Page 101 of Resisting the Billionaire

She nods frantically, eyes wide.

“Then there’s nothing to worry about.” I give in to the urge to lean forward and kiss her again. “We’re together now, with a clean slate on both our parts. And if any problems arise, we’ll figure them out. Together.”

“Okay.” She breaks out in a broad grin, nodding happily. “Okay.”

I help her up off the floor, my body languid and loose after my release, relaxed for the first time since she was last in my bed.

“I have to get back out there,” she murmurs. “They’re probably wondering where I am.”

And I’m sure Dad is looking for me. “You leave first and I’ll wait a few minutes to exit. And…” I take her hand, not wanting her to think in any way I’m ashamed of her, but I don’t quite know how to word this. “We probably shouldn’t mention-”

“Oh, definitely not,” she agrees. “We need to come up with a game plan.”

I breathe a sigh of relief, glad she understands. “Exactly.” I bring her hand up to my lips, kissing it softly. “Can I see you later?”

“I’m counting on it.”

The door snicks shut behind her, my mind already on running back to my apartment and grabbing the most essential things. I have no doubt Dad will make good on his threat to evict me. It’s his building after all. The only thing I’m unsure of is how much time he’ll give me to leave. I wouldn’t put it past him to have the locks changed tonight.

At this point, though, I don’t care. I honestly don’t. He can take away whatever he wants from me. But he can’t touch what truly matters - this connection with Mackenzie. The love that’s grown between us.

My only worry is for her business. The threat he implied toward her weighs heavy on my mind as I finally make my way to the cocktail hour, shimmering strands of lights hung about the ballroom creating a romantic, cozy atmosphere, despite the hundreds of people milling about. Sparkling silver vases on each guest table burst with flowers in every shade of blue, giving the space a frosty edge I didn’t realize would so accurately reflect Serena’s Ice Queen reputation.

Sidelong glances and hushed conversations greet me as I search for Mackenzie through the crowd, but I pause as I spot the bride and groom in the center of the room, well wishers greeting them. Serena’s face still holds a blissful radiance, the normal sadness lurking behind her eyes gone. I hope she finds what she’s looking for in this marriage.

Archer’s gaze meets mine from across the way, intense and a bit frightening as it narrows on me for just a moment before he returns his attention to the couple in front of him.

“Sorry,” I whisper, knowing such a small word doesn’t begin to cover it, that he can’t even hear me, but it’s all I have to offer right now.

“Holy shit.” A hand grabs me and I’m halfway to defending myself before I realize it’s Connor, eyes wide with disbelief. “What just happened?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, still half in shock about the turn of events I set in motion. Archer taking my place, Mackenzie confessing her love, the shit storm that’s about to go down with Dad.

“Are you prepared for the fallout?”

I straighten my suit jacket. “Yeah. I am.”

And it’s true. Whatever happens, I can take it. As long as I have Mackenzie. I was serious when I told her she was the one thing that makes this all bearable.

“A word, Gabriel,” an icy voice says from behind me, sending a chill down my back.

Connor swallows heavily as he glances over my shoulder, but I already know who’s there.

“Sure, Dad.”

I follow in his wake, his body bristling with repressed rage. Not that anyone else can tell, but I have extensive experience with his emotional states. He heads into the hallway and pulls me into a random room, a small conference table and executive chairs in the center.

“What the fuck are you trying to pull?” he yells as soon as the door shuts behind me.

I stick my hands in my pockets, leaning against the wall. Nothing I say will make a difference, so what’s the point?

“Answer me when I’m talking to you.”

I shrug. “I didn’t want to live a lie.” It would have ended in divorce anyway.

“If your brother hadn’t stepped in, Montague would have killed the buyout.”

Is that all he seriously cares about? “You’d have found a way.”

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