Page 23 of The Nanny's Bossy Billionaire

“That part is actually true,” I say with a rueful smile.

“What?” She shoves me away with surprising strength.

“Hear me out—”

She’s halfway to the door before she throws back, “You know, since you have all the money in the world, you shouldn’t have a problem buying yourself a date that’s more your type. I’d rather work my entire life to pay off this debt than spend any more time with you.”

She holds up the check, rips it into tiny pieces, and throws it in the air.

“The deal is still on the table if you change your mind.”

“Go fuck yourself.” She walks away.

Chapter Nine

Brooke

Who the hell doesXavier think he is? That arrogant jerk with his sick mind games. The most annoying part is that I was very tempted to take the money—until he opened his mouth. And I can’t believe I let him kiss me again.

I slam the back door so hard Stella rears up from her nap on the couch.

“What did he do now?” she says as I storm past her. Stella follows me into my room.

“You’re not ready for this,” I say when she sits next to me on the bed. “So, he somehow found out about the debt Steve owes and offered to pay the full amount.”

“What?” Stella sits up straighter. “No way. That’s incredibly nice.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Why not?” Stella asks. She stares at me for a beat. “Please don’t tell me you refused.”

“Of course I said no.”

“Brooke!” Stella stands. “Are you mad? Why would you say no? You and I both know there’s no way you’re going to come up with all that money in the time they’re giving you no matter how many extra jobs you do. These guys Steve’s mixed up with could hurt you or do some criminal shit like that. They could hurt your family. Your friends.” Something occurs to her. “Oh my God, Brooke, I could be sex-trafficked!”

“You won’t get trafficked, Stella, let’s not get dramatic.” Stella has such a vivid imagination.

“You don’t know how sick this Fulvio creature is and I’m not about to bet on him.” She grabs both my hands. “Let Xavier pay him off, please.”

“He only offered to pay on the condition that I go to a wedding with him.” She digests this.

“So let me get this straight, you said no to one date with a really hot billionaire in exchange for him making all your troubles go away? How are we best friends?”

“You don’t get it, Stella. Xavier is insufferable. He’s arrogant and bossy and mercurial... I can’t be around him. You said it yourself, it’s better to avoid him.”

“That was before he made you an offer of a lifetime. Did he say why he wanted you to go on this date? I’m sure he has no problem whatsoever finding dates.”

“My thoughts exactly. He’s got something up his sleeve; he’s always playing at some game.”

Stella sits next to me. “Sweetie. It’s one date in exchange for getting your life back. You can do it. Just ghost him or whatever after the date is over.”

Stella makes a great point. The thought of not having that debt hanging over my head is pure bliss. “You’re right. Maybe I should call him back.”

My phone vibrates, and I look at it. My heart plummets.

“Is it him?” Stella asks.

“No. It’s Fulvio.” I look at her. “What should I do? Zoey’s check isn’t even due until tomorrow.”

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