Page 36 of Billion Dollar Vow

He nods. “I’m glad she’s taking your money to buy property. It makes me feel better knowing she won’t be renting.”

“Can you stop talking about me as if I can’t hear you?” Karley’s voice cuts in.

I see her at the door, in light gray sweats, white Chucks, her hair up, and a big frown that hides her blue eyes. Something unexpected aches in my chest at the sight of her. I have to swallow a laugh as I watch her grab her suitcase with a huff as she enters the room, pausing beside her brother. As I grab the case to take it to the car, I expect her to throw her independence at me, but I’m grateful she accepts my help. When I try to move it and struggle, I see why.

What the fuck has she got in there… Weapons?

“Declan, I’ll be fine,” she says, patting her brother on the chest. “Oliver won’t let anything happen to me. And if he does, I give you full permission to kill him.” She turns her head and winks at me.

I chuckle softly.

“Focus on your relationship and your new house with Armani,” she tells him. “I’m planning to visit during the holidays, so you better get a room ready for me.” Karley opens the door.

“Fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” he says, his arms folded across his chest.

With a quick nod, she heads off to the car without looking back.

I dip my chin and head out the door, dragging her case.

The driver takes her suitcase, and she slides into the back seat. I climb in next to her.

“Are you ready?” I ask. This isn’t how I’d imagined my wedding day: sitting beside my best friend’s sister who barely acknowledges me, both of us tense with uncertainty.

“Not one bit,” she replies.

I can’t have her back out, so I get her focused on what she wants.

“But when you're sitting in your mortgage-free dream house, will you be okay with this?” I raise an eyebrow at her.

“I won’t care about any of this,” she says, and something heavy settles in my stomach. It’s clear she doesn’t see this as a real wedding, and neither do I. Except, I think about how traditional my parents and grandparents were—married first, then kids. Even though this isn’t real, there’s a part of me that feels guilty for not doing it the right way. But I’ll make it up to them with my next marriage, and they’ll never have to know about this one. I’ve already planned that when the time comes for annulment, I’ll ensure the records are sealed.

A few minutes later, we’re on our way to Winston’s.

“You’re actually going to waste money on a real ring?” she asks, side-eyeing me.

“I can’t exactly get you a Ring Pop.” I smirk.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to a cherry one,” she replies her expression matching mine.

A small laugh escapes me. “No. If this is going to be believable, I’m buying you a nice ring.”

“Will you want it back afterward?”

I hadn’t considered the ring beyond getting one that looks convincing. The idea of asking for it back doesn’t sit well with me after what she’s doing for me. The car rolls to a stop. I unbuckle and twist my body to face her. “No, it’s yours. So, pick a design you like.”

She shakes her head, peering at the shop through the car window with a sigh. “This is such a waste of money.”

“Nothing I do for you will ever be a waste, so get over it and get your sexy ass out of the car so I can get a fiancée,” I say, gently nudging her with a grin.

The driver gets out first, and before he can reach her door, I step out on my side. I circle around the back of the car, reaching her door just as the driver opens it. I hold my hand open for Karley. She takes it without hesitation, and for a moment, myheart skips a beat. But then she quickly drops my hand, and I run it through my hair, confused by the reaction.

What the fuck was that?

“You don't have to do all of this. It’s not official yet.”

I lean my head close to her ear, watching her throat move as she swallows. “What if I enjoy practicing my role as husband?”

She lightly shoves me away and rolls her eyes playfully. “I wonder what I’ll have to put up with when we’re actually married.”

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