Law #1: Never Bet on Love: A Sweet Billionaire Love Story (Laws of Love) by Agnes Canestri (the beginning after the end novel read .TXT) 📗

The man turns the key in the ignition, murmuring, “Suit yourself.”

I slam the door, and he drives off with a roaring engine.

I shuffle to the bench. It’s supposed to be the stop for the night bus, and a quick peek at a worn-down schedule taped on the lamppost says it should start its usual circulation in an hour. I could try to walk home, but some of the streets I’d need to cross don’t have proper lighting. Not the best idea in this dress. Also, my feet hurt in my heels. I’ll need to wait.

I consider sitting on the bench, but the dubious sticky smudge glistening on its wooden surface dissuades me. Instead, I lean my shoulder against the moist, stony surface of the pole and bury my face into my palm. The shredding sound of my dress echoes in my head, mixed with the memory of Nathan’s words.

I’ve complied with Murphy’s conditions concerning Eva. You can approve my promotion at the next board meeting.

A wave of nausea hits me. The sweet fantasies I fought so hard to keep out of my heart at first, but that eventually overtook my entire soul, were ripped apart easier than the fabric of my skirt with Nathan’s words.

A bet…that’s what I have been to him. A challenge to demonstrate who knows what to his mother. All to get that frickin’ promotion. Though my throat thickens with sobs, a rage poisons my veins.

How could Nathan do this to me? How cruel must a person be to play with someone’s heart like he did with mine? He courted me, acted like he cared, when in fact…

I swallow and let the anger take possession of every inch of my body. It can’t cancel the sorrow that smears all my molecules, but it does tame the ache somewhat. I try to consciously fuel it by rethinking our story with my new discovery in mind.

He wasn’t falling in love with me like I’d hoped. He might not even like me. He just needed me to prove a point to his family and to achieve his ambitious goal. All those gallant gestures, signs of affection, his patient and kind attention, absolutely everything has been a means to an end for him.

I remember his promise to help with Alejandro. Did he even use my brother to get into my heart? It seems almost too much, but in light of what I heard, that must be the case. Perhaps the only true thing I’ve ever heard come out of Nathan’s mouth is that he loves to plan. So everything was meticulously devised to make me fall for him. And I’ve been a big moron to walk into his trap. I let my guards down because he convinced me that he was real. That what we had was real.

My mother was right all along to warn me away from rich men. Why did I doubt her wisdom?

A loud laugh cuts through the silence of the night, and I jerk my head up. I notice two men. They are still far but their direction is clear. They’re heading straight toward me.

My heartbeat accelerates. It’s my neighborhood, and I’ve had my fair share of risky encounters. I know how to handle a couple of tipsy guys. Even if I’ve never met any while dressed like a princess.

I clutch my purse open. Abuelita must be still awake, waiting for me to return and tell her about my fairy-tale night with Nathan. I suffocate the disappointment bubbling up and grab my phone. I quickly type a message to my grandmother to come and get me. I was too embarrassed to call her before, but this unexpected company doesn’t leave me any choice. If the men get close enough and see me in this elegant attire, it won’t take them long to jump to the same conclusion as that taxi driver. I send off my text and close my purse again.

I squint my eyes, trying to assess the features of the men. Are they menacing? Walking with wobbly knees? I make a quick calculation. I’ll need to endure fifteen minutes with them and avoid getting into trouble. That will be enough time for Abuelita to get dressed and drive here.

As the men approach and the light of the streetlamp illuminates their faces, I sigh with relief. I know one of them, thank heavens. It’s Xavier from Fernando’s gang.

Xavier must also recognize me, because his bushy brows arch and he taps his friend’s shoulder. “ Look, amigo. I know her. She’s Nando’s ex.” He shoots me a smile that reveals his crooked teeth. “What are you doing here, Evita, all alone? And looking so pretty.”

His friend barks a horny laugh. “You’re darned right, she looks hot.”

I square my shoulders, cursing myself for my carelessness. It’s not only my wallet I left at home but also my pepper spray. I still hope I won’t need it, but I’d feel much better if I had it with me.

Xavier steps over to me and runs a finger on my bare shoulders.

I flinch and recoil immediately.

He narrows his eyes. “What’s the matter, Eva? Don’t act like you don’t know me. Fernando said you're fair game and…” He takes in my frothy skirt and elegant satin top. “He also mentioned you cater to the wealthy with your charms now. Both points probably true, given that you’re standing here all alone in this glitzy thing. Don’t tell me you’re waiting for the bus?”

“No, babe,” His friend chimes in, brushing a hand on his already slicked-back hair. “Don’t waste your time with public transport. My car’s just around the corner. We’ll take you home if you want.”

I’m just about to shoot back a fiery comment to their hideous offer when the screeching wheels of a car distract us all.

“Who’s the—” Xavier’s grumbled words are lost under the sound of a Ferrari’s shrill brakes.

Before