Page 68 of Billion Dollar Revenge

I snort. “That’s not the same.”

“My mom has a lot of keepsakes around the house.”

“What about a drawing or painting from school?” I ask, remembering my parents sticking mine and my sister’s all over their fridge, and my bedroom wall was covered with posters of my favorite bands.

He shakes his head. “I guess she threw them out.”

I suck in a sharp breath. “Brutal.”

“I guess now that I think about it. But at the time, it didn’t bother me.”

“I want my kids to be surrounded by pictures and artwork.”

He scrunches up his face. “Why?”

“To make them feel special.”

He strides to my dream kitchen and peels off his gray suit jacket, slinging it over the stool. I can’t help but notice how well-fitted the white shirt is, showing off his strong shoulders and tapered waist. He pulls at his tie, and the way he tugs at it makes my mouth suddenly dry. I try to clear my throat as I walk to the marble island counter.

“Do you want a drink?”

I nod. “Please.”

He pulls his tie free and tosses it on the stool with his jacket before moving around his kitchen effortlessly. I haven’t moved, too transfixed by him. A man in a suit in the kitchen makes me all hot and bothered.

While he makes the drink, I look over the marble floors, to the custom chandelier in the living room that casts a beautiful warm glow throughout the place.

“Do the other floors look like this?”

“No. Some are more modern than others.”

“Did you want to see them?” he asks, passing me my glass.

I take a sip, enjoying the smooth burn. “One day. But can I get a tour here?”

He inclines his head, and I follow him, wandering to the dining room that could host the most elegant of dinner parties. It has the same sophisticated high ceilings, artwork, designer furniture, that I’d seen in the entry, kitchen, and living spaces.

We stop inside the master. His room. My eyes go immediately to his bed. The creams, white and soft browns keep it modern yet cozy. No words are spoken. I can only hear the fast beat of my heart in my ears as I see his private space. It’s a sanctuary of comfort and indulgence. My feet automatically move to the floor-to-ceiling window framing the most breathtaking view of the city. I’ve never seen it from a place like this. Imagine going to sleep and waking up to it. But would the view be this or him? I sneak a peek of Evan from the corner of my eye, noticing he’s watching me.

He walks me to the bathroom that resembles a spa, with a deep-seated tub and a large shower.

“Incredible,” I say, turning my head back to face him.

He sips his amber liquid, his eyes a sea of torment, dark and hungry. But before I can speak, he says, “Let me show you the terrace. The view’s even better out there.”

We step out, and it’s an outdoor oasis. An infinity-edge pool, surrounded by lush trees and flowers in full bloom, adds subtle color to the area. But the green and white flowers stand out the most. Elegant and so romantic.

I soak up the city lit up in the night sky.

Sipping my drink, I welcome how my muscles have loosened from the stress I had earlier today. I appreciate the scenery and the simplicity of being here with Evan. He doesn’t know it, but he soothes me. I don’t know if it’s the same for him.

“You ready to watch a movie on the sofa?”

My lips curl into an easy smile. “Definitely.”

We stroll back the same way and pass spare bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s much larger than I had expected.

“I’ll order us some food.”

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