Page 76 of A Billionaire's Holiday Love

“You could have hired another security company to guard us, Noah.”

“Actually, I couldn’t.” I grabbed Hope’s hand and led her back to her seat.

“Barker said he’d force my hand if I didn’t tell the world I stole his recipe. Which I didn’t. I developed my brew.”

She placed her hand on my bearded face. “Noah, I believe you. Continue.”

“Thanks, babe.” I caressed her thigh. “So my brothers communicated with the managers at Canyon plants. There weren’t any problems. Vino had his men locate Barker. They didn’t have to look far. He hadn’t left town. I don’t know what he’s up to.”

“Do you think he’ll harm me?”

“I don’t know, but he’ll have to go through me.”

“Let me look into this guy. Why is he threatened by you? He’s rich, right?”

“Yup.”

Her eyes widened as she scrolled through pictures of him on the internet.

“Noah!”

“What’s wrong?”

She turned her phone and pointed at the screen. “This is Lewis Barker?”

“Yeah.”

“The redheaded guy who spoke to me in the outfitter store looked like him.”

Hope ran her hand over her face. “Why did he speak to me today?”

“I don’t know what that fuckers up to. The reason I asked my cousin for help.” I paused.

“Let’s just say he has a unique skill set. Hope, what I’m trying to say...”

“...you plan to make him go away.” Her forehead creased. “Forever.”

I ran a hand over my head. “Yes. He might try to kidnap you to force my hand.”

“Oh, God.” She shook her head. Then her head popped up.

“Noah, your cousin likes my sister.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I can’t warn her either.”

“I’ll talk to Vino. Ask him to leave your sister alone.”

“If he’s like you, he won’t stop.”

And she was right. Fuck!

**P**

Standing beside Hope in her new state-of-the-art kitchen, she beamed as we pushed the cookie cutters into the dough, forming little gingerbread men.

“Why are we making so many cookies? I can put away a dozen of the sugar cookies.” I pointed to the tray on the back counter. “But I’ve never been a fan of gingerbread cookies.”

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