Page 177 of The Elusive Billionaire
“And her brother?” Braxton asks as Roman slips into the room. He’s my own personal grim reaper—a physical reminder of the guilt that taints my soul.
My nostrils flare. He won’t make eye contact with me, but he doesn’t get to take my guilt from me. I did this, not him.
“I asked Roman to come in,” Braxton says. “We have some things to discuss, but first, tell us what Savvy’s brother said.”
“He didn’t say anything.” My teeth gnash together. “He asked about her assets. Her fucking assets, as though she’s an ATM, so I hung up on him.”
“I’ve confirmed through…otherchannels, that Austin Monroe has been calling twice a week to ‘see if she’s dead,’” Roman says quietly.
The asshole isn’t even asking if she’s alive. She’s worth more to him dead, but the entire world will collapse if that happens, and he’ll be the first to feel my wrath.
I close my eyes and count to ten. “It’s okay, Monroe. You don’t need people like that in your life. I’m your family now.”
“Do you…” Madi loses her composure, and I stare at her.
Is this when we break?
My heart rate speeds up, ready for this outlet. Is this when we scream and threaten the entire universe to bring Savvy back to me?
Please let this be when we break.
“Do you talk to her a lot?”
Disappointing.
I think Monroe would love it if we had a communal melt down.
Jesus, maybe I’m losing it.
“Yes. The doctor said it was good to talk to her.”
“Grey, you’re Savvy’s fiancé, but unfortunately, that doesn’t automatically make you her next of kin.” Roman is a big guy, but he backs himself into the wall now because he likely knows I’m one whistle away from blowing my kettle. “Austin has filled out paperwork to become her medical power of attorney.”
I stand so quickly, the metal chair legs scrape against the linoleum floor as it slides to the wall behind me.
“Over my dead body.” Oh God. I think I broke a lung. I can’t get a full breath of air. Panting gives way to gasps for oxygen that won’t come.
I slam my fist into my chest, trying to jumpstart something into working properly, and then Braxton is on one side, Roman on my other.
Madi stands directly in front of me, wearing an expression of pity that I despise.
“Slow down your breathing, Grey.” Braxton sounds like he’s underwater.
Roman slams me back into my chair, then forcefully shoves my head between my legs.
Fuck me.
I’ve done this for Savvy.
“You’ve got this, Grey. Deep breath in, then out. Slowly.” Madi’s running her palm over my back, but it isn’t her touch I crave.
I don’t know how long we continue on this path, but I’m covered in sweat by the time I sit tall again.
Roman is down on one knee at my side, his concerned stare taking in every inch of my face.
I never got the chance to get down on one knee for Savvy. I should have. I should have done everything differently.
“I can fix this, Grey. It won’t be legal, but I can get a post-dated marriage license in your hands in two hours.” If I looked at Roman closely enough, I would probably admit that he’s also completely torn up about Savvy being in this bed.
