Ruthless Desire: Chased By My Ex's Billionaire Best Friend

With a quiet sigh, Bethany Harper stared down at the shimmering city lights from the vast window, lost in thought.

Just then, her phone buzzed, the screen illuminating with her ex-boyfriend Julian Wells's message. "Don't be such a drama queen. Get back here."

Her face remained impassive, reflected in the window, as she quickly typed her response. "Fuck off!"

She had just hit send when she heard the bathroom door swing open.

Turning around, she saw a man emerge.

He was tall and clad only in a towel slung low around his hips.

His buzz cut and muscular chest were on full display, drips of water trailing down from his strong jaw, adding a rugged charm.

With a smirk and a quick glance her way, he remarked, "I don't mess with my friends' women."

Bethany stepped closer, a daring smile on her lips. "And yet, you still let me in," she countered.

Leland Swanson's gaze, calm and intense, slipped downward, catching on the alluring glimpse of her cleavage exposed by the neckline of her dress.

He remained silent, yet Bethany was convinced that at their core, men were fundamentally alike-few could resist the allure of a beautiful woman approaching them of her own volition.

Furthermore, Leland's reputation as a playboy was practically legendary.

With a bold move, Bethany pulled him close, laying her cards on the table. "You can't possibly tell me you were unaware Julian has been engaged for years while I played the fool to him all this while?"

Leland merely laughed softly, his silence an unspoken admission.

Bethany had devoted five years to Julian, only to be blindsided by the revelation that he had been engaged the whole time, thrusting her unexpectedly into the role of the other woman.

Though not Julian's closest confidant, Leland was privy to the inner workings and secrets of their group, and it was probable the others were too.

Yet there she was, Julian's girlfriend, the last to know her partner for who he truly was!

Driven by a surge of resolve, Bethany rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his, her novice attempts at passion aimed to awaken his desire.

The effect took hold right away, his breath hitching and growing faster.

With a crackling burst of thunder, Bethany jolted, her fingers clutching Leland's arms in surprise.

As hefty raindrops battered the window, a sudden flash of lightning threw the room into stark relief, casting dramatic shadows over their intertwined silhouettes.

When morning's light crept in, the storm had already died down.

Once their moment of sex ended, Leland slipped away to the shower, showing no signs of wanting to linger.

For Bethany, he was nothing more than a momentary diversion. She knew well that such fleeting connections were typical among adults.

She quickly got dressed and slipped out of the room without a sound.

Just as she was about to step into the elevator, her phone buzzed with a video call.

It was her younger brother, Shawn Harper. She immediately fixed her hair to appear presentable and answered the call cheerfully. "Hey, Shawn!"

The scene on her screen was alarming. Shawn was pinned down by several burly men, his voice muffled by a gag, while one arm was brutally secured to a chair. A man with tattoos menacingly hovered a heavy club over Shawn's arm, barking, "Time's up, Bethany. Settle your debt, or the kid loses his arm."

Bethany's voice shattered with fear. "No, please! I'll get you the money-just don't hurt him!"

"Alright, you've got thirty minutes to deliver," the man countered, unyielding. "Play any games, and you'll be picking up his corpse instead."

The line went dead.

Bethany's complexion drained of color as dread overwhelmed her. A plan sparked in her mind. She dashed back towards the room, calling out, "Leland!"

Just as she reached the doorway, Leland emerged, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his demeanor cool and detached.

His eyes, sharp and frosty, slid over to her, concealing any trace of his thoughts.

Bethany found herself thinking back to the whispers she'd heard about him. He was the lone heir to the vast Swanson empire, notorious for his rebellious streak and egocentric ways.

A man like that could afford to keep the rest of the world out of reach.

She drew a breath and ventured, "Could you possibly spare me some cash?"

"I hardly think we're close enough for such requests, unless you intend to..."

Leland's words were cut off by Bethany's urgent interruption. "Two hundred thousand, and we forget last night ever occurred," she declared, her voice tinged with desperation.

To Bethany, in the shadow of Shawn's ordeal, pride and dignity held no weight.

Leland remained silent, watching as the color drained from her face.

She wanted to laugh it off as a joke, but her tongue was frozen, words failing her.

Then, breaking the silence, Leland's chuckle was low and disbelieving. "I didn't realize you'd be such an expensive prostitute."

His laughter and words steeped her in a depth of humiliation she had never known.

In that instant, her pride and dignity crumbled to pieces.

Yet, the need for money was dire, and the man before her had deep pockets.

Half an hour later, Bethany staggered back home, clutching the two hundred thousand dollars like it was a lifeline.

Inside, Shawn was tied to a chair, his face twisted with rage as he glared at the men surrounding him. He spat out curses, struggling against the ropes holding him down.

The moment he saw her, his expression changed. "Beth! What the hell are you doing here? You should've run!"

Breathless from sprinting up seven flights of stairs, Bethany leaned against the doorway, sweat mingling with her fear. "I'm here, aren't I?" she shot back, glaring coldly at the men. "Here's the money. Now let my brother go."

The man with tattoos toyed lazily with a folding knife, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "You really brought it? Where's the cash?"

Without a word, Bethany pulled out her phone and transferred the money to his account. "Check it. Now get out," she ordered.

Even after the transaction went through, the man didn't move. He chuckled, shaking his head. "Bethany, we were forced, trust me. Mr. Wells wanted the money within three days or it would've been over for us."

Ignoring him, Bethany dropped to her knees beside Shawn, hands trembling as she fumbled with the knots.

The man ogled at her. "Why do you keep fighting, huh? A girl like you... Mr. Wells could take good care of you. He's got money and power. You could-"

Before he could finish, Shawn, freed from the ropes, lunged for a kitchen knife and swung it wildly. "Shut your damned mouth! Get out! Now!"

"What the-? Are you crazy?!" The men scrambled back and out of the door, cursing, as Shawn brandished the knife wildly.

Shawn slammed the door behind them, his breathing heavy with anger. His eyes, now red with frustration, bore into Bethany. "Tell me you didn't go to that bastard Julian."

Bethany collapsed into a chair, fighting to keep her composure. "I didn't."

Shawn wasn't convinced. "Then where the hell did you get that kind of money?"

Bethany hesitated, remembering the way Leland had transferred her the money, his gaze dripping with contempt. The memory stung, but she forced herself to remain calm. "A friend lent it to me."

It had only been a week since she'd discovered the truth about Julian and ended things with him, but the creditors had been relentless.

Her family's collapse years ago had left them drowning in debt, a burden that had only grown heavier after their parents died under the pressure. It was just her, Shawn, and their grandma now, struggling to survive.

Julian had swooped in during one of her darkest moments, offering financial support and treating her kindly.

At the time, she thought he was her salvation, and she had done everything he asked. Though she never intended to marry into wealth, she couldn't accept being the other woman.

She had turned down his money, choosing to work hard and pay off their debts bit by bit.

But once they broke up, Julian's true nature surfaced, and he sent thugs to torment her. She never saw that coming.

The debt collectors, once patient, became aggressive, demanding more and more. All while her grandma's medical bills piled up in the hospital, getting higher month after month.

Everyone said the same thing: crawl back to Julian, beg for his help. But Bethany's pride wouldn't allow it.

If she caved now, she would never stand tall again.

Shawn wasn't letting it go. "Which friend? What's their name?"

They had already asked everyone they could for help. The most anyone had given was a few thousand here and there, often without expecting repayment, but no one could lend her two hundred thousand in one go.

Bethany rose, taking the knife from his hand, and headed into the kitchen. "It's someone from work. I'll handle it. Stop worrying."

But she didn't notice Shawn's eyes fixed on the faint love marks on her neck, his expression twisting with anger.

Bethany opened the fridge, trying to distract herself with the task of cooking. "You'll have to take dinner to Grandma later. I'm not feeling well and need some rest."

When she didn't hear a reply, she glanced back into the living room. Shawn stood still, staring at the floor, his face darkened by frustration.

His fury simmering beneath the surface-not just at Julian, but at his own helplessness. His sister was shouldering everything, and now... for his sake...

His voice broke as he wiped at his eyes, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I get it."

"Shawn..." Bethany's heart ached, but before she could say anything more, he turned and disappeared into his room.

She sighed, staring at the closed door.

Soon, dinner was ready.

She knocked softly on Shawn's door. "Dinner's done. Come eat something."

Silence greeted her.

"Shawn?" she called again.

The door creaked open, and Shawn emerged, his face set in a hard expression, a backpack slung lazily over his shoulder. He avoided her eyes as he picked up the packed food. "I'll take this to Grandma... You rest up. Don't wait up; I'll go straight to school after the hospital."

His words were rushed, almost mechanical, and before Bethany could respond, he was already out the door.

Bethany closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths. Exhaustion seeped into every muscle, both mentally and physically drained.

She pushed the fatigue to the back of her mind, hurried through a shower, and, without bothering to dry her hair, collapsed onto the bed. Sleep took hold almost instantly.

But her rest was far from peaceful. Nightmares hounded her sleep, leaving her tossing and turning.

When the phone rang, she jolted awake, disoriented.

It was already evening, and the room was shrouded in a dim, fading light. A cold breeze crept in through the slightly open window, rustling the curtains.

Her head throbbed painfully. She touched her forehead, feeling the alarming heat radiating from her skin.

"Just my luck," she thought bitterly, sighing as she tried to shake off the grogginess.

The phone kept ringing, insistent and shrill. She fumbled for it, her voice scratchy and hoarse. "Hello..."

"Bethany! Do you even want this job or not?" The irate voice of the convenience store owner rang in her ear. "If you don't, just quit already!"

Bethany's eyes flew to the clock on the wall. It was past six. Her heart sank. She'd only landed this part-time job a couple of days ago, working the night shift at a small convenience store.

"I'm on my way!"

She couldn't afford to lose this job-not with Julian's constant meddling and threats. Without it, she'd have no income at all.

She rummaged through a drawer, popped two anti-cold pills, and hastily got herself ready. Her body protested every move, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through.

No matter how chaotic her life was, she had to keep going.

She still had her brother and grandma to think about. She'd be damned if she let Julian crush her spirit.

By the time she arrived at the store, the street was bustling with people. It was late, and the convenience store, located opposite the popular bar Whales, was busier than usual.

Rumor had it that a semi-famous singer was performing at the bar tonight, which explained the influx of customers.

After serving a rush of patrons, Bethany leaned against the counter, eyelids heavy. She took out her phone and sent a quick message to Shawn. "Don't worry about the money. I'll handle it. Just focus on your studies."

The message went unanswered. She guessed he was probably still upset.

Bethany sighed, resting her head on her folded arms, intending to close her eyes for just a minute. But fatigue pulled her into a deeper slumber.

The shrill entry chime jerked her awake.

Without even opening her eyes fully, she straightened up out of reflex. "Welcome-"

"Hey there, gorgeous. Gimme a pack of cigarettes." A young man's voice rang out, flippant and overly familiar.

Bethany blinked and looked up. The guy with bleached blue hair lifted his head from his phone, and his eyes widened. "Whoa! Bethany?"

Bethany stiffened. Alec Simpson. Leland's shadow, his loyal little sidekick. Wherever Leland went, Alec followed, no questions asked.

Bethany instinctively glanced out the store's window. And there he was.

Leland stood on the side of the street, surrounded by his usual crowd. A voluptuous woman clung to his side.

But even with all the attention on him, his expression remained indifferent. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, his gaze aloof, detached.

Alec never got along with Julian, and as a result, he also looked down on Bethany. Alec's mouth twisted into a smirk as he glanced back at Bethany.

"Well, well... Leland! You won't believe who I just ran into!" he called out to the group outside, his voice carrying a mocking edge. "It's Julian's princess!"

The term wasn't a compliment. It was a sneer, a jab at how out of place she'd always seemed among Julian's circle, who'd mocked her for being too "proper" for them.

Leland's eyes, shadowed beneath dark lashes, shifted lazily towards Bethany. The moment their gazes met, a chill ran down her spine.

His expression didn't change. He just stared, emotionless, as if she were a complete stranger. Then, with a slight lift of his brow, he turned away and looked at Alec. "Get the cigarettes."

Alec's smirk disappeared as he quickly grabbed a pack and paid. Like the loyal lapdog he was, he jogged back to the side of the street, offering the pack to Leland. He even went as far as to light one for him.

Leland didn't move to take it, his hands still firmly in his pockets.

He then moved. A small entourage followed in his wake as he crossed the street.