Chapter 50

“Lex!”

I jumped up as someone shouted my name. Rubbing my eyes before opening them, I found Emma’s eyes wide open—looking straight at me.

“Oh, Emma... good morning.” I sat up slowly, not even realizing when I’d fallen asleep.

“It’s not morning, sister. It’s afternoon now,” she said, sitting next to me. “We were building a castle on the beach!” she added as I dusted sand out of her hair.

“Oh. I’m glad you had fun.”

“A lot of fun!” she squealed, then ran off toward her nanny who was calling after her, insisting she needed a shower.

“Where’s Dylan?” I asked as I stood up.

She told me he’d gone to take a shower too, so I nodded and waved at her. Once she and her nanny disappeared, I sighed, fixed my hair, and started walking toward the stairs.

I had to face Ray someday.

When I reached the bedroom door, I paused. What was I even going to say? I hadn’t thought about it for even a second—I’d just passed out.

Opening the door, I stepped in. For a moment, I thought the room was empty—it was too quiet. But then I spotted Ray by the bed... and Dylan on the couch.

“What’s going on?” I asked, chuckling awkwardly.

“Nothing. What do you mean?” Ray got up and walked toward me. I didn’t move—I was already close to the door. “Miss me?” he teased, leaning in about to kiss me, but I turned my face away.

“We have company.”

“Hm...” Dylan cleared his throat.

“I’m sure he doesn’t mind. Right, bro?” Ray said, sliding his arm around my waist. I looked over his shoulder at Dylan—he was still lounging on the couch, legs crossed, his face unreadable.

Well, it’s not like he wanted me in that way. So I didn’t mind that Ray was being so close.

“Can we speak outside?” I asked, since Dylan was clearly trying to get something out of being here—because why else was he in my room?

“Of course. I’ve been dying to show you the beach,” Ray said, earning a mocking sound from Dylan. “Oh? Is something funny?” Ray turned to him.

“You’ve never been here before. How would you know how the beach looks?” Dylan stood up, smirking.

“Wow, good for you to assume that. But I’ll have you know I had my show here last year.”

“Ohh yeah. Sorry. Must’ve forgotten... because it wasn’t good enough,” Dylan said, stepping closer.

“Well, it was only for exclusive fans. I don’t think you were one.”

“Wasn’t. I can just tell it sucked.” Dylan clapped him on the back—not a friendly clap, more like a taunt. Then he walked out and slammed the door behind him.

I turned back to Ray, who looked like he was deep in thought.

“Ray?” I called his name gently.

He snapped out of it, then asked the stupidest question I’ve ever heard, and all I could do was laugh.

“Answer me honestly, Alexis.”

“No, Ray. Dylan and I are not together.”

“And his brother?”

“Elliot?” I let out a dry laugh, but when I saw how serious his face was, I stopped. “I’ve... I’ve been in love with Elliot. But he made it clear. He’s… getting married.”

“So there’s nothing going on between you two?” I nodded. “Would you want something to be going on?”

“What?” I blinked. “I mean, sure, I had a crush on him. But I’m past it. Plus, a relationship now is not good for me.” I walked to the bed and sat on the edge. “I’m tired, honestly. I just want to be done with this contract and—”

“Leave me?” He cut me off. I looked up. He was standing right in front of me. “What I told your mother is the truth.”

“You mean half-truth?”

“I love you, Lex. You drive me crazy. I know it’s hard to believe, given my status, but I promise you—I’m not like the others. If you give me a chance, I’ll live every day proving it.”

He looked straight into my eyes. His words hit me like a rush to the chest.

Yes, I’d learned to read people well, except Elliot and Dylan, since those two were puzzles of their own—but I could tell when someone meant what they said. And Ray did. It wasn’t even the first time he’d told me this.

What did I have to lose by giving him a chance?

“Why me?” I asked, my eyes dropping down to his lips. God, they looked so good—I weirdly wanted to feel them on mine.

“Why not you?” he replied, flipping the question, leaving me speechless.

We stared at each other in silence. His breathing grew heavier... I felt it too. My skin was heating up, my chest tightening. I tried to fight it—but I couldn’t.

And after how Dylan had led me on last night only to leave me hanging, I didn’t stop myself this time. I slammed my lips against Ray’s and kissed him with everything I had.

Unlike Dylan, he kissed me back instantly—pulling me into him, sucking the life out of me.

His hand slipped beneath my shirt, and I felt my nipples tighten the moment his fingers brushed over them. My body reacted on instinct—hungry, greedy, ready.

Then we pulled away to catch our breath, still staring into each other’s eyes, no words were said.

I moved back, crawling to the middle of the bed, not breaking eye contact. He looked stunned, maybe thinking I’d retreat. But I didn’t.

Instead, I pulled my shirt off over my head, left only in a bra. His eyes dropped to my chest, and I saw the desire ignite in his face. I looked down and noticed the bulge already forming in his pants.

That was all the encouragement I needed.

I slipped off my trousers too. He licked his upper lip.

“Oh, I’ve been dying to have you again,” he groaned, yanking his shirt off, then his trousers. And before I knew it, he was on top of me, naked—his hard dick grinding against my panties that I couldn’t wait to get out of.

Okay... I’m probably crazy for doing this. But it wasn’t our first time. Maybe I was too drunk last time, but I’m twenty-one, horny, and tired of hurting.

The man I loved (Elliot) was marrying someone else.

The man I wanted to have sex with (Dylan) didn’t want me.

And Ray?... He loved me… he wanted me.

And sometimes, it’s better to be with someone who loves you than someone you love. Right now, I just didn’t want to complicate my heart—I wanted to focus on Ray.

“Mhm...” I tried to moan as he entered me—but he didn’t give me the chance. He hushed me with kisses, and all I could do was melt into the pleasure. “Ahh...”