Free Dare to Surrender by Carly Phillips Page A

money I had. If Lance had brought the check Gabe demanded, even better. But Gabe wasn’t here as backup, and I had to wonder if Lance really would cave so easily.
    It didn’t matter, I decided. I couldn’t rely on Gabe, or any one else, to deal with my ex for me. No more running, I reminded myself. I’d face him.
    “Send him up, please.” I hung up and smoothed my shaking hand over my wild hair.
    A loud knock sounded on the door.
    I entered the hall and faced the man I’d walked out on. His blond hair was slicked back, his blue eyes like ice and very cold. He’d dressed for the occasion in navy slacks and a button-down dress shirt, and his gaze raked over my sweats and tee shirt, a disgusted frown on the face I’d once considered handsome. That was before I had Gabe’s dark visage as a counterpoint.
    He stared without commenting.
    I gripped the doorframe. “Where are my bags?” I looked beyond him but didn’t see a cart or luggage behind Lance or in his hand.
    “Did you really think I’d roll over just because the man you’re currently whoring yourself for ordered me to?”
    I narrowed my gaze. I should have known this wouldn’t go smoothly. Should have suggested he leave my things downstairs. “No bags? Then I have nothing to say.”
    I started to close the door, but he braced his arm, blocking my ability to shut him out. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
    I raised an eyebrow at that. “Of course I do. You’re a cheating dirtbag who didn’t know a good thing when he had it. Now, I suggest you leave before—”
    “Before what? Your new boyfriend throws me out? He’s not here, or do you really think I’m stupid enough to show up when he’s home?”
    “How would you know?”
    “Money buys information. But you wouldn’t know because you don’t have any.” He shook his head, making a tsking noise as he did so. “You’re too naïve for your own good. A man like Gabe will grow bored of you soon enough. God knows I did.”
    I didn’t care how many nerves he pricked, I refused to let him see how badly his words hurt me. I deliberately yawned, wanting to look bored.
    Unfortunately, Lance appeared to be enjoying himself. He leaned in closer. “I only kept you around out of pity, you know. That and you kept a nice, clean house and did what I asked with little fuss. Not to mention, you were frigid enough that you didn’t even know how often I took my pleasure elsewhere.”
    A red haze of fury erupted inside me, anger not just at how callously he treated me but how stupid I’d been for falling for him at all, believing his lies, and sticking around even once I knew better.
    “If I was frigid, it was only because you didn’t know what the hell you were doing, you lying, cheating son of a bitch.” I gripped the frame so hard I was surprised I didn’t break one of my fingers.
    “Don’t pull the righteous routine on me. How long was this going on behind my back?”
    I didn’t answer. He wouldn’t believe me anyway.
    “Gabriel Dare might be attracted to you. I was too, for a time. He’ll grow bored just like I did. I only came here to let you know you won’t be seeing one cent from me. You’ve taken enough.”
    Once again, he’d managed to find the best way to hurt me. My ears rang with all the insults he’d hurled, but I wouldn’t let him break me. “You stupid, arrogant ass. I’d rather live on the streets than take anything from you.”
    “That can be arranged.” A mean smile took hold, making me wonder how he’d kept this nasty part of himself hidden from me for so long.
    I turned my back on him, and he grabbed my shoulder.
    Touching me was the last straw. I spun around and kicked out, my bare foot landing in his groin.
    “You bitch.” He slapped me hard at the exact moment the elevator doors opened and Gabe stormed through in time to see Lance’s hand make contact with my cheek.
    Gabe’s gaze swung from Lance to me before he hauled Lance up by his shirt, shoving