Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 56

But last night wasn’t something she wanted. As far as she was concerned, it was forced on her.

What was there to even talk about?

“It was fine. Really, pretty good,” she muttered, saying whatever would keep this lunatic from getting

angry.

Travis let out a low laugh. “Then we’ll keep going tonight.”

Amanda’s whole body stiffened.

Yeah right. No way.

Last night she’d let her guard down. She’d never expected someone as arrogant and untouchable as Travis to pull such dirty tricks. That’s how he trapped her.

If he thought he’d get a repeat tonight, he was dreaming.

Travis‘ phone buzzed. He picked up.

“Yeah, I know. I’ll be there soon. Send the VP on the trip. I’m busy. Clear my next month. What’s so important?”

He glanced at Amanda, his expression suddenly gentle as he looked at her face.

“I’m getting engaged.”

Amanda’s hand froze around her spoon, but she managed to keep her face blank.

Travis pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“I’ve

got to deal with some things at the office. I’ll come get you for dinner tonight.”

She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off, not letting her get a word in.

“Don’t even try to say no.”

Amanda clenched her fist under the table.

“Fine.”

Travis‘ smile grew, dark and satisfied.

“Good girl.”

He stood, tall and immaculate, every inch the flawless CEOhe liked to pretend to be.

That perfect face had fooled her once.

She hadn’t seen the madness underneath.

As soon as he left, Amanda finally let herself breathe.

Michelle rushed over, worry written all over her face. “Amanda, did Mr. Hill… he didn’t hurt you, did he?”

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Seeing the concern in Michelle’s eyes, Amanda couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“Relax, Michelle. No matter how angry Travis gets, he’d never actually hit me.”

That, at least, she was sure of.

Michelle finally relaxed.

Amanda checked her new phone. Travis had already loaded it up with everything she needed. She logged into her messages.

As soon as she did, a bunch of notifications popped up.

Shane’s name was at the top.

Last night, eleven o’clock.

[I made it home.]

Ten minutes later.

[Are you asleep?]

Five minutes after that.

[Sweet dreams. Goodnight.]

Even through the screen, she could feel his kindness and respect. He was the complete opposite of Travis, who was nothing but a lunatic.

She couldn’t help but wonder how she’d ever fallen for Travis in the first place.

She walked to a quiet corner and texted Shane.

[Shane, I’ve decided about studying abroad. I’m going.]

His reply came almost instantly.

[Did something happen last night? Did he hurt you?]

He’d been waiting for her answer since last night. Now it was already one in the afternoon and she was finally texting him back–and the first thing she said was that she’d go abroad.

Both times before, when Mary brought it up, Amanda had only seemed awkward, not the least bit happy.

She hadn’t wanted to go.

But now, suddenly, she agreed. Something must have happened.

Last night…

The thought made Shane’s chest tighten, an ache settling deep inside.

Amanda felt it too.

Shane could always pick up on her moods, always noticed when something changed.

But Travis was still totally clueless even after seven years.

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She’d wasted her heart on someone who never cared.

Now, with Travis being so completely out of control, all she wanted was to run.

Studying abroad was her best escape.

[I want to go. Can you help me with the paperwork? The sooner the better.]

Shane didn’t ask any more questions.

He just replied, [Of course].