Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 84219 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84219 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I feel my face go numb before I realize why the room looks familiar.
No.
“Turn around,” he says.
I’m filled with a world of confusion because the man behind me still sounds caring and kind.
No.
When I remain frozen, and my body starts to tremble, I hear him move, and I quickly pinch my eyes shut.
“Samantha.”
“No.”
“Open your eyes.”
“No.”
Memories of my time with my mystery man flash through my mind.
Holding his hand.
Hugging him.
Crying in his arms.
Kissing him.
Telling him my darkest secret.
I feel his hand touch mine, and yanking away, my eyes fly open.
My vision focuses on Mr. Vitale. He’s wearing his Paradiso uniform and not the usual impeccable suit.
My gaze darts to his face, and in stunned disbelief, I stare at every handsome inch of him.
I shake my head wildly. “I…I…”
Suddenly, anger rips through my chest, and before I can stop myself, my hand flies through the air, but he moves faster than me and grabs hold of my wrist, stopping me from slapping him.
“How dare you,” I hiss as my face crumbles under the chaotic emotions warring in my chest.
He steps closer, and his tone is soft when he says, “I love you.”
“No!” I scream as I try to pull my wrist free from his hold. “You played me for a fool. Why? What did I do to you to deserve this?”
A sob bursts from my chest, only making me more angry because I don’t want to cry in front of him.
I begin to struggle against him, and he lets go of my wrist, but before I can move away from him, his arms lock around me.
He imprisons me against his chest, and feeling his strength, I know it’s no use fighting. But I can’t stop myself from trying.
“Let go!” I demand.
“I know it’s a shock, but I’m still the same man you fell in love with.”
God.
I shake my head wildly and push with my hands against his chest. “No, you’re not. The man I fell in love with is kind, and patient, and caring, and gentle,” I ramble. “You’re the complete opposite.”
When he tightens his hold on me, I cry, “Let me go. Please.”
He keeps an arm wrapped around me, and placing his hand behind my head, he presses my face against his chest.
I smell his aftershave, and it makes a fresh wave of tears burst from me.
“You’re safe with me, baby.”
He sounds like my mystery man, but he looks like Mr. Vitale, who’s made my life a living hell at the office.
The fight leaves me when I realize the man I fell in love with doesn’t exist. It was all some kind of sick game.
I told him everything. He comforted me.
He told me he loved me.
“It was all a lie,” I cry as my heart breaks. “How could you do that to me?”
“None of it was a lie,” he argues, his tone urgent. “I meant every word I said to you.”
As I cry my eyes out, the pieces fall into place.
That’s why I don’t have a panic attack when Mr. Vitale touches me. It’s because somehow my body recognized him while my mind refused to see the signs.
“God, how could I be so stupid?”
It’s because I needed someone so badly.
“You’re not stupid,” he says before pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
If I keep my eyes closed, I can pretend Mr. Vitale isn’t here.
Unable to deceive my heart with false hope, I open my eyes and face the cold, hard truth.
“Let me go,” I say for what feels like the hundredth time.
“I will if you promise to give me a chance to explain.”
“I promise,” I mutter.
The moment he pulls his arms away from me, I shove at his rock-hard chest and put a safe distance between us.
My eyes burn on Mr. Vitale with rage, and I want to slap myself upside the head for being so blind.
He gestures to the lounge chair. “Have a seat.”
My tone is tight as I say, “I prefer to stand.”
My gaze lowers to his mouth, and the realization hits again. It feels like a ten-pound hammer knocks me right off my feet.
Oh. My. God. I kissed Mr. Vitale.
I told him I was falling in love with him.
I shared everything with him.
Chapter 28
Samantha
As the shock keeps rippling through me, I cover my mouth with my hand.
My eyes are glued to Mr. Vitale’s face, and it takes a moment before I can process his expression. His features are torn with worry.
It’s weird seeing him like this. Even when we were attacked, he kept his cool.
He’s always come across as broody, rude, and overly arrogant.
This isn’t my mystery man who’s only shown me patience and affection.
I shake my head again, unable to believe I’ve been so stupid.
In my defense, why would a billion-dollar CEO also run a taboo sex club? During the day, he’s always abrupt while barking orders at me, and at night, he’s gentle.