The Billionaire's Doll: Her Secret Escape

sh bone, or at least that was how it felt in the gray light of dawn. It was

d-molded by artisans who probably went home to families they loved. Ever just went home to this.

questioned his right to take up space. Ever tried to inch away, moving a fraction of an inch at a

onscious clamp. He pulled her flush against his back

thy

It wasn't a lover's whisper; it was a curse. Ever's breath hitched. She

th

aming of Imo, his brother's wife, the woman who bore the same face and the same burden of the Head family's tragic history. To him, that name was synonymo

eight, one she carried alongside the diamond necklaces and the couture dresses he insisted she wear.

again. This time

t defined him. He released her and sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed without a word. There was no mo

low, keeping the apartment in a perpetual state of winter. Her bare feet made no sound on the plu

estic, even if it was just another form of service. She ground the beans, the noise harsh

essed in his trousers and a crisp white shirt, his fingers deftly working on his tie. Manhattan sprawled

ly, placing the cup on t

took the cup, took a sip, and frowned. He didn't say it was bad, bu

iliar anxiety bubbling up. She needed to ask him. She had rehe

rri

down. He was reaching for his cufflink

tarted, her voice trembling slightly. "Of m

omething nice,"

ed up his wallet, and pulled out a black card. He tossed it ont

he added, checking his watch. "It makes you look wa

r anyone else, but for her, it was just another shackle. She swallowed the

ack tonight," Ever whispered. It was

is eyes narrowing. The look he gave her was one

d dangerous. "Do I need to report

Her face burned. She lowered

spered. "I'm s

p sound of dismissal, and walked out. The heavy oak door clicke

o slow down. Then, her shoulders slumped. The perfect posture, t

t waiting for the steam to build. She scrubbed her skin until it turned pink, trying to was

ark on her collarbone. It was shaped vaguely like a starburst, a unique flaw in an

nce.

ght away. She could

ove the water line, was a waterproof, vacuum-sealed bag. She peeled it off, her fingers trembling as she unsealed it

. She dialed the number she knew by

d, pressing the phone so h

s voice crackled through the t

d, and then, a small, sle

om

She slid down the wall until she was sitting on t

er voice to sound bright. "Hi, Leo. Ar

. He sounded stronger toda

the world," Ever said, wiping he

he question he always asked. The q

king very hard so we can go on a big

e moun

erland. That was the plan. Somewhere cold

"The preschool tuition is due on Friday, Everly. And the pha

oice hardening. "I'll get the mone

Be caref

in the bag, double-checking the zipper, and taped it back inside th

p the laptop Garrick allowed her to use. She o

n't re

readsheet.

ontract expi

his. That was how long she had to let Garrick Head use her body and ig

tstand. It was a text from G

t 6 PM. Charity Gala.

ed back:

phone down when it buzz

gainst her ribs. She

ur secret

r sweaty palm and clatter