A Decadent Kind of Betrayal Chapter 2

A soft blush crept up the girl’s cheeks. she buried her face in Bennett’s chest, playing the part of the shy ingenue perfectly.

The tension in the room snapped, replaced by a chorus of supportive chuckles.

"Seriously," one of his buddies piped up. "Who can handle a 'trust fund princess' twenty-four-seven? It’s fine when you’re dating, but for a wife? You’d be apologizing for the rest of your life."

The room erupted in laughter.

I stood there in the hallway, my body vibrating with a chill that felt like it was coming from my bones.

Yes, I was an only child. Yes, I had grown up pampered, and yes, I had a temper. I was stubborn and I knew it. But Bennett had always known that. He used to hold me just like he was holding that girl, whispering into my hair, "If Sloane ever stopped being fiery, I’d think the world was ending."

Now, he just sounded exhausted. Annoyed.

"I’ve been done with it for a while," he chuckled, the sound like a serrated blade. "I’m just going to use this fight as the final break. Easier that way."

The words had barely left his mouth when the sound of a chair scraping against the floor echoed from inside.

A tall, lean man stood up. He tossed his lighter onto the glass table with a sharp clack and adjusted his jacket.

"This is boring," he said, his voice deep and cutting. "I’m going out for a smoke."

The door swung wide before I could even think to move.

I stumbled back, but I wasn't fast enough. I crashed right into his chest.

He looked down at me, his brow furrowing in immediate recognition. His eyes scanned my face, settling on the tears I hadn't realized were falling. He looked genuinely stunned to find me eavesdropping in the shadows.

He opened his mouth. "Slo—"

I moved on instinct. I stood on my tiptoes and clamped my hand over his lips.

"Don't," I hissed, my voice cracking. "Please... just act like I’m not here. Help me get out of here without them seeing."