AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I—"Oh God, I have to get out of here. “Thank you for this. For helping me fulfill the pact with the girls."
"Bella,” he said sternly. “Answer me."
She stared into his eyes that demanded an answer, but now she only felt trapped. What had she done? How had she let this happen to her?
She'd given a man total control, weakened herself, and became that woman who offered herself like a doormat. “I should get home. The girls will be waiting. I'm fine."
He frowned. “Now that I don't believe."
She plastered a fake smile onto her face, something she was an expert at now. “Really, I'm great. Promise.” The room closed in on her. Exit. Where's the damn exit? “I had an incredible time."
One sleek eyebrow arched as he stood with fluid grace. His hand closed on her shoulder. “Don't lie to me, Bella."
Reason, Bella. Give him a reason. “I-I just need some time to think all this over.” Never show weakness. Never get hurt.
Kole had somehow stripped away the very fiber that made her what she was. He'd made her lose sight of the fight to always be strong. Why the fuck did she give him that control? For what? An orgasm.
"All right, Bella.” He lowered his hand, and she exhaled, glad for the freedom. “I warn you that you better not be hiding anything from me.” He gestured toward the door. “But if you wish, you may go off and think."
What had he meant by that? She wasn't lying. Not reall
y. Just not telling him her innermost personal thoughts. That was different, right?
She couldn't care to figure it out.
Without a kiss good-bye, hug, or even a wave, she hightailed it for the door. She yanked it open and let it slam behind her.
Hugging herself, she hurried to the women's changing room. Confusion clouded her thoughts, leaving her unable to focus.
I need my girls.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Five
Outside of her house, Bella noticed the lights were still on the living room, indicating everyone was awake. No doubt the girls were excited to hear how the night had gone, considering how surprised they'd been when she told them of her arrangement with Kole. Marley's only response was “I sure as hell hope you know what you're getting yourself into."
Now she regretted this whole idea.
She hadn't ever thought of herself as a woman who needed a man to dote over her, but with Kole she desired it. Clearly, she cared for him far more than she'd thought she did, and seeing the disappointment in his eyes made her feel shunned.
With a long, deep exhale, she made her way to the front door; then she strode in. Kyra and Sadie were curled up on the couch watching a movie, but Bella was surprised to see Reed sitting on the recliner with Marley on his lap.
Kyra straightened up on the couch, nearly bouncing in her seat. “How'd it go?"
Bella's breath hitched. Dammit, she didn't want to break down with Reed here, but her hidden emotions were now exposed. Even the usual wall she threw up to stay strong crumbled.
In the comfort of her friends, she broke. “I...” She drew in a shuddering breath, then burst into tears.
All three friends were off the couch in a second and embraced her. Reed remained on the chair, but his stern gaze that normally would shut down all her emotions didn't have an impact.
Marley stared wide-eyed. “Jeez, Bella, what happened?"
Bella sniffed, tried to find her voice, but she was too afraid if she opened her mouth, it'd come out in a sob.
"Did it not go well, sweetie?” Sadie asked softly.
At Bella's continuing pause, Kyra looked around at the other girls with a wary glance, then focused back at Bella. “Seriously, why are you crying?"
