Page 67 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

“At least Marlow wants to be my wife,” he says with a smirk.

I shoot him an annoyed glare. “Everly has bigger issues to deal with, like her ex-fiancé showing up at her office, begging her to take him back.”

When I went to take her lunch this afternoon, her office door was open. Curiosity got the best of me when I saw her talking to another man, and rage surged through me when I realized it was Landon. The cheating bastard had the nerve to beg Everly to take him back, then lashed out when she stood her ground. He betrayed Everly’s trust, and I was more than happy to help put him in his place.

“Wait, are you serious?” Dylan asks. “That happened today?”

“Yeah. I walked in just as she was telling him she got married. I told him to get out of her office, among other things.” I shrug a shoulder.

“What did you do, Cash?” Harrison looks alarmed. “Please tell me you’re not going to be slapped with assault charges.”

“No, it’s not as bad as it sounds,” I assure him. “He works for Thompson & Tate, and I may have hinted at being friends with Dawson. So, could you make a call and have Landon fired?” I ask like it’s the simplest favor in the world.

Harrison rubs his temples, letting out an exasperated sigh. “Let me get this straight. You want me to call up Dawson Tate, the guy who has a reputation for making grown men cry on the stand, and ask him for a favor? He doesn’t do things for free.”

“Do it for Everly,” I encourage him. “Her douchebag ex cheated on her and deserves what’s coming to him. I’m sureDawson would gladly channel his pent-up frustration into seeking revenge for a cheater and a liar.”

“Fine,” Harrison concedes with a resigned sigh. “But when Dawson calls to cash in his favor, it’s on you to handle it.”

“Sure, no problem.” I wave him off.

I would do anything for Everly, even make a deal with a devil who wears custom-made suits and thrives on ruining his enemies without mercy.

Settling back in my chair, a satisfied grin curves my lips as I picture Landon’s reaction to losing his job. With any luck, Dawson will bring him to tears while breaking the news. It’s the small victories that bring me joy.

“You owe me a hundred bucks.” Dylan nudges Harrison. “Bringing lunch to Everly and seeking vengeance on her ex totally counts.”

“No, it doesn’t. He hasn’t said the L word yet,” Harrison counters, swatting Dylan’s hand away.

My eyes ping between them. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Now I understand how Everly felt when my brothers and I discussed the acquisition at my parents’ house, and she didn’t know what was happening.

“Oh, nothing much. We were wagering on how long it would take you to stake your claim on Everly. I bet less than three weeks; Harrison said a month.”

“She’s my wife, why wouldn’t I?”

“Oh, for crying out loud,” Dylan complains to Harrison. “That’s as close to a declaration of love we’re going to get.”

“Fine,” Harrison grumbles as he retrieves his wallet and pulls out a hundred-dollar bill. He places it in Dylan’s outstretched hand.

“I think this is the first time I’ve ever won a bet with you. I’m totally framing this.” Dylan holds the bill up with a triumphant grin.

“Don’t get used to it,” Harrison taunts.

Could I love Everly? I’ve never felt this way about anyone else. I miss her when we’re not together, and she’s constantly on my mind. My heart races when she walks into the room, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. And the very idea of this thing between us ending makes me physically ill. But is that what love feels like?

“Why don’t we talk about work since thisisa work meeting,” I interject.

I’d rather discuss anything other than the complex emotions I have for my wife.

Harrison and Dylan look at me as if I’m speaking gibberish.

“Who are you, and what have you done with Cash Stafford?” Dylan mocks playfully.

“He has been working longer hours and logging in earlier than normal,” Harrison adds.

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” I deadpan.

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