Page 33 of Saved By the Billionaire

Inwardly, she railed against that, but there was no need to have the discussion again now.

“How do you keep things clean?”

She lifted her shoulders. “Usually, one-night stands. No names, no numbers.”

He let out a low whistle.

“You’re surprised?”

“No, actually.” His eyes scanned hers. “It makes sense.”

“I mean, not often. Just when I feel…like I need connection.”

“Do you have friends, Kate?”

“I’ve had jobs. People I work with. I get to know people.”

“So, no.”

“People who would think they were my friends,” she admitted. “People I like and admire. I’m not a psychopath,” she felt pushed to defend. “I’m just careful.”

“Because you like things clean.”

She nodded.

“Risk free?”

“Nothing is entirely risk free.”

“True.”

“Even with an iron-clad NDA.”

“I haven’t had a problem yet.”

“That might be better luck than management…”

“I’m careful who I sleep with.”

“Women like me?”

“And what are you like?”

“Alone. With nothing to lose.”

“Is that how you see yourself?”

“It’s true.”

“That’s a bullshit thing for someone like you to believe.”

“Don’t do that. Don’t pity me.”

“I’m not pitying you. I’m judging the people who made you feel like this. Like you don’t matter. Like you don’t deserve more.”

“I chose not to want more. There’s a difference.” Her tone was pure defiance.

“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” he said, his jaw tightening as though he were physically holding himself back from saying anything more. “Ready for breakfast?”