Read Online The Revolution by S.L. Scott - Free Book Online Page A

breath again. I clear my throat and look away from his suspicious eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence by the way.”
    “Oh, come on. Two hot singles in the City of Lost Angels—”
    “I never said he was single.”
    “You didn’t have to. I think the choking, cleaning of the desk, red face, and avoidance techniques kind of say it all, don’t you think?” This time he raises an eyebrow at me.
    I slip my fingertips around the bangles, silencing them. “You know when it comes to business I keep it professional.”
    He turns the tablet toward me, showing me a large photo of Kaz. “Dammmnnnn. Look at that yumminess. Mm-hmm. Why do all the good-looking ones have to be straight?”
    “You know. My girlfriends and I say that about gay guys. Once again, greener grass not so green on the other side.” I look at the photo and let myself smile in front of him, knowing he’ll always protect any secrets. But I don’t think I’m quite ready to reveal these secrets quite yet.
    “Actually, I take that back. We do have cuter guys.” Laughing, he stands up and heads for his desk in the other room. “But let’s face it, Mark Renner, hot player extraordinaire, is the luckiest of them all to have snagged you, my dear.”
    My wrists begin pulsing from the mere mention of his name. My heart starts thumping in my chest as I look down at the bangles.
    I feel something on my shoulder and scream. The back of my chair hits the windowsill as I grab my wrists protectively.
    “Lara?” My eyes bolt up to see Lane. “What happened? Are you okay?”
    Snapping out of the memory from last night that held me captive seconds earlier, I try to smile for him, to ease the worry written on his face. “I’m sorry. I forgot something in my bedroom.” I stand and rush to the stairs. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
    He lets me leave in silence, which is so unlike him. I’m relieved as I turn at the top of the staircase and head up to the main floor of my place, and run for my bedroom. As I pass the spot where I was pinned in fear, my hands start shaking, so I fist them to steady myself and hurry away. I head straight to the medicine cabinet in my bathroom. The Xanax aren’t hard to find, but I don’t use them much. Once I needed a few after a car accident I was involved in. I couldn’t sleep or eat, reliving the accident over and over in my head. This feels a lot like that same post-traumatic reaction.
    I down a pill and follow it with water I have cupped in my hand over the sink. I don’t want to think about last night, and attempt to blow off my overreaction by the lack of sleep getting the better of me. I lean toward the mirror, palms flat on the marble, wrists aching from the pressure, but I push through it. “I will be fine. I will be fine.” I say it one more time, hoping to believe it if said again. “I will be fine.”
    Swallowing hard, I raise my chin and lift my hands, my wrists aching from the memory more than his grasp. There’s minor bruising that can be easily hidden by makeup or bracelets. As for my emotional state, it’s a little more damaged, but easier to hide. My heart steadies and I close my eyes, then exhale. A light knock on the door draws my attention. I look up and straighten my hair quickly, and exhale.
    Lane pokes his head inside, just as I turn around. “Hey there. Just checking on you. You okay?”
    “Fine. Fine,” I reply, “Sorry. I’m tired. I didn’t get much sleep over the weekend. We’re too busy for me to be tired though. I’m fine now.”
    He nods as if he believes me. “I’m heading over to Calliope’s. Her end tables, the two large entryway mirrors, and dining room set have arrived. I want to inspect each piece before the delivery guys leave.”
    “Thanks.” I nod to ease his concern for me. “Touch base with me. I’m scheduled to go over later for the bedroom furniture. Can you confirm the appointment for that delivery while you’re out there?”
    The concern never leaves his