Devoured - Cathryn Fox Page 0,62

limo and pull the prenup from my back pocket. My mind searches for answers. Was I only a means to an end with her? Now that she no longer needs me for the job, is she done with me, or did this prenup have something to do with her running away? My ex left because I asked her to sign one and she refused, and that lesson taught me she wanted what I had, that she never wanted me for me. Is the same thing going on with Peyton? Does she want my name and what’s in my bank? I shake my head slowly, refusing to believe that for one single second. But while my heart says one thing, my brain reminds me of past hurts.

No, she’s not like that.

I sit in stunned silence as Elias drives me back to my villa. I give him a generous tip and head inside. With a headache brewing I go upstairs and into the bathroom. I toss back a couple pills and plunk down onto the bed. I turn my head sideways, and that’s when I see my grandmother’s wedding ring, sitting beside the lamp.

I jackknife up and reach for my phone. Goddammit, I can’t let this happen. I just can’t. I walked away from her once and it nearly destroyed me. I know there is more between us; I felt it in her touches and kisses, felt it when we made love last night. So why did she run away? Is she afraid I’m going to hurt her?

There’s only one person who can help me figure out what’s going on, and it’s time I come clean. I pull up my contacts and press Call. The phone rings, and I take a deep breath when Cason answers.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Peyton

“COME ON, WE’RE going out,” Carly says.

I sink deeper into the comfy sofa and plant my feet on the coffee table. “Nope, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Yes, you are.”

I pick up the remote and flick through the stations. I haven’t left my condo in two weeks, not since I lost my job—and the man I love—and hopped on a plane to come home. Someone raps on my door, and I sit up a little straighter, my heart missing a beat. I honestly have no idea why I would think it’s Roman. We had fun, played house for a while, but now it’s over. I’m sure he’s glad he’s off the hook for marriage.

God, I miss him.

But I had to leave. I couldn’t go through with a sham of a marriage—one I wanted to be real—after seeing that prenup. Does he really think I’m like his ex, that I wanted to get my hands on his money? I swipe at a stupid tear that threatens to fall—I’ve cried enough. Why should I shed tears for a man who doesn’t know me or trust me at all?

Oh, because no matter what, you still love him.

Carly pulls the door open and my sister-in-law Londyn takes one look at me and shakes her head.

“Go away,” I say, and take a sip of wine.

“She’s worse than I thought,” Londyn says.

“Yeah, she’s been in those pajamas so long, the second she takes them off they’re going to run to the washing machine themselves.”

“I’m right here,” I blurt out. “I can hear you.”

“Come on, we have a long day ahead of us,” Londyn says.

I stroke my wineglass and twirl the red wine inside. “What are you talking about?”

Londyn stands over me. “You know you look a little bit like the Joker right now.”

I arch a brow at her. “I remember when you used to be nice.”

“You have red wine all over the corners of your mouth and on your pajamas.”

“Wine is my precious,” I say, lifting my nose an inch.

“Get up,” she demands in that no-nonsense voice of hers.

I snort. “I remember when I used to like you.”

“You still like me, now get up. Cason is getting his plane ready.”

“For what?”

She gives an exasperated sigh. “Did you forget?”

“Apparently.”

“We’re going to Belize, for Gemma’s bachelorette party.” She plants one hand on her hip, clearly frustrated with me. I don’t blame her, all this self-pity and arguing is getting on my nerves, too. If Roman were here, would he kiss me to stop me from arguing?

Stop thinking about him!

I crinkle my nose. “Isn’t that like a month away?”

“You’ve been moping so long you don’t even know what day of the week it is anymore.” Londyn hastily takes my wine from me and pulls me to my