Chapter 3 Chapter 3

AUBREY CLINTON 

NEXT MORNING

I slowly opened my eyes and realized I was wrapped in a warm, strong embrace.

Turning my head slightly, I saw a familiar face looking down at me, his intense gaze locked on mine as he rested on one arm.

With a playful sparkle look in his eyes, he said, “Good morning, ma’am.”

I didn’t need any further explanation. I already knew it was just a joke coming from him. Yet, my heart still weirdly raced when our eyes met, and I could feel my cheeks warming under the intensity of his stare.

Then suddenly, I remembered that I was naked and quickly sat up straight to get dressed. My eyes lingered around and slowly they landed on the lingerie I had worn last night, lying on the floor.

I heard him chuckle behind me, maybe because of the look on my face when my gaze landed on the lingerie lying on the floor. 

Then I felt the bed shift, and he leaned closer and whispered in my ear, “How was my service last night, ma’am? Did you enjoy it?”

I froze as my cheeks immediately turned redder.

A wave of embarrassment washed over me as memories of everything that had happened between us came rushing back.

I tilted my head and shot him a glare while trying to remain calm.

“How much do you want?” I asked, keeping my voice as cold as possible.

I didn’t want him to realize how much he was already affecting me by his closeness and his words. 

This was supposed to be a one-night stand thing. Nothing more.

One of his eyebrows rose, and a mischievous look sparkled in his eyes. “$150,000,” he replied casually.

My eyes widened in shock almost instantly, as soon as he let out those words. 

“You should just rob a bank instead of doing this gigolo job,” I snapped. 

He laughed and threw his head back, using his right hand to support the weight of his body. 

He was really enjoying this.

What an arrogant jerk!

He tossed a set of clothes toward me, and I caught them in surprise.

“I had someone get these for you,” he said before I could speak.

I quickly got dressed and grabbed my purse from the nightstand, not even knowing how it had ended up there.

I pulled out some cash and pushed it against his chest.

“Here… that’s all I have.”

As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me.

“You still owe me, ma’am, and I will definitely make you pay me back!”

I didn’t turn around.

I just walked out of the room and closed the door behind me.

•

As I arrived at my best friend Scarlet house, I entered the passcode, opened the door, and stepped inside. 

The cheerful sounds of her adorable babies giggling filled the air, while I caught sight of her lovingly feeding them. 

When Scarlet looked up and met my gaze, she raised an eyebrow and asked, “Aubrey? Are you okay? What’s with that look on your face?” 

I sank onto the couch beside her, feeling the weight of my day.

Taking a deep breath, I poured out everything in one breathless sentence. “I caught Daniel cheating on me with Ember, then I went to a bar where they mistook me for a stripper and ended up sleeping with a total stranger.”

Her eyes widened in shock, nearly popping out of their sockets. “What?! My goodness, Aubrey! Are you okay?”

She actually meant about Daniel cheating on me with my sister. 

“I’m fine,” I replied, trying to reassure her. “Really.”

“I still don’t get it. How could he do that to you? After everything you’ve done for him?” she asked, her face contorting with anger, her voice reflecting the fury in her expression.

I remained silent because deep down, I knew she was right. I had dedicated three years of my life to Daniel, only to be met with betrayal and deceit.

“Aubrey, you’re leaving him, aren’t you? Please don’t tell me you love him too much to walk away,” she said softly, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto mine.