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Harper steps in front of me, urgency in her stride.
“I can’t believe this,” she whispers, her eyes darting around the room, still trying to grasp the scene unfolding.
“You didn’t know?” I ask, pulling out my flask as we wait. The familiar metal is cool against my fingers.
She takes two big gulps, her frustration bubbling over. “This is your fault. You know that, right?”
“Stop blaming me for your friend’s ridiculous choices,” I reply, rolling my eyes but secretly enjoying this.
“We had two options: outsell Lustre or Billie needs to find a husband. Guess she’s officially on plan B.” Harper glares at me.
“That’s a bit much.” I take another swig from my flask.
“Come on, Ash. If Billie unlocks her inheritance, Lustre will be done, and so will you.” She pauses, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Every girl dreams of becoming a queen.”
My gaze drifts back to Billie, and I picture her and Louis ruling a kingdom together.
The thought nearly chokes me.
Billie approaches us with Louis glued to her side, his hand resting possessively on her back. That smirk is still in place, and I keep my eyes on her until she looks away. Something primal stirs within me.
Our drinks arrive, and when Billie gets close enough to hug Harper, she does.
Then she turns to me, giving me the dirtiest look she can muster. I fucking love it—that fire in her eyes that says she’s ready for a fight.
Louis offers me a firm handshake, his shit-eating grin evident, as if he just won a game of chess. “Asher Banks. It’s been a decade.”
“Your Royal Highness,” I reply, giving a mock bow, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Good enough?”
Louis rolls his eyes, wrapping his arm around Billie’s waist and pulling her close—a move that feels like he’s claiming territory. But I’m not fully buying it.
“Why are you here?” Billie glares at me, her voice sharp like a knife.
“I’m questioning the same damn thing,” I retort, my eyes wandering down her body, taking in how her dress clings to her curves.
Weston approaches, squeezing my shoulder tightly. “Chill out,”he whispers, just loud enough for me to hear, his voice filled with concern.
He gives Louis a brotherly hug, and I finally unclench my fist and slip outside. Thank God I’m alone.
It gives me a moment to gather my thoughts as I chug my fresh drink. The cool liquid is refreshing against the heat of the moment. I set the empty glass on a table by the shimmering pool.
The water glows blue, and I try to calm down, knowing I can’t bash in the future king’s face at Weston’s penthouse. The optics would be terrible, even if Louis deserves it. That’s the last thing I need spreading around the internet. But, damn, it would feel good.
Moments later, I hear the patio door click closed, and I turn to see Billie walking toward me. Her expression is a mixture of determination and annoyance and something else.
“Go away.” I face her, crossing my arms over my chest, bracing myself for whatever storm is coming.
“No. Why are you here? You never answered my question—something you’re good at.”
“I’m here because you weren’t supposed to be. So, let me ask you the same damn question. Was that your plan? Say you weren’t coming just to flaunt the future king at your brother’s private party?” I give her a slow clap. “Round of applause for you. That’s clever. I’ll give you a point for that.”
She grins, mischief lighting up her eyes. “Thanks. I thought you’d enjoy it. So, we’re one to one. Got it.”
“We both know you won’t sleep with him,” I say.
“How do you know I didn’t before we arrived? Could be why I was late,” she replies, playfully tracing her swollen lips with her finger. Her cheeks flush lightly as an evil grin spreads across her face. Billie steps closer, her hips swaying with a confidence that makes my heart race. “See, that’s your problem, Banks; sometimes, you let your mask slip and?—”
Before she can finish, her heel lands awkwardly on the pavement, and she yelps as she tumbles forward. Time seems toslow as I reach out to catch her, but she pushes me back. Billie screams just before we both plunge into the bottom of the deep end of the pool. It’s sudden silence. My heart races, adrenaline flooding through my veins.