Page 50 of The Billionaire's Shrubbery

“Will, what if I had plans this afternoon?” Virginia says through clenched teeth.

“You do have plans … to spend the day naked with me. I just forgot today was family brunch.”

“Yeah, emphasis onfamily?”

I laugh and pull her into a bear hug. “My mother will be delighted to meet you. And it’s not an inconvenience for her. Kitchen staff are paid to adapt.”

“You’re very bossy, you know that?”

“An hour ago, you were praising me for how I take control.” I slap her ass, which, I’ve learned, is a serious turn-on for Virginia “Full of Surprises” Beach.

“I can’t go dressed in—”

“Breathe. You wore clothes over last night. They’re fine. You’re perfect. And nobody is going to be looking at what you’re wearing.”

“Fine.” She exhales and drops her feet to the floor.

“You want to know why they won’t notice?” I slap her ass again.

“Will! Because … they’re men?”

“No, because everyone will be staring at your face. A face that screams you’ve just spent the last four hours being deliriously despoiled.”

“I am definitely not going!”

I take her hand and pull her into my shower. “Come on. I have special soap to rinse away the look of euphoria. It’s what I wash with every morning to give me my trademark scowl.”

What I plan will be a quick rinse turns into shower sex. On the upside, Virginia agrees to eat with my family.

The downside?

“William Wallace Power,” Mother barks as we step off the elevator. “I called you over thirty minutes ago. What the hell have you been—”

Virginia pokes her head out from behind me and waves to my mother.

“It’s my fault, Mrs. Power.” Virginia steps toward Mom with an arm outstretched. “I’m Virginia.”

Mom looks confused for a few seconds, and then the penny drops. Her face lights up and she grabs Virginia’s hand. She doesn’t shake it, as I’m sure Virginia expected. No, she pulls her into a hard hug.

“Wonderful. Oh, this is wonderful. Let me look at you.” Mom holds Virginia at arm’s length. “Beautiful. Look at your eyes. She’s lovely, isn’t she, Will? Look at all that gorgeous red hair. I’ve always loved red hair. Haven’t I, Will?”

“You sure have, Mom.” I turn to Virginia. “Have you met all of my brothers yet?”

“No. And I can’t wait to meet Aiden.” She hangs her head.

Aiden is the last one I want Virginia to meet. Having him deliver condoms was, in fact, a blessing, since there’s no way he can argue that he didn’t know she’s taken. He’s an unapologetic playboy, and according to the gossip rags, the best-looking of the four of us.

Although Mom does not approve of his lifestyle, we all know she tolerates it since she secretly hopes he’ll accidentally impregnate one of his conquests. With a son, of course.

Mom’s place is technically twice the size of mine. But her living space wraps around three sides of the building since 1,500 square feet are dedicated to live-in staff use.

We walk through the living room and down another hallway to the day dining room, the one that overlooks the harbor and mountains. Her evening dining room doesn’t have a view—anymore. A newer building blocks it.

Our monthly, family dinner was changed to a monthly, family brunch, for that reason: All four of us agreed that we’d jump from the roof if we had to hear her say, “If your father was still alive, this never would have happened,” one more time.

Yes, Mom is disappointed in us for pretty much everything—except the value of the business, which we’ve doubled in the last decade. Not that it makes one iota of difference since one-tenth of $30 billion divided by five is still ten times more than any of us need to continue to live like princes. And a queen.

“Does your mother live here alone?”

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