Page 73 of Money Reigns

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“Yeah,” he snaps, “so don’t put her through your stupid step program or whatever the hell you call it. She’s not some project, Warren.”

I smile, slow and sharp. “It’ll work with her.”

“It broke the others”

I shrug. “And yet I’m not in low supply of women They always come back.”

“Until they don’t,” he fires. “Until one doesn’t. And then what? You gonna break, too? You gonna be human for once in your fucking life?”

The gym goes quiet.

My smile fades.

I step toward him.

He backs up.

Healwaysbacks up.

Wilder throws fists.

But Wes?

He plays chess. Strategy, analysis, pattern.

He sees me better than anyone.

And I fucking hate that.

“Stay out of it,” I say coldly.

Wesley crosses his arms. “You’re a disappointment.”

I tilt my head. “Heard that one before.”

He flinches. Just slightly.

“Get out,” I say.

He hesitates. One last look, pity or warning, I can’t tell.

Then he leaves, and I’m alone again.

The door slams behind him, echoing like a trigger pull.

The one person who sees me clearly just called me a disappointment. And walked away.

Good. Let him.

I stare down at the newspaper.

Her face.

Her fucking smile.

I crush the paper in one fist until the edges cut into my palm.

If Wesley thinks this ends the way it has before…

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