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“Don’t forget who my brothers are. I have to be this way to protect myself.” Seriousness covers her expression. “I’m asking you to trust me and leave this alone. If LadyLux wants to reveal herself to you, she will. Just be patient.”
Billie moves into her bathroom as she slides diamond earrings into her ears.
“You make her sound like the tooth fairy,” I say, following her. “Is it Weston or Easton?”
“No.” She gives me a dirty look in the mirror. “Please don’t ask me anything else. I won’t tell you. I can’t.”
I slide my arm around her waist. “Then I’ll discover who it is and decide if it’s worth exposing her afterward. I’m so fucking intrigued now.”
“Don’t piss me off, please.”
I shoot her a wink, kissing softly on her neck. “At least you used your manners. Just tell LadyLux if she mentions me again, she will be my priority once I take down Lustre,” I say, glancing at the preview of texts on my phone that are flooding in from Louis.
“LadyLux doesn’t listen to anyone. Not me. Not Easton. Not Weston. If I threaten her, she will make you the focus, and trust me when I say, you do not want to do that.” Billie turns to me, tracing her fingers across the tattoos on my chest. “And if I remember correctly, you’re supposed to be groveling still. So, you kind of have to do whatever makes me happy until the end of time.”
I burst into laughter, running my fingers through her hair, admiring how pretty she always is. “You play so fucking dirty,” I say, and she gently brushes her lips across mine.
“You have no idea.” She outlines the bird on my chest. “Why this tattoo?”
I gently grab her wrist, holding her hand against my heart. “It’s a phoenix. It represents resilience, strength, and rising from the pits of hell. I felt like I was dying when Eden passed away. I turned the pain into this. One day, I will have it colored in,” I admit. “When I finish my sister’s wish list.”
She smiles. “That’s so special. Did you read the letter Eden wrote me?”
“No. I couldn’t. I will soon.” I place my hand on her elbow, stealing a kiss.
“No rush,” she tells me.
“I already miss you,” I say.
She exhales. “We never have enough time together.”
“We eventually will. Have the best day, princess.”
Her face softens. “It usually is when I wake up next to you.”
“Same. Thanks for giving me another chance,” I tell her.
Billie interlocks her fingers with mine. “Please don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t,” I promise as she walks away. “If I want LadyLux to help with a takedown, how do I get in touch with her directly?”
Billie turns to me. “Regarding?”
“Insider trading, stock manipulation, digital espionage, design theft, contract fraud, money laundering, and sexual harassment claims regarding Lustre Fashion.”
Her mouth falls open. “You have proof?”
“I have the receipts. I need a trusted source to drop the story. She’s trusted if your entire family is protecting her.”
Billie shakes her head. “And what’s in it for her?”
“I’d personally protect her brand for the rest of my life.”
We hold a silent conversation, and she swallows hard. “I’ll speak with her.”
I close the distance between us, kissing her deeply, threading my fingers through her hair. Our tongues twist together, and she sinks into me.
Billie pulls away breathlessly. “What was that for?”