Page 44 of Owned By a Billionaire

Caroline

ReynardwatchedCarysaunteroff, wearing one of his sanctimonious smirks. He waited until the door closed before speaking. “He’s still around, I see.”

“We’re engaged.”

“I know that. I was at that party.” His eyebrow arched, and his face assumed the same how-silly-of-you expression I recalled from when I was nineteen. It brought back memories of him tut-tutting me whenever I acted impulsively.

“That was some time ago,” he added. “Is the prenuptial taking that long to draft?”

I stared him down. “What do you want?”

He smiled at my sharp tone. Rey was the only person I knew who took delight in rousing angry responses. “Since we’re on this subject of nuptials, you’re the first to hear about my upcoming marriage.”

“A card invite would have sufficed.”

He chuckled at my dry tone and walked over to the decanter, which he held up. When I nodded, he poured whisky into a crystal tumbler and passed me the drink then poured himself one.

He sat. “I’d like the function to be held at Elysium.”

I puffed out loudly. “Why?”

“Why what?” he asked, flicking through a Time magazine in a desultory manner.

“Why marry? I thought you were sworn off it.”

“Why not? You, of all people, recognize the benefits of having an intimate partner to have and to hold.”

“But Natalia? A girl brought up by thugs? No matter how much designer clothing she wears, she can’t hide the gutter from whence she came.”

His mouth curled almost in delight, like I might have just described a prized horse. “Oh, Carol, not everyone possesses your stylish, regal bearing, despite your own former relationship with the gutter. Remember where you come from before digging in that spiky heel.”

“I’m curious. Why her?”

“Because she understands me, and she’s good at what she does.”

“Won’t she want to start a family?”

“Maybe.”

My brow pinched.

“I’ve changed, Caroline. I’ve somewhat mellowed. And a few nice young children, especially a girl or two, wouldn’t be that bad.”

I shook my head. “I hope that isn’t what it sounds like.”

“You have a dark mind, Carol. You’re more like me than you would care to admit.”

I rose from my seat and headed to the window. “I’m nothing like you.”

“So, I’ll have Natalia talk to Manon to book Elysium. Yes?” Rey chuckled. “Strange how things pan out. Manon was once my intended, and now she’s the one who will oversee the ceremony.”

“She’d never agree to event-manage your wedding. Besides, she’s a new mother.”

“I don’t care who manages the event.” I turned to answer, but his eyes darkened as he added, “The wedding will take place at Elysium, and the Lovechildes will attend.”

“I can’t make my children do anything, Rey. You’re not exactly their favorite uncle, so to speak.”

He stared me straight in the eyes. “I won’t take no for an answer, Caroline.”

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