a shower and yanked open her suitcase. The sight of all the lovely clothes made her want to cry all over again. She slid into a comfortable Lululemon T-shirt and shorts, then started hanging up the gorgeous dresses. Where would she ever wear these? She’d give most of them to Janie.
A rap came on her door.
Her heart slammed against her chest.
Chase?
Could it be?
She ran for the door. Well, ran as fast as she could. Her legs suddenly felt strong, her body light.
Chase had come for her. Maybe there was money involved, but Chase needed a chance to explain. Lizzy could imagine forgiving him, could imagine kissing and loving him.
She yanked the door open.
All her hopes crashed to the ground, and her legs went so weak she had to lean against the doorframe for support.
“Darren?”
He gave her a snake’s smile, his dark eyes triumphant. Then he slapped a hand over her mouth and shoved her inside the apartment, kicking the door shut with his foot.
“Help,” she screamed against his hand, but very little sound came out. She struggled, but he was huge and terrifying and she had no hope of escape.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Darren said. His voice was condescending. “Now.” He shoved her down onto her threadbare couch, his hand still covering her mouth as he pressed into her, his huge body overshadowing her. “You’re home, and you’re going to recognize that I’ve won and you have no choice but to help me.”
“Never,” she tried to scream against his hand. It came out muffled and weak.
