Edited Bitter Secrets sneak peek

This is an edited version of the sneak peek I showed as a bonus at the end of Bitter Secrets. I had to take some spoilers out, so this isn't exactly what you'll see in the book, but similar. 

Once she emerged from the hallway, she searched the ballroom, ignoring the women twirling on the dance floor and the sweet, melancholy melody that tickled her memory. It didn’t take long to spot Roth, since he was one of the tallest men in the room. She started in his direction, moving unsteadily through the crowd, in a dreamlike state. She wasn’t aware of the music or if anyone called her name. She couldn’t hear anything over the dull ringing in her ears. 

The crowd parted, giving her a direct path to Roth. Even in the midst of her turmoil, she noticed the woman at his side was standing a little too close. They weren’t touching, but their proximity suggested they were familiar with one another. Were they? It would be in her favor if his attention was caught by someone else. As Warren, pointed out, there were countless beauties for him to choose from, especially in this crowd. There would always be women hanging on the arms of the rich and powerful, batting their eyelashes in the hopes that they could entice and trap… 

She watched as the broad with her low cut dress, too perfect pout, and ample cleavage on display touched Roth’s arm. He glanced at her. She mouthed something, forcing him to lean down to hear her. He shook his head before he straightened and looked back at the man with a handlebar mustache. The woman tried to play off her embarrassment that Roth hadn’t bothered to engage further. She would have been happy to explain that nothing distracted him when there were deals on the table. There was no competition when it came to business. 

What better revenge is there than humiliating you by capitalizing on your tattered reputation by dressing you like a slut, using Maximus’ reputation to establish himself, and then casting you aside later?

Had Roth brought her here to exploit their past and use her knowledge and skills for his benefit? Of course, he had. He spelled that out for her, but he didn’t bring her here to publicly shame her, did he? Set her up for another scandal that he could use to his advantage later? She took a step back and bumped into someone. She heard a man mutter something and said a dull, “Sorry,” but didn’t bother to look who it was. She should leave. 

Roth shifted his eyes from the man who was speaking and spotted her in the crowd. His brows drew together in a forbidding frown. Another tear slipped down her cheek as grief surged up hot and fast. She spun away, swiping at her eyes with her sleeve, uncaring if she smeared more of her mascara or what was left of her foundation. She had to get out of here before she fell apart and really made an ass of herself. She kept her head down as she made her way to the exit so no one would see her face. 

When a hand gripped her upper arm and swung her around, she had no doubt who it was. 

“What happened?”

“N-nothing. I’m sorry. I just…”

He cupped her chin and raised her face. She couldn’t see his expression through the tears. She wrenched her chin out of his grasp and tried to step away, but he hooked an arm around her waist and banded her to him. 

“I had another panic attack,” she said lightly as she dabbed at her face and the tears that were falling freely now. She pushed at him. Why the hell was he touching her? It was twisting that knife in her chest, making it one hundred times worse. “I was going to step out for some fresh air. ”

“Darling, it seems Roth’s wife has had some… mishap,” a nasal voice drawled. “Can you take care of her?”

She went rigid as she realized the people he’d been talking to had followed and were now standing around her in a loose half circle. She averted her face and strained away from Roth. 

“I-I’m fine. I just need to step out for a moment.” That was a lie, but she would say anything to get him to release her, so she could make a somewhat dignified exit instead of bringing more attention to them. 

“I think his wife needs a refreshment? Or maybe she’s had too many and needs to rest?”

The condescending laughter made her flinch, but it was better for them to assume she was drunk than upset. 

“I can take care of myself.” Her words tumbled out of her mouth as the pressure inside of her mounted. “I apologize for interrupting. Finish your business.” 

Roth cupped the back of her head in a gesture that felt almost protective, and forced her face into his chest. She took a deep, shuddering breath and gripped handfuls of his jacket as she tried to draw on his strength again, as she had when they arrived. But this time, it wasn’t working. She slowly became aware of the chuckles and awkward throat clearing. 

 “You want to hand her off to our wives, so we can finish our discussion? They’ll entertain her, maybe sober her up before you head home.” 

 The insult and dismissal was obvious. Her arms dropped from him, and she tried to step back, but he didn’t release her.

“I don’t need anyone to see to my wife. We’re done here.”

Roth’s chilling tone made her stiffen. An awkward silence fell. 

“Roth,” she in a conciliatory tone, knowing the long-term consequences of this could be dire, and he would blame her for it. “I’m fine. You should finish. I’ll just…” 

He slipped his arm over her shoulders. He tucked her into his side and walked away from the men he had been speaking to.

“Roth, you shouldn’t—”

He squeezed her. “Quiet.”

**This is a raw draft of Bitter Confessions. Please do not share or distribute.