Chapter 286: Paige Lawson Shrank Back

"Explain yourself. Was it you—"

Paige Lawson shrank back. "No... Grant, you're hurting me..."

Grant Holloway yanked her nightgown collar with a cold laugh. "Then how do you explain this? Only someone experienced could be this skilled."

He still remembered that strange night. One moment he'd been holding Clara Whitmore, the next he woke up to find Paige in his arms.

He'd blamed it on drunken confusion—never imagining it was all an elaborate scheme.

Rage burned in Grant's eyes.

"You're digging your own grave!" He hauled Paige up violently. "Get out! Now!"

A sudden wave of heat surged through him.

He staggered, his Adam's apple bobbing rapidly.

Something was wrong.

Grant's pupils constricted—this sensation was unmistakably...

"You fucking drugged me?!"

Paige avoided his gaze, fingers twisting her clothes.

"Who gave you the right?!"

His breathing grew ragged, eyes tinged crimson.

Paige wiped her tears and stepped closer. "Grant...you must be suffering..."

Grant glared icily.

"Let me help you." She bit her lip. "I'll do anything..."

Her fingers moved to unbutton her nightgown.

"Even if you pretend I'm her...even if you call her name...I don't care."

Her voice broke with desperate courage.

"What she won't do, I will. What she won't give, I'll give."

The pitiful words earned only a scornful laugh.

"A stand-in? You?" Grant sneered. "You're not fit to lick her boots."

"You drugged me, now play the saint. Have you no shame?"

"Calling you a dog insults dogs!"

The vicious words cut deep, but Paige remained unfazed.

Her bare skin pressed against his chest as she whispered in his ear:

"Let me help you...just like our first time..."

Her floral scent momentarily soothed the fire in his veins.

Grant's breath hitched.

Seeing his dazed expression, Paige smiled.

Why waste time when it was this easy?

"Grant..." She cupped his face.

Their eyes met—her reflection swimming in his darkened gaze.

Her lips parted, inching closer...

At the last second, Grant shoved her away.

No trace of intoxication remained in his piercing stare.