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“Make it happen,” I say, and by my tone, he knows it isn’t an option.
“And I thought your vacation would do you some good,” he retorts.
“It did wonders. And I’m ready to move forward,” I insist, but I’m firm.
Nick studies me, weighing his options. “I’ll contact him first thing in the morning. He’ll be there.”
“And did you do what I asked?” I ask, still acting pissed at him. I’m not really.
I had the best week of my life because of his decisions, and I owe him for that. But I must protect everyone in my life. I will be the only one who sinks with the ship if it goes down; I will make sure of that.
“It’s been done,” he confirms, a hint of relief in his voice.
“Thank you,” I tell him, breathing out as Billie and Louis approach us.
The atmosphere shifts.
She narrows her eyes at me, and when she’s close, I slowly clap.
“What a fucking entrance, Ice Queen and Your Highness.” I roll my eyes, pretending to be bored and unamused.
“Fuck off before I have my brothers escort you out of here,” Billie warns, venom dripping from her tone, not caring who hears.
I almost believe her, but I also know my tongue was buried deep inside her just this morning.
“You think I’m scared of you?” I give her a sarcastic laugh and grit out, “Tryharder.”
She gets the hint and looks me up and down, sliding her arm from Louis. Billie approaches Easton, and his face twists in confusion. Lexi’s mouth falls open in shock. The prince and I stand beside each other, watching it go down. I casually sip my champagne.
Louis glances at me, shaking his head. “You’re fucked,” he says.
Billie hugs her brother, and then they approach us. She watches Easton, waiting for her scary big brother to attack. Unfortunately, I’m still not intimidated. He knows it.
“Can I speak with you, please?” Easton asks, his tone serious.
I glare at Billie and shake my head, but a smirk plays on my lips.
“Sure,” I tell him, and we move away from them so we can privately talk.
“Can you please stop being so fucking rude to her?” he snaps, crossing his arms over his chest like a protective barrier.
I open my mouth to say something, but Easton holds up his hand to stop me.
“Listen. Leave her alone. Right now, she wants you escorted out of the event, but I don’t want to do that because Irespectyou. However, I cannot deal with this petty argument bullshit that’s been going on between you two for years. Not during this event, please. If it happens again, I will ask you to leave. I will choose my sister every time, okay?” He studies me.
“Okay.” I nod in understanding.
“Great,” Easton says as we stroll back to Billie.
She grins, seemingly appeased, assuming he kicked me out. But when he tells her it’s been settled and that I’m staying, her expression darkens. My girl loses her cool. Easton grabs her wrist and pulls her to him to whisper something in her ear, trying to calm her down. He’s losing his patience, and I can’t help but notice the wandering eyes of other guests taking in the drama. When she glances back at me, I give her a smirk, knowing we’re playing on the same team.
To show respect to Easton and his request and to play the hand we’ve been dealt, I stroll out of the reception hall, wearing a cocky grin. I make my way up the grand staircase that leads to the second floor, which is full of exhibits that have been in this house since the 1800s. Museum staff strolls through the area to watch over the artwork and furniture, ready to share the history of each piece if asked. The silent auction items are also on display in each room.
“Sir, would you like a bid sheet?” a woman asks.
I take it with a grin, grateful for the distraction away from Billie. She looks so damn gorgeous, and I know I’ll need to avoid her for the rest of the night so I’m not tempted to touch or kiss her.
I enter the first room and notice an opal ring and earrings,surrounded by diamonds, on display, bursting with colors, like a kaleidoscope. The stones were handpicked by Lexi Calloway, and it radiates a magical allure. I smile, loving how Easton included Lexi in this project now that they’re married. Every member of the family designed a piece, showcasing their unique styles.