Page 28 of Off Limits Billionaire

“We’re not! How are we being screwed?” I asked just as a ping from my phone sounded. I trekked back to my room wondering if there was enough time to get a few more hours of sleep. However, the notification that came across woke me up immediately.

I practically shrieked as I ran to Hunter, shaking my phone in his face, waiting for his reaction. It was just as good as I expected. Mouth open, jaw on counter. Well, just mouth agape really.

“Why did Marcus Adler just deposit12,000 dollarsinto your account?” he asked me.

“The memo says it’s hazard pay for every hour I was put in danger. Hereallywants to keep me on retainer. One of the perks would be me getting to travel and consult for him at different auction houses. Otherwise, I guess it’s like a lawyer thing. I get paid to be ready?”

Hunter shook his head side to side. “Ana. Shit that’s too good to be true … usually is. Being on retainer is great for steady income, but with a man as rich and powerful as Marcus Adler, I’m pretty sure that means being at his beck and call too. You haven’t slept with him or anything, right?”

“Why is it any of your business who I sleep with?”

“I just want to be sure all of these offerings are being made based on the merit of your work, Ana. Once you start sleeping with a guy, especially an Adler, you’re liable to get screwed in more ways than one.”

“Because you know so well!”

“Fuckin' aye. Youdidsleep with him.” He rubbed his hand down his face. “I’m not telling Paul, but Ana, make sure you know what you’re doing. If he breaks your heart, I will break every bone in his body and trust me, I can. My bench is at 217, I can—”

I cut him off. “Don’t talk weightlifting with me, Hunter. You’re not going to do anything to Marcus because he’s done nothing wrong. I’m an adult and this feud is stupid. What did Marcus actually do?”

“Outside of leading you into danger? Nothing but annoy Paul is my guess. His grandfather and Grandpa Augie have unfinished business.”

I went back to my bedroom to get myself ready for the day after devouring the delicious breakfast made for me. When I came out, Hunter looked exhausted, but he was ready to go with me back to the warehouse. When we arrived, I flashed my ID and they let me onto the compound.

There were many projects underway, but I kept my focus on the part of the warehouse I'd visited the night before. It was ten after ten when Hunter and I got out of the car and made our way to the main entrance of the building. It was a discreet door with a coded alarm. After putting in the passcode Marcus had sent along with my hazard payment, I let myself inside the space.

Hunter gasped as his eyes scanned the interior. Cement floors and exposed red brick walls surrounded us. Large windows let in sunlight at every turn.

“This place is fucking gorgeous. What are the plans for it?” Hunter asked.

I felt the same excitement that had exuded from Marcus as I rattled off the ideas he'd told me about the night before. My entire body felt light as we continued to walk through the space, where I told him about my plans to film the restoration.

When we reached the far right side of the open floor, I pushed a door to let Hunter see the workspace, only it wasn’t empty.

A man in a suit who looked similar to Marcus stood beside another man eyeing the Godschalk. The white gloves were a telltale sign of another restoration artist. I could barely help myself as I crossed the room, anger building inside of me, and shouted, “What thehellis going on here?”

“Well good morning. I’m Cameron Adler and this is Mr. Waldon Henry.”

My heart plummeted. I knew the Waldon Henry name and brand very well. It pays to know one’s competition.

“I know who he is.” I leered at Waldon. “What is going on here?”

Cameron gestured toward the clock. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m getting a second opinion. I don’t know what siren song of a spell you have over my brother, but your quote was astronomical, and he authorized an additional 12,000 dollars to you for something calledhazard pay? You can keep whatever money you’ve siphoned out of him, but know that it will be the last dime you squeeze out of us.”

“Who’s us?” My confusion warred with rage. “Did Marcus agree to another consultation?”

Hunter jumped in. “We tried to warn you about these Adlers, Ana.”

“Can it, Hunter! Cameron, what did Marcus tell you?”

The Adler sibling sighed with disinterest. “I know enough. Please, Mr. Henry, continue.” Waldon grinned at me in triumph.

Feeling my eyes starting to well up, I turned away, pulled out my phone and called Marcus ... no answer. When his voicemail came on, I was tempted to leave him a scathing message filled with several choice curse words, but instead I hung up. How could he do this to me—to us? If they were here then Marcus must have agreed to it.

“Fine. Justfuckingfine!” I seethed feeling be trade. “Just to be clear—all funds, already dispersed, are non-refundable and tell your jackass, coward of a brother to never speak to me again. He didn’t even have the courtesy to tell me himself. Let him know if he comes anywhere near me or Priceless Pierce, I’m going to have Hunter break all of his bones. He can do it, too. I’ve seen him move pianos all by himself for Nina.”

14

MARCUS

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