Page 3 of The Billionaires' Prize

I honestly wasn’t sure what their reaction was going to be. Alex and Gabe are tight, but he doesn’t seem like the type to havea large circle. On the other hand, Kingston could make friends with a rock. The two men are complete opposites.

But that doesn’t mean Kingston is the enemy, just because he’s a newcomer. Kissing me last night. . . well, that might be a different story.

“You too,” Alex says.

“And this is Roman,” I continue, pivoting slightly toward the bodyguard.

They shake hands. “Thanks for watching her back,” King says.

Okay, so it’s formal and it’s awkward, but no one is throwing punches or hurling insults. That’s good, right? And it’s not like King knows I spent the night wrapped around Alex and Gabe like a human pretzel.

“Not a problem,” Roman says, taking a step back. He does a slow three-sixty, back on the job.

“Have you had breakfast?” Alex asks Kingston, shifting so we can step past. It’s an invitation as much as his extended hand is.

“No. A couple of sips of coffee and I was out the door for my run.”

“Come on.” I tuck my arm through his so he can’t get away. We need to talk. “I’ll share my muffin.”

His brows lift, and his eyes bulge comically. He quickly schools his features and takes a step. Alex falls in behind us. “Blueberry lemon?”

I glance over at Roman, knowing he probably ended up on gopher duty again. A waste of his talents, but one I truly appreciate. He nods.

“Blueberry lemon,” I tell King, giving his arm a squeeze. He moans and gives an exaggerated lick of his lips.

I feel Alex’s attention, focused like a laser on where my hand connects with King.

I’m used to walking arm-in-arm with him, but I can practically feel Alex’s jealousy swirling around us like a tornado. Interesting. So we aren’t one and done.

That suits me just fine because I want him with a force that threatens to send me to my knees.

But once upon a time, I wanted Kingston too.

I should let go of King. That’s what my brain tells me is the right thing to do. But my heart and soul don’t agree.

“Alex?” I hold out a hand to him. Beside me, Kingston is vibrating with energy and curiosity. There are so many questions that need answering but now isn’t the time or place. Roman is right. We’re exposed out here and I’m getting colder by the second.

Alex takes my hand, and I squeeze. What a picture we must make. One hand in Alex’s, my other tucked through Kingston’s arm, leaning in close. Day and night. Alex is all darkness, and Kingston is like spun gold in the morning light.

Being so close to Kingston is as natural as breathing. But holding Alex’s hand as we turn up the sandy path, cutting between drifts of grass? That feels right, too.

“I’ll be in in a minute,” Alex says as we approach the deck. He releases my hand slowly as if he’s reluctant to let me go.

I watch him stride around the pool with Roman, a flutter in my belly, and then they disappear along the side of the house.

“He’s intense,” King says.

“The very definition,” I agree, leading King up the steps and across the deck. I pause, turning to stare up at him. “Before we go inside. . .”

I’m not sure what to tell him about the state of Gabriel’s house. Or if I should say anything at all. Part of me is pretty sure it’s a terrible idea to invite him in. “Gabe’s designer screwed him over. It’s like she left in the middle of the demo.”

Kingston’s golden brows lift in surprise.

“He seems a little. . . sensitive about it, so be nice?” I don’t know why I phrase it as a question. Kingston is polite. Nice. Friendly. Like an All-American Golden Retriever. But after last night, I can’t help but feel more protective of Gabe. It’s like he’s waiting for someone to jump out with a camera and tell him everything in his life is a lie.

“Of course.” King nods like it’s no big deal.

It shouldn’t be.But it is.

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