Lover's Roulette by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page A

people who were gambling, emptying their pockets. I wasn’t much of a gambling man, more of an investor. And if I did hit the casino, I strictly played cards because the game was actually enjoyable. Slot machines were just boring. It didn’t require any intellectual ability. Perhaps that was why stupid people lost their savings so often.
    I looked at Cortland but he still didn’t meet my gaze. “I want to ask you something.”
    He sighed as he turned his gaze on me. “I knew this wasn’t over.”
    “I just want to clear something up.”
    “Yeah?”
    “Do you love her?”
    “Of course.”
    “You know what I mean.”
    “Have you seen my girlfriend? I’m totally sprung.”
    That response didn’t make me feel better. “Lust and love aren’t the same thing. Now answer me.”
    He met my gaze. “I’m in love with Monnique.”
    “And you don’t love Scarlet?”
    “I love her like a sister and a friend. How many times do I have to say this? Every time you bring this up , you push Scarlet away. I’m her friend—that’s it.”
    “I’ve never been friends with someone I fucked.”
    “So that makes it impossible for anyone else?” He leaned back in his chair and rested his arm on the table.
    “Perhaps I’m biased but I can’t imagine anyone sleeping with Scarlet and not falling madly in love with her.”
    “You did.”
    I glared at him, knowing he was right. “That’s a completely different situation.”
    “Whatever you say.”
    “Did you have feelings for her before?”
    “Does it matter?”
    “What kind of response is that?”
    He leaned forward. “For argument’s sake, let’s say I did have feelings for Scarlet, I was in love with her, and I wanted her to end up with me instead of you. What would that change? She’s marrying you, not me. I’m with Monnique now. And more importantly, Scarlet loves only you. What does it matter how I feel? I understand you’re jealous and bothered by the idea of me being with her, but you’re totally blind to what you have—her complete devotion. Your insecurities are getting old.”
    I knew he was right. I was dragging this out longer than I should. As stupid as it was, I still felt threatened by Cortland. Knowing she was so close to him made me jealous. As selfish as it sounded, I wanted to be the only man Scarlet confided everything to. I wanted to be the only man she fucked like an animal. Since I had treated her so poorly in the past, I was scared a better man would come along and take her away. She shouldn’t have given me another chance and I knew I had been a horrible jerk to her. I guess I just had a guilty conscious. “It would be different if she didn’t see you every day.”
    “Do you trust her?”
    “Of course I do.”
    “Then there’s absolutely no reason why you should hate me. Even if I was a total sleazebag, Scarlet wouldn’t cheat on you. So just get over it.”
    “You never answered my question.”
    “What?”
    I leaned forward, staring him down. “Did you have feelings for her?”
    Cortland said nothing.
    “You did, didn’t you?”
    “Why are you asking me this? Just let it go. Be happy.”
    “That answers my question.”
    Cortland met my gaze with equal confidence. “So, are we going to have a brawl right here in the middle of the casino?”
    “No.”
    “Then what do you want to do?”
    “I’m not mad.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “You’re not?”
    “No.”
    “You’re a living orthodox.”
    “Everything you said is true. I shouldn’t feel threatened by you. But I would like you to elaborate on that.”
    “There’s nothing to say.”
    “I won’t tell Scarlet.”
    He sighed. “I had a thing for her as soon as I saw her. Originally, I thought she was one of Ryan’s lady friends. When he said she was his sister, I was taken by surprise. Obviously, I thought she was very attractive. She and I just clicked as soon as we met. I liked being around her, I could be myself. The only drawback was you. She was totally