“Shh, why do you always get so shocked when I spend a bit of money on you? Didn’t you just officially become a billionaire a few days ago?”
I smile at his reminder. That’s also what my congratulations party is for, although I didn’t really want to celebrate that bit. I found out through social media that I’m officially a billionaire, and I didn’t even believe it at first, but it’s true, and it just adds to how surreal life has been lately.
“Yes, which is why I’ll be paying–”
“No, the hell you're not.”
“Yes, I am, and bribing my boss isn't going to get me to forget that we're not on the best of terms.”
His brows furrow now as he watches me. “I didn't do that because you were mad at me.” He looks genuinely confused as he watches me. “You and I both know I would've done that if you weren't mad at me, so don't think for a second that I did that to win you back.” His voice is stern, the weight of their truth looming in the air.
“Then why’d you do it?”
“You were crying,” he says as if that’s reason enough.
When I first slept with this man, he didn’t even have the decency to walk me back to the bar or open a single door for me.I knew under all that gruff attitude, there was this thoughtful person.It’s not even the cost, but the thought behind it that makes this so much more important. He went completely out of his way, and my tears surely put a pretty dent in his bank account. I know he didn't do it because we're fighting because he sits here and watches me like this is all he wants out of life. Me.
“I hate seeing you upset,” he goes on. “Now you can have the best of both worlds with both agencies just like you wanted.” His eyes fall on my lips, and I watch him have a million different thoughts.
“You just said we're not on good terms, not takingspace. Does that mean I can kiss you now because it's been five days?”
I bite back a smile at how he sounds as if he's been suffering.
“Sure, but only if you tell me how much you paid her.”
“Seven million,” he quickly answers, and before I can react, his lips are on mine. He kisses me slowly, like he's trying to savor the moment.
When he pulls away, I keep my eyes on him, and my heart aches and flutters all at once. While he lied, he’s exceeding those standards I once told him he didn’t meet. The way I feel about him has nothing to do with the money, but everything to do with the way he makes my heart skip several beats when he walks into a room, but I refuse to tell him that now because I don't want him to think I'm forgiving him for spending some money on me.
“I'm paying you back.” I stand.
“You better not.”
“I am, and I need to get to my party.”
“You're not, and I'll drive you there.” He gets up and grabs my hand, pulling me out before I can counter.
We walk down to his car and make it to the hall that Royal booked. I glance out the window and freeze at the sight of my brothers. “What a coincidence that we all got here at the same time.”
I turn to Liam, but he doesn't say anything.
“I should go in…” He wassupposedto come with me, but we both know that can't happen. I let out a disappointed breath, and I hate that I'm hiding this from the boys. “What if we just tell them right now?” I look back out the window, and both August and Lisette's nosy selves are trying to see into the car, although it's blacked out. I stifle a laugh, and I appreciate how easily they can fix my mood without trying.
“That isn't going to go well.”
I turn back to Liam, and he offers me a sympathetic look.
“Do they really not like you that much?”
When he doesn't answer, my heart sinks.
“I should go.” I grab the door as he calls out to me.
“Congratulations again. I’m so proud of you.”
I mumble thanks as I force a smile and catch up with my siblings, Hazel, and V.
Chapter Thirty-Two
