Page 2 of Worth Risking It

Trembling, tears burning my eyes, I slowly and quietly closed the door, gripping the handle until my knuckles turned white. A shudder rocked my frame from the top of my head to my feet, the tears dripping straight off my face to the floor. Sniffling, I swatted at my cheeks, spun on my heel, and rushed down the stairs.

“Chazzy…”

“We’re leaving,” I whispered, punching the elevator button.

Groaning, he bounded down the steps and reached my side right as the doors opened. We stepped back into the elevator, and I tapped the button for the lobby.

Four months left on the lease, my ass. I knew, deep down inside, I knew he hadn’t let go of all his mistresses, but I ignored the red flags. Why would I do that? Why would I disrespect myself so many times for this man? I knew now I was good enough to find someone else, so why did I tolerate this from Milo?

I thumbed my engagement ring, closing my eyes to slow the tears. Was this what love was about? Being too weak to walk away from someone toxic who had no intentions of being faithful? Would he continue cheating after we were married?

After we were married? How could I continue with this relationship when I knew he couldn’t be trusted? I had to break up with him. I couldn’t do this anymore. It hurt too much. I had to walk away from Milo.

Chapter 2

Chastity Monroe

Steam filled the bathroom, fogging the mirror. Laying on my back in the bathtub, my knees bent, my hands were twined over my stomach, my sight fixated on the ceiling. Everything was numb. My mind, my heart, my skin didn’t even feel the scalding water pouring from the faucet.

I was lost, so torn. Which direction did I take? Did I salvage what little I had of my self-respect and walk away from Milo?

I loved my life. I was so invested with the future he and I were planning. The penthouse, the money, the financial stability, and everything else did play a part in my choice, I would be lying if I said it didn’t. Yes, I could live without it, if I had Milo. To walk away from everything, including the man, was something I didn’t know if I could handle.

Going back to a dismal, rundown apartment, living paycheck to paycheck was one thing. To do so without being able to wrap my arms around the man I loved whenever I needed comforting, or support was another.

I would have to start all over! My whole life, I pretended like I was this hard, emotionless witch who could care less about falling in love and living happily ever after with a man, because I didn’t think it was possible for me.

Secretly, I always wanted what I have now. A miracle happened with Milo, could I really just walk away from it without trying my hardest to make it work?

If I broke up with him, I would be all alone again. Was I prepared to start all over? Maybe this time, I could find someone better. I happened across Milo by accident when I didn’t think I deserved someone as handsome as he was. Now that I had the confidence I was lacking before, perhaps I could find someone just as good looking who was willing to stay faithful.

I rolled to my side, my temple resting on the rim of the tub, and stared at the pink engagement ring with the huge diamond surrounded by smaller ones. I knew how much that one little ring cost. On the suggestion of one of my friends, about a week after the engagement, I had gone to a jeweler to have it insured and the diamond mapped, or something like that. I didn’t understand, nothing I ever owned cost more than fifty dollars.

I was a pampered woman. In the nine months since being with Milo, I had become accustomed to living a life of luxury. It would be hard to return to poverty, but not impossible. I was afraid living without Milo would be the impossible part.

Movement on the private balcony off the master suite caught my attention. Craning my neck, I squinted through the steam and saw Wyatt. He stopped by one of the chairs and threw his arms out, slapping them to his sides. Turning around to leave, he glanced through the door and saw me. His shoulders slumped and he slowly walked forward.

The door opened and an icy breeze rushed inside, creating sharp needles on my burning flesh. My nipples tightened, my skin broke out in goosebumps, and my teeth rattled.

He closed the door and approached the tub, tugging on the thighs of his jeans to squat. “Hey, princess. You okay?” he asked quietly.

I was surprised and relieved that his focus never left my face. He had every opportunity to check me out since I was lying in a tub of water, completely naked. He didn’t, however, and, though it may seem insignificant to others, it spoke volumes to me. I wasn’t just a piece of ass for him, he genuinely cared about how I was feeling.

“No,” I squeaked, the tears welling all over again. Every time I thought I had cried all I had, a new wave would start, proving me wrong.

Sitting on the floor with a drawn out groan, his back to the balcony, he bent his legs and draped his arms on his knees. “Anything I can do?”

My face contorted, my hand covering my eyes. I let out a few hard, silent sobs, the water sloshing around my jerking frame.

He laid his palm on my hip, petting gently. “I’m so sorry, kitten.”

“He promised,” I rasped, sniveling back the emotions best I could. “He promised over and over it was done. Was it ever really done, though? Or did he just thin them out?”

He thumbed his nose, his profile to me. I had a feeling even if he knew that answer, he wouldn’t tell me. He may be my bodyguard, but his loyalty was with the man he was designed to protect his entire life.

“I can’t do it, Wyatt.”

He snorted, casting an incredulous look. “You don’t have a choice, princess.” Twisting his waist, he cut off the water, still going out of his way to not take liberties and look at me.