Page 2 of The Billionaires' Prize

I lick my lips and turn to Roman. “Yeah. Let’s head back.”

Taking a step toward Gabe’s house, I jerk my chin in invitation. Then, I try to ignore all those incredible muscles as King falls into step beside me. The man does parkour for funsies. His social is filled with gravity-defying photos, usually sans shirt. I should be used to the sharp V that disappears into his gym shorts.

But it’s one thing to admire your bestie’s photos from afar. It’s entirely different to have him by your side after he’s just admitted to some pretty big feelings.

At this rate, I’m going to need a cold shower.

Two handsome men last night wasn’t enough, Katherine? Why are you such a greedy bitch?

Maybe I should just run out into the ocean to cool off. My phone’s waterproof.

Roman and Kingston flank me. Neither of them touch me, and yet, I feel surrounded. Protected.

Yep, definitely need a cold plunge.

As if I needed any more confirmation of that, we’re almost back to Gabe’s house when I see Alex striding through the beach grass. Gosh, he’s incredible. My heart does a flip.

Even a dozen yards away, I can see the tension in his gorgeous body. The purpose driving him forward. His shoulders could be chiseled from granite beneath the inky black polo they’re so beautifully sculpted.

“Somebody’s coming in hot,” Kingston murmurs.

Alex’s dark gaze locks on me, sweeping up and down as we close the distance. The tight clench of his jaw loosens the closer we get, and I feel a similar ease spreading through me. He’s safety and protection and ultimate pleasure.

I can’t wait to lose myself in his arms again. To feel his possession. My skin heats with need, and I duck my head so they can’t see my blush. My hair sweeps forward, a curtain around my face, and I take a steadying breath.

Oh god, this is awkward. My lover meeting the man who’s just confessed to wanting me. The same man, who’s also my best friend, meeting my crush. This is. . . this is. . .

Deep breath, Katherine.

“Everything okay?” Alex asks. I glance at him through my lashes as his attention moves from me to Roman before, at last, landing on Kingston.

“Everything’s fine,” I assure him, wishing he didn’t have reason to worry. “A woman was taking some pictures.”

His lips twist so quick I almost miss it. He has something to say, but he bites back the words. I don’t want his silence, though. I want to know everything he’s thinking. Feeling.

The silence stretches, and he glances at Roman again, who nods. “Just a neighbor on her deck. But it’s only a matter of time before everyone figures out you’re here.”

Alex’s massive chest heaves as he sucks in a breath. His gaze lifts past our shoulders, surveying, and his hands clamp over his hips. A muscle ticks in his jaw, and I hate being the cause of his concern.

Alex’s gaze flicks back to Kingston, who’s uncharacteristically quiet. How is this the same man who blew up my texts last night?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Alex doesn’t trust Kingston. Or his sudden appearance. Alex’s dark brows knit together, and he’s one blink away from an all-out frown.

Take control.I hear LaShonda’s voice as clearly as if she was standing next to me.

Right. I can do that.

I lick my salty lips and lift my chin.

“We were just heading back to the house. Kingston, you remember Alexander Hunt. We missed introductions last night,” I tease, hoping to ease the tension. “Alex, my best friend, Kingston Saint.”

A second ticks by, and my heart creeps up my throat. Oh gosh. This isn’t going to end up as a staring contest, is it?

Or worse. A pissing match.

Finally, they step toward one another and shake hands.

“Good to see you again,” Kingston says, and my shoulders drop as I blow out a sigh.

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