Page 37 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

“I locked it,” she answered.

“I’ll pick the lock.”

She rolled her eyes. “You can’t pick a lock.”

“Are you sure?”

With a frustrated sigh, she stalked across the room and opened the door an inch. “I’m fine. Go away.”

“Julia, you’re not fine.”

“I am. I’m just…tired, and this constant tension is trying. I’m going to bed. Good night, Kyle.”

“Wait,” he said, grabbing the knob to stop her from pushing the door shut.

“Kyle, I’m really not in the mood for this.”

“Are you still in love with him?”

Julia gritted her teeth as her nostrils flared. “I amnotgoing to talk about Luke with you.”

“Because you still love him?”

He wouldn’t let it go. She knew from experience that he’d pursue this until either she addressed it, or he got himself into trouble seeking an answer.

“A part of me will always love Luke. Okay?”

“He’s the reason you left Harbor Cove, isn’t he?”

She flicked her eyes to his through the crack in the door. “Yes.”

Kyle studied her for a moment, something clouding his eyes.

“Now, I’m going to bed. I would recommend everyone else do the same. I’m sure we’ll need all our strength to deal with this lunch date tomorrow.”

“You know, Julia,” he said as he shifted his icy blue eyes back to hers, “Alicia’s approach leaves something to be desired, but I can’t say I disagree with her entirely.”

“Noted,” she answered, ice entering her voice.

“Sorry, but I’m worried about you.” He hesitated for a second before he released his grip on the door. “If you need anything, I’m here for you, Julia.”

“Thank you. Good night.” She slid the door closed and flicked the lock before she wandered back to the bed. After she forcedherself to change, she crawled between the covers and stretched out.

In the dark, everything seemed so much worse. She couldn’t stop emotions and memories from creeping into her mind. Random images, unbidden and unwanted, marched through her brain. Dancing with Grant. Dancing with Luke. Moonlit nights on the sea with Luke. Strolling through Paris with Grant.

She covered her face as she rolled onto her back, wishing it would stop. Should they cut their trip short? Maybe she just needed to get back to her normal life.

She imagined Alicia’s reaction to that. Then again, her own reaction left something to be desired. She had no idea what her normal life was anymore. Was it the charade she’d been hiding behind in New Orleans or was it here in Harbor Cove? Which one was the lie?

The moon rose overhead as she allowed a few tears to fall before she managed to doze off for a few hours, her dreams haunted by both her past and her present.

She awoke before the sunrise. The house, still quiet, felt like a tomb, and she desperately wanted to get away. In the dim light filtering through the curtains, she spotted the car key Ethan had given her the night before.

Still weary, she rose from her bed, pulled on clothes, grabbed her key, and sneaked down the stairs to the kitchen. With a note posted on the refrigerator, she slipped out the front door.

The scent of Balsam trees surrounded her, soothing her as she slipped behind the wheel and fired the engine.

She wound through the familiar roads, guiding her car to a popular spot for sunrises. As she climbed to the peak, memories continued to taunt her. She hoped some quiet time would help her face the day.