Chapter 37

Billie.

The kitchen smelled like vanilla and strawberries the warm scent filling the air as Riana and I worked on mixing the cake batter.

"Well," Riana said, licking a bit of frosting off her finger, "I have to say, you and Lexus have the naughtiest adventures. Fifty shades of Lexus starring Billie."

I shot her a look, shoving the bowl toward her. "This isn't funny, Ri."

She laughed, grabbing the whisk. "Oh, but it is. Lexus tying you up? Telling you that you're his 'essential release'? That man is wild, your very own upgraded Christian Grey."

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "That's not the problem."

"Then what is?"

I hesitated, my spoon hovering over the batter.

Finally, I muttered, "What if one day he hits me like he did to that guy?"

Riana stopped whisking. "Billie."

I didn't meet her gaze.

She sighed. "Lexus doesn't hit women. He doesn't have any history of that."