The Billionaire's Bet

Chapter 10.2 : Caught between two hearts

Two boys, one love.

Evanly

Two brothers filled my mind like an endless, haunting melody. I wanted to silence the noise, break free from the web of their presence—but I couldn't. Not when their voices echoed in my chest. Not when I was trapped in the storm they stirred.

Devon's recovery had been going well—too well. The doctor came by three times a week and praised both his progress and my commitment. I had been there. Every step. Every win. Every fall. For the past three months, I was the one helping him regain control over his body, pushing him gently through the pain.

And along the way...
He started pushing into me.

The late nights. The small, lingering touches. The silence that said more than either of us dared to speak. It was slow. Magnetic. Dangerous.

⸻

That night, we were walking down the hallway, part of our usual routine. But something shifted.

Devon—normally limping under my grip—suddenly walked two steps ahead.
On his own.

I froze. My heart surged.

"Devon!" I gasped, a smile breaking across my face. "Oh my God—you're doing it! You're really walking on your own!"

He turned to me, breathless but steady, one hand resting against the wall. His lips curled into a soft, proud smile. "Told you I'm a strong man."

He paused, eyes scanning me. "But I couldn't have done it without you. You've been... more than a blessing, Evanly."

My heart thudded.

"You're an amazing woman," he said. "Your husband must know how lucky he is."

I looked away, the words cutting deeper than they should've. "Maybe. But... I'm not so sure anymore."

There was a quiet pause. I stepped toward him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.

"Why do you always look at me like that?" I asked quietly.

His eyes darkened as they locked on mine. "Because I see things you won't let anyone else see."

He brushed a knuckle down my cheek. I didn't flinch.

"I want to protect you, Amorina. I worry about you more than I should. And it kills me that I don't know how to make it stop hurting for you."

I exhaled slowly, leaning into his hand. "Save me from what?"

He moved closer. "Whatever keeps you awake at night. Whatever has you hiding bruises under long sleeves."

I swallowed hard.

"Nothing hurts me," I whispered.

He leaned closer until our noses nearly brushed. "Don't lie to me. I can see the pain behind your eyes. And I can't watch it swallow you."

I should've pulled away. I wanted to.
But I didn't.
Not until the sharp buzz of my phone snapped me out of it.

My eyes widened. I backed away fast, stumbling toward his bed to grab my phone.
Danzel.
The name alone spun me into chaos.

I answered, trying to sound composed. "Danzel. Hey."

"Hey, Evanly," his voice rumbled softly through the speaker. "Just wanted to let you know I'm downstairs. If you hear movement, it's just me."

"Oh... okay. I'll tell Devon."

"Didn't mean to interrupt. You good, little lady?"

Little lady. That damn nickname again. My heart stuttered. Justine never once called me anything soft.