Page 14 of A Billionaire's Secret

“It’s great for the club too. We need a new star. Victoria has been holding the spotlight for a while,” he blabbered on. The mention of Vitoria made me twist in my seat.

“Yes, she’s such a sweet girl, but poor thing never pays her dues on time.” Margot chimed in, and that lump in my throat resurfaced.

“What do you mean?” I adjusted in my seat.

“Oh, you know, this sport is expensive, and she’s from a good family, but they can’t always afford it.” Margot elaborated. “And now that she lost that prize money, we just don’t know how long we can sustain her.”

“Sustain her? It’s that bad, huh? How much does she owe you?” I looked at James and Margot with confusion.

“What was it, James?” Margot quizzed her husband. “I think it was close to fifteen thousand last time I checked.”

“Yeah, sounds about right,” James confirmed. “We’ve been supporting her because her grandfather was a local celebrity, and the girl has talent. But you know, it can’t go on like that forever.”

“Sure,” I mumbled, staring at the immaculate garden behind them. “Tell you what, I’ll cover it.”

James and Margot looked at me, startled.

“What do you mean? Please don’t take this conversation as us looking for help.” James perked up. “We were just sharing.”

“No, no, of course not,” I assured them. “I’m doing it for selfish reasons. I think Diana needs the competition. I don’t want this one victory to get to her head.”

“Oh,” Margot looked at me with suspicion. “I guess that makes sense.”

“Totally,” I confirmed. “I’d love for Diana to hang around and learn from Victoria. I’ll cover it but don’t mention it to anyone. It’s business as usual come next week, OK?”

James smiled. “Sure thing, buddy! When you put it like that, it’s a win-win.” James winked at me and raised his glass in celebration.

“Just let me know about any future expenses, and we’ll work something out.” I wanted to make sure they didn’t bother Victoria for a while.

“Will do.” James nodded. “I heard she’s racing tomorrow at the State competition.”

I didn’t respond. I didn’t want to seem too interested in Victoria, so I changed the subject, but I knew where I’d be tomorrow.

“Hey, that steak is just perfect. I hope to live up to it next time you visit me.” I buttered James up.

“Hear that, honey?” He looked at his wife. “Someone appreciates it.”

Margot let out a genuine laugh. “Thank you, Christian, he needed to hear that. I only ever criticize him.”

That night I lay alone in bed, staring at the ceiling. The house was quiet as Diana had gone out again. Memories of Vitoria on top of me flooded my veins with desire, and blood rushed to my groins. I knew I had to see her again if only to find a way to apologize to her for everything. Without really telling her anything. Tangled up in these contradicting thoughts, I had somehow fallen asleep.

The following day I woke up with a surprising smile on my face. As I showered and dressed, I realized that the rush of seeing Vitoria’s race today was directly responsible for every bit of my excitement.

7

Victoria

“Mom,areyouready?Let’s go!” I yelled at my mother, who insisted on coming to support me today, but somehow managed to be late.

“Joanne, what’s taking you so long?” My father climbed up the stairs to check on my mother.

A few minutes later, she strutted down, wearing her best attire—a flowy, yellow dress paired with low, white heels, a white purse, and an extravagant headpiece.

“Awe, you look so cute, Mom!” Lizzie gasped.

I tapped my heel nervously at the door while my family exchanged love and praise for one another. Then I walked my mother out and carefully but assertively hurried her to the passenger seat.

When we arrived, I shoved my mother into the company of Serenity’s owner, John Harrison, and hurried to the jockey quarters, where I put on my silks and met Tony for a last-minute pep talk.

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