Page 18 of A Billionaire's Secret

It sure is.

“Beginner’s luck?” I played it off. “That’s why I told you that, in my eyes,youare the true winner.”

My insides churned as I spewed lie after lie. I wished I could tell her the truth and put her self-doubt to rest. But I wasn’t ready to bear the consequences. Or lose her. Not just yet.

“I saw you two arguing the other day,” I informed her, my eyes drowning with concern. “I hope both of you can find it in your hearts to look past your differences. I know she can be hot-headed. Believe me, I’ve dealt with that for years.”

“Christian, do you really think there’s a chance for her and me to be cordial?” Victoria pierced me with her deep eyes. “I mean, it will only get worse once she finds out about the other night.”

“Leave that to me,” I reached over the table and touched her hand.

Her hand froze under mine as her eyes darted with confusion. Then she gently pulled away.

“Listen—” she cleared her throat and sat back in her chair. “I took a big loss the other day, and my life is kind of a mess because of it. I’ve been drafted for another race in two weeks, and I really have to concentrate on that.”

“Which race? How can I help?” I perked up at the idea of watching her win.

“I’m simply trying to say that I won’t be much fun to be around and—” she looked down at her plate. “I think it’s best if we go our separate ways. There’s just too much at stake. For all of us.”

I paused for a moment, my mind trying to shift through conflicting feelings of denial and defeat. I rarely felt defeated and wasn’t about to start now.

“Nonsense!” I laughed and topped off my glass. “I’m not going anywhere. I just extended my stay here for a few more weeks, so here’s to your next win!”

Victoria let a nervous smile slide over her lips and raised her glass to meet mine.

Now, can we try some of this incredible food, please?” I motioned to the waiter while she remained distant and silent.

The air thickened with unspoken words, and my secret tightened its grip around my neck. If only I could grab her and feel her body pressed against mine. Maybe then none of this other petty stuff would matter.

Just then, the waiter brought our food, and her face lit up.

“This looks and smells divine,” she declared and straightened up in her chair, ready to dig in.

“So I’ve heard,” I smiled and watched her take the first bite. She closed her eyes as she chewed slowly.

“Hm, is this really steak? It melts like butter.” She opened her eyes and wiped her lips.

I laughed and fed her a piece of my ribs dish. “How’s that for ribs, huh?”

“Fake. It’s so good, it must be fake,” she joked while taking a sip of water.

I watched her tongue lick the sides of her lips as she chewed and moaned in delight with each bite. Her healthy appetite inspired me to take some bites of my food, which, otherwise, I would have left untouched, being that my stomach was all up in knots.

“How about we leave this stiff place and go somewhere fun?” I offered once she put her fork down and finished the last bite.

“I think I know just the place, but—” she pondered. “You might be overdressed.

“Story of my life,” I laughed. “Let’s go!”

I paid the bill, took one last sip of wine, and followed Victoria to the car. Daniel waited for us diligently, we climbed in, and she gave him the address of our next location. A playful spark came across her eyes as she gazed at the evening sky.

“I hope you dance,” she turned to look at me, her lips curled into a smile.

Worst four words ever.

9

Victoria

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