Page 39 of Billionaire Temptations

“You have to have some fun, Emma. When is Macy coming back?”

“Next week, I think.”

“That’s good. Then you won’t be so lonely. Listen, baby girl, I have to go. We’re just on our way out to dinner. I love you, and I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Bye, Mom.”

As I poured another glass of wine, there was a knock at the door. The only person it could have been was Max; frankly, I wasn’t in the mood to see him. I got up, looked out the peephole, and was shocked when I saw Fiona standing there.

“Fiona, hi. What are you doing here?”

“I didn’t know where else to go, and I can’t go home.”

She was totally wasted. She stumbled through the door, and I grabbed her arm to prevent her from falling over.

“You’re drunk.”

“Very observant.” She smiled.

“Did something happen?”

“Life,” she slurred.

I took her over to the couch and made her sit down. I grabbed my wine glass from the table as I saw her reach for it.

“You’re so pretty, Emma. I really wish Max would marry you for real. Can I spend the night?”

“Of course you can, but why don’t you tell me what happened?”

“Carol and Bradshaw Hamilton. That’s what happened. I’m sick of them trying to control my life and pretending we’re the perfect little happy family while my father is out fucking women who are barely out of high school. I hate them, Emma. They’re such hypocrites.”

I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her as she cried.

“I’m going to be sick. Where’s the bathroom?”

“Around the corner. First door on your right.” I jumped up as she leaped off the couch with her hand over her mouth.

I heard my phone beep, and there was a text message from Max.

“Fiona left home, and I can’t find her anywhere. My parents are worried sick. You haven’t, by chance, heard from her, have you?”

“She’s at my place.”

“I’m on my way.”

“No, Max. I don’t think she wants to see anyone.”

“She’s my sister, Emma.”

I sighed and walked into the bathroom. “Max is on his way over.”

“You called him?” she cried.

“No. He just texted me and asked if I heard from you because you left home, and your parents are worried about you. Just talk to him. If anyone understands, he does. I promise you don’t have to leave with him. You can still stay here.”

Not too long after his text message, there was a knock on the door. I opened it, and Max walked in.

“Where is she?”

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