Page 38 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

Victoria stiffened, offered us both a kind smile, and then quickly shuffled away. My burning eyes followed her as she skittered off just like the tacks that had bounced from the box. I was furious. I was irate. I couldn't contain what I was feeling in my muscles.

I think I was about to burst.

I took a breath. “Jen . . . Jennifer . . . I love you so dearly.”

Jen held up her hands as if to surrender. “Hey, we're all cool here.”

“YouknowI love you and I will absolutely do anything for you.”

“Please, don't be mad.”

“I'm not mad. I'm just,” I faded into a squeak as I tried to formulate my words. “I don't know why you would do that.”

“I just figured since you and Gabe had separated, it would be less awkward to be with Levon.”

I gaped at her. “You thought it would be less awkward for me to be paired with my ex-boyfriend who basically hates me?”

“This was the best arrangement with the fewest adjustments. Don't you want things to run smoothly?”

“I'm the one who's supposed to be saying that to you.”

She laughed. “Yeah, but you're the one panicking. So, I figured I'd pick up the slack.”

“Am I panicking?”

“No, but you're redder than any beet I've ever seen on a farm.”

I covered my cheeks with my hands. I was afraid to move. I had taken off my heels so I could climb the ladder and I was totally barefoot. If I stepped in any direction, it meant death by tack. My face was so hot that I think I was about to faint.

I fanned myself. “God, it's hot in here.”

Jen grabbed a water bottle from a nearby table. She handed it over. “Just breathe.”

“Your brother hates me. Why did you pair him with me?”

She giggled. “You're having the same reaction he had.”

I paused with the water bottle to my lips. “What?”

“Yeah, he basically threw a temper tantrum when I told him I had to pair him with you.”

“Is that why you yelled at him?”

She nodded. “Yep. We had a blast that afternoon.”

“I'm sorry, Jen.”

She waved away the apology. “Hey, it's like high school all over again. I'm actually kind of enjoying some of the drama.”

“Is it better than the shows you watch?”

“It's a close call.”

I chuckled lightly. “So, he already knows.”

“I really did mean to tell you sooner. I just got lost in all the decorating.”

“It tends to take up a lot of mental space. I'll admit to that.”

---