Page 21 of My Grumpy Billionaire Protector

Sienna’s parents immigrated to new shores with big dreams for their daughter and son. Her brother, Daniel, had gone on to become a doctor, a surgeon no less, and he is his family’s pride and joy. Unfortunately, after years of trying on different jobs while taking a slew of random courses at the local community college, it is costume designing that Sienna is drawn to, and it has not settled well with her family.

Even though she is moderately successful and works as an assistant at a shop downtown, Sienna’s parents still hold on to the hope that it is a phase, and she’ll soon be right on track.

Parental expectations suck.

“We think your designs are awesome,” TJ announces, a little too loudly. “ Some day, you’re going to own your own shop, and big names are going to be lining up for you to dress them.”

Sienna snorts. “Yeah, right. I’d be happy if I could just get my own shop. It doesn’t have to cater to any big names.”

“So, how are you going to buy that island you’ve always wanted?”

“I’m going to marry rich,” Sienna replies, maintaining a serious expression. “I’ve decided that I want to be a spoiled housewife. Got any takers?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“Because you’re rich.”

TJ makes a face and sets down his drink. “If you’re going to land yourself a rich husband, you’re going to need a lot of work.”

“Are you offering to teach me?”

TJ rolls his eyes. “Fuck no. You’re beyond my help.”

“How about you, E? Can you help?”

I chuckle. “Sorry, Si. If I knew how to fit in, things would be a lot easier for me.”

Sienna blows out a breath and leans back into her chair. “It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I’ll just have to seduce him with my charm and personality.”

“What charm?”

“Bite me, TJ.”

“No, thank you.”

Sienna scowls in his general direction and finishes off her drink. Wordlessly, she pours herself and TJ some more before the three of us lapse into silence. Down below, I can hear the rise and fall of conversation and high-pitched barking.

A few moments pass before I reach for the remote and switch the TV on. It blares to life, casting long shadows across the wall before I adjust the volume. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I frown at my mom’s message.

Looks like neither she nor Dinah are going to be joining me tonight.

Dinah spends most nights at her dorm room, only stopping by occasionally to get Mom off her back. My mother, on the other hand, almost never spent the night elsewhere since she has dedicated years and a boatload of money into renovating the house and making it into something elegant and lavish.

She really has outdone herself with the cream-colored wallpaper, the expensive furniture, and the paintings hung up all over the house. Being here feels like stepping out of the real world and into some kind of period piece, but I have to admit it is beautiful and comfortable. For the time being, I can put up with my mom’s hovering and meddling, at least until my apartment is fumigated.

“Evie.”

Sienna shakes me awake. I sit up with a jolt, my eyes blurry and unfocused.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. We just wanted to let you know that we’re going to take off for the night.”

“You guys can’t stay the night?”

“I’ve got work in the morning.” Sienna gives me a small smile before straightening her back. “And TJ has things to do.”

“My sister is flying in tomorrow, and I told her we could do brunch, which means I have to go to the office a little earlier.”

Sienna rolls her eyes. “See what I mean?”

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