Page 111 of Misdeeds of a Billionaire
I let out a forced laugh. “Maybe I’m not accustomed to thanking people.”
Billie snickered. “Yeah, I believe you there.”
My clenched jaw loosened some, and I gave her a sincere smile. Billie didn’t hold back her opinions. Neither did her sister, but Odette was more subtle and had much better manners. Probably due to her profession.
Billie was a different breed of a person, but something told me it was what attracted my brother to her.
“I want to thank you for watching over my son and your sister.” My tone was serious. “You have my gratitude, and I’m forever in your debt. It means a lot to me that they both had you.”
Billie waved her hand nonchalantly. “They’re my family. Of course I’d do anything for them. Besides, I fucked up plenty. Just look at what happened with those diamonds.” When I cocked my eyebrow, Billie’s smile turned sheepish. “Well, it was me who took them. Obviously.”
I shook my head. Jesus, those two sisters were thick as thieves. My wife led me to believe it was she who’d done it. Not that I would have refused her either way.
“I see. Well, I won’t hold it against you if you don’t tell your sister that I know Ares is mine.”
Somehow we’d come full circle and made it back to the negotiation phase.
Billie tilted her head, watching me, and I could see her mind working something out. What? I couldn’t tell.
“Fine,” she agreed. “But if you make my sister cry ever again, I’m going to find you and kill you. I’ll cut you into tiny little pieces and scatter your remains all over the world.” Well, that was rather specific. She must have thought about it a lot over the years.
“What has Odette told you?” Honestly, I’d like to know why Odette pushed me away too.
She shrugged. “My sister never told me fully what happened between you two. That’s between the two of you. It won’t be, though, if you make her cry again.” Her eyes narrowed on me. “Because, again, I’ll kill you.”
I chuckled. “Duly noted. And since you are so heartwarming, a piece of advice about my brother.” Billie’s cheeks stained pink, and she actually averted her eyes. “He thrives on a challenge, and somehow, I think you’ve inadvertently become his.”
We spent the rest of the drive in a somewhat surprisingly peaceful silence.
* * *
The idea had been playing on my mind ever since I dropped off Billie at the airport. By noon, I’d decided on the perfect wedding gift for my wife—no matter how much it cost me.
I dialed Kristoff. He owned Baldwin International and had connections in international real estate, among other things.
“How’s married life?” was his greeting.
“How did you hear?”
“Winston told Royce. Royce called me. We had a bet going.”
Surprise coasted through me. “Bet about what? And since when are you a betting man?”
He chuckled. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to teach your brother a lesson and make him a hundred grand lighter.”
“Jesus, what the fuck was the bet?”
“That you’d make that woman marry you within two weeks,” he deadpanned. “Royce said you’d need a month. But obviously, I know you better. When you set your mind on something, you are all in.” I shook my head. They were both idiots. “So? How is married life?”
I fucking loved it, but something was missing. Odette gave me her body freely, but she was still holding back. She refused to fully open up to me, and damn it, I needed all of her. I craved it.
“It’s good. I have a son.”
“Wow, that is some speedy marriage you got going. Is it on fast-forward?”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s a long story. I think someone fucked with me. He’ll be dealt with soon.” A dark chuckle came over the line. Kristoff would have done the same thing. “I need a favor.”
“I’m all ears. But if you want the guy dead, call Morrelli.”
