Page 24 of Devilish Bully (Steamy Latte Reads Collection #3)

THE ACCOUNTANT

KENDALL

The last time my heart bruised this badly was in college. Now, the ache in my chest is heavier, sharper, like it’s pressing against every breath. And I feel far more foolish about this so-called “breakup.” At least the guy in college was my actual boyfriend.

Lucian was…

“Nothing,” I whisper. “We weren’t anything. We were nothing.” The words taste like lies, but I force them again, harder, hoping they’ll stick.

I place the last of Myra’s and my belongings in the storage container, beyond grateful that I never told Lucian about selling my brownstone. Each box feels heavier than it should, the weight pressing down until my arms tremble.

My new place won’t be available until the end of the month, so I’ll be using my savings to live in a hotel suite. A hotel suite that has a view of Hudson Yards, far away from Pearson Tech.

As I slide behind the wheel of my car, my chest tightens. Notifications sound with more blocked calls and texts from him, each one a fresh sting I refuse to answer.

I swipe them away, but the burn lingers behind my eyes. And then a news alert pops up with his name.

I can’t help but open this one. Just this one…

Billionaire Lucian Pearson Cancels IPO, Company to Remain Private