Page 45 of The Billionaire's Heart

It’s been a long day.

Chapter 22

Ian

What the fuck is your problem, Gallo? Telling Mia she can’t go to her kickball practice like you own her. What the fuck were you thinking? I chastise myself as I down my whiskey and pour myself another one.

Talking to Mia about Sawyer brought up some bad memories of my little brother stealing my girlfriend right out from underneath me. It happened over ten years ago, almost fifteen years now, but it still stings. We were just kids back then and, in the end, that girl wasn’t worth the time of day. Hell, I can’t even remember her name.

But knowing that Mia will be in the same room as Sawyer has my hackles up. Especially knowing that this is a fake relationship between us. Who’s to say when this is all over, Mia doesn’t run to Sawyer? That would probably kill me.

I decide against a third drink, even though thinking about water under the bridge with my brother makes me want one more. Instead, I decide to work. It’s my saving grace and right now, my happy place.

I set up my home office like my office at the country club, with all modern décor but warmer tones. It’s unique to me. I sit down and send a group text to my parents and my brother,giving them the time of dinner tomorrow night. Then I send a note to Paula letting her know of all the visitors for Mia tomorrow and that my family will be over tomorrow night. My brother sends just me a text back.

Sawyer:So, she said yes?

Me:Obviously

Sawyer:Are you telling mom and dad about your arrangement?

Me:Obviously not

Sawyer:Good to know. I’ll keep my mouth shut.

And your hands off of Mia, I think to myself, but don’t text it back. That was a long time ago and I’m just in a pissy mood. It’s not his fault, so no need to take it out on him.

Me:Thanks

Sawyer:No problem. One more thing.

Me:What?

Sawyer:Did you get her a ring?

Me:Fuck

Sawyer:LOL See ya tomorrow night

He loves his emojis and sent a few diamond ring emojis.

Now I’m shopping online for engagement rings that would be appropriate for Mia to wear. Normally, I would expect that the biggest one would be sufficient, but that doesn’t feel like something Mia would want or wear. No, simple and elegant seems to be more her style.

That’s when I see exactly what I’m looking for. Elegant and classic, but edgy. It looks just like Mia, beautiful, and I have tohave it for her. I know this isn’t a genuine relationship and I’m finding that I’m having trouble remembering that point, but I want her to have this ring.

Reaching out to my jeweler, I send him the link to the ring I want, and he emails back to me. He has that one in stock and will have it sent to the house tomorrow. I’m surprised he responded so quickly, since it’s so late at night. I just expected to hear from him in the next few days, but am pleasantly surprised and thank him for his diligence.

Now, it’s time to get back into these financials for the Bahamas deal and how I’m going to get this guy to sell me all four of these islands.

It’s just before midnight and I decide that I’ve done all I can for today and that it’s time to turn in, so I shut down my laptop and make my way to my room. Besides, I barely got any sleep last night and tomorrow night will be taxing enough as it is with my family coming over. Best to get some decent sleep tonight.

As I climb the stairs, I can picture Mia standing up here, looking down at me and putting me in my place. As she should have done. I still feel terrible about the way I talked to her. When I get to the top of the stairs, I look over at her door and notice that the light is still on in her room.

I knock on her door. “Mia? Is everything okay?”

She opens the door while wearing one of my T-shirts and with a towel wrapped around her head. My breath catches in my throat. Her long, tan legs are gorgeous. But what catches my eyes are her hard nipples showing through the white T-shirt she’s wearing. My dick takes notice, too.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I stole one of your shirts to sleep in.” She looks sheepishly at me, like she got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

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