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Nor will I ever be.
Feeling so spoiled by the elegant spa, I needed to give myself the cold, hard reminder. I'm just a girl who lives in her car and is on the run from her horrible ex-boyfriend.
I don't even have a job. I would have loved to work, but it was one way I thought Trevor was taking care of me—later learning it was one of his tactics to reign total control over me. No job? No money, no outside friends? No way to leave him.
For the past year, I’ve been totally, completely dependent on Trevor.
The relaxation I was feeling from my spa treatments starts to melt away as I realize I have to face the real world after this. Job, apartment, bills. All on my own. The thought is equal parts terrifying and thrilling.
I have to prove to myself I can make it on my own. That I don’t need a man to pay my bills. House me. Feed me. I’m quickly falling into the comfort of Beckett’s protection. It would be easy to stay. But what if that means I find myself in the same exact position as I was with Trevor?
No. I have to make it on my own.
Which means…
I have to leave him behind.
Chapter Fourteen
Rhett
Ashely texts Beckett, demanding my measurements and telling him she’s going to be the one to dress me. An hour later I’m sitting in the guest room, resting, exhausted from my day of relaxation. I’m just trying not to ruin my hair or makeup when the doorbell rings.
High heels click against the hardwood floors. Ashely comes bursting into the room, holding a black garment bag over her shoulder. She takes a dramatic pause when she sees me with my makeover. “Oh my gosh! You seriously look like a movie star. Gorgeous! And I love the gloss they did on your hair. So chocolatey.”
I feel a little shy from all her praise, heat rising in my face. “Thank you.”
She swings the garment bag toward me. “You’re going to love what I have for you! Wait until you see this…”
“This is the dress for tonight?” I take a seat on the bed, eager for the big reveal.
“Yep! And it’s a stunner.” With dramatic flair, she unzips the bag.
I help her pull it from the bag. The fabric is a cool silk, flowing through my fingers. It’s a classic little black dress. I’ve never owned a little black dress before.
It flows like water as I pull it over my skin. The figure-hugging outfit has thin straps and the hem falls to about my mid-thigh. I turn in the mirror, getting a glimpse at every angle. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever worn.
My first thought?
Beckett is going to love it.
“Are you sure it’s not too much?” I ask.
“Girl. You look like walking sex. I’m super jealous right now.” Her hand curves over her belly. “You couldn’t be hotter.”
Her compliments make me feel shy but beautiful. I smooth my hair over one shoulder, taking a long look in the mirror.
It’s not even me looking back. The hair, the makeup, the dress, it’s all new and shiny and sexy. But my face, I don’t recognize.
I look happy. Confident. Excited. I can’t remember the last time I felt this pretty or had an event to look forward to. Nervous energy bubbles up inside me.
Tonight is going to be awesome. It’s a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. Red Carpet Casino Night.
I’ve never been to a red carpet event. Never stepped foot in Las Vegas. Never gambled.
Beckett looks super handsome in his gray suit and white shirt open at the neck. He holds my arm as we make our way down the sidewalk to the three-story brick building.
“Ready?” His gaze devours me with a look of approval. “You look stunning.”
