Page 11 of Billionaire’s Cruelty

3

June

Fifteen hours of driving later Raj and I arrived at Myrtle Beach just after midnight. The journey had been quiet and uneventful after we set off from Wendy’s, which suited me just fine. Raj and I had exchanged a few casual conversations along the way, but nothing too personal. That was how I preferred it.

I’d spoken to Chloe on the burner phone the waitress left for me in the little brown bag. Raj had given her a vague update about my situation, but she was relieved when I finally called. When I asked Chloe to get $50,000 in cash ready for Raj, she seemed a little reluctant. But I wouldn’t take no for an answer. Regardless of who Raj was working for, I intended to keep my promise.

When Raj dropped me off at Lincoln and Chloe’s beach house, Chloe handed him a brown paper bag—which I could only assume contained the money. As much as I wanted to invite him to stay, I held back. It wasn’t my house, and I had no right to offer him shelter.

Chloe gave me a quick hug and led me through the massive hallway into their open kitchen. I sank silently onto a stool at the kitchen island, watching as she busied herself with quiet efficiency. The house was as sleek and elegant as I remembered—high ceilings, marble countertops, and a faint scent of the ocean wafting in through the open balcony doors.

A few moments later, she placed a cup of chamomile tea in front of me. Only then did I realize what she was doing—trying to calm me down. My mind was too restless for that. “I think I need something stronger. Can I have a coffee?”

Chloe frowned lightly but obliged. “Okay.”

She plugged in the coffee machine, filled it with decaf, and pressed the start button, then immediately removed the plug from the wall once the coffee was done. I almost protested. Decaf wouldn’t clear the fog clouding my thoughts. But I stayed quiet, observing the delicate way she handled the machine.

After all these years, Chloe still hadn’t fully got over her fear of fire. Who could blame her? If I had lived through two major fires, I’d be cautious too.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Chloe said softly, sliding the mug across the counter to me.

“Thanks. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I had someone watching over you,” she admitted, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “But I knew⁠—”

“You knew I’d hate it if I found out.”

“Yeah.” She nodded. “Lincoln wanted to send one of his guys, but I thought it would be better coming from me. Don’t you think?”

I forced out a small chuckle. “You’re right. The idea of my big brother knowing everything I do would drive me insane.”

Chloe adjusted the champagne-colored nightgown she wore, pulling the silky robe tighter around her waist. Her figure was as stunning as ever, even after her pregnancy.

“But if it weren’t for Wendy’s cousin, I don’t know where I’d be right now.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s why Raj was the perfect person for the job. He isn’t restricted by any code or rules like a regular bodyguard. He’s just a friend, looking out for another friend.”

“How did you know I’d run out of the airport?” I asked. The thought had been nagging me since I got in Raj’s car. “Did you put a tracker on me or something?”

“I didn’t,” she laughed lightly. “Believe it or not, we didn’t think you would have any trouble at the airport. It was luck that Raj wanted to wait, just in case.”

“So, Raj… Is that his real name?” I tilted my head, curious.

“Yes, why?”

“I thought it was fake.” The decaf was surprisingly effective. My mind felt sharper.

Chloe grinned. “Odd, right? His adoptive parents gave him that name. He has a birth name, but he doesn’t use it.”

“So, no dumpster story?” I joked, remembering the tale Raj had spun.

“Dumpster?” Chloe’s confused expression told me that part of his story had been pure fiction.

“Never mind. Enough about Raj. Is Lincoln awake? I need to talk to him.”

“June, you look exhausted. You should rest first.”

“No, I need to talk to my brother,” I insisted.