Page 19 of Burning for the Billionaire 7

My boyfriend... and it was incredible. I’m still on a high. “Belle, what is your problem? I walked out of your party for about thirty minutes. It wasn’t even a party, by the way.”

All we did was sit and listen to her go on and on about how great her lawyer fiancé is and how he has plans to go into politics soon—she’s dying to be a politician’s wife. I got tired of hearing how perfect her life with Colton will be.

“I left to talk to Dad and then Rowan stopped by. I was going to come back.” I snort. “You’re acting like a prude who’s never snuck off to have a little fun.”

Her blush piques my interest.

“Wait, you haven’t?” I ask.

“Mind your own business.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. Why are you so mad?”

“What are you playing at, Grace?”

“Excuse me?”

She stops pacing to glower at me. “You show up and suddenly, you’re Miss Popular. Allmyfriends do is gush about how funny you are, how cool it is that you left to live in California.” She harrumphs. “How hot it is that you have a sexy, older boyfriend. Then they fawn over you, asking for advice on how to spice up their sex lives because we caught you with your pants down in the backyard.”

I have to purse my lips to hide my smile. The girls had flocked to me with questions about how to get and keep a man like the “hot firefighter.” For once, I wasn’t overshadowed by my gorgeous sister and, admittedly, I liked it.

My new confidence has a lot to do with it, too. Isabelle isn’t the prettiest, coolest girl in the room anymore, and she can’t handle it. Well, too bad for her.

“How about I tell you where to shove your petty jealousy?” I snap.

Her lips part and her eyes widen. “Since when do you talk to me like this?”

“Since I’ve had enough of your shit! I’ve dealt with it since we were kids and I’m not taking it anymore. I refuse to stay quiet while you take every chance to make me feel less than you. Why are you such a horrible person? Why do you take pleasure in making my life hell?”

Isabelle scoffs. “I’ve made your life hell? What about what you do to me?”

Stunned beyond words, all I can do is stare for a moment. “I’ve never even said a mean word to you.”

“You’re Dad’s favorite and Mom respects you. She’s never tried to take over your life to turn you intoher.”

“What are you talking about? That’s why she hates me.”

“She doesn’t hate you, you idiot. You intimidate her. You’ve always had a mind of your own. When you’re here, she isn’t the strongest mind in the room. That’s what she hates. You don’t see the grudging respect she looks at you with. Me, she steamrolls over and tries to control because, apparently, I’m not tough as nails like you are.”

I’m truly floored. The only response I can give is, “I’m not Dad’s favorite...”

Her derisive snort echoes.

“You’re his little princess. You always have been,” I tell her.

“Yeah, I’m the airhead daughter he throws money at to get me out of his hair while he brags about you.”

“Hedoes?”

Anger sparks in Isabelle’s eyes. “It’s always, ‘Grace is so smart. Grace is so strong. Grace is just like me.’ It’s so annoying. He thinks I’m stupid.”

“He wouldn’t if you didn’t act like such a—”

“Finish that and I swear I’ll shave your head in your sleep. We’ll see how pretty Rowan finds you then.”

My mouth snaps shut as I gaze at the threatening finger she points at me. She’s crazy enough to make good on her threat.

After a minute of silence, she sighs. “You’re such a brat.”

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