Page 16 of Billion Dollar Vow (The Lincoln Brothers #4)

Oliver

I review the proposal for an upcoming auction piece on my computer.

I’m picky about what I choose… Originality, inclusivity, and texture matter to me.

Some have thick, bold brushstrokes; others are smooth and flat but still pull me in.

It’s not just about how it looks. It’s about how it makes me feel.

My desk phone rings. “Cora?” I say when I answer.

“Ray is on the phone,” she explains.

I sit up straighter. “Thanks. Transfer him now.”

“Mr. Lincoln,” his young voice greets me quietly.

“Ray, do you have some good news for me?”

There’s only one reason he’d be calling.

“I have a new painting from the anonymous artist.”

I glance at my Rolex. I’ve been distracted and unable to focus since Karley left. “I’ll be there shortly.”

I hang up and finish reviewing the proposal before heading over to Cora’s desk. “Hi, I need a few things done urgently.”

“Yes, sir,” she replies, turning her full attention to me.

“I’ll be at The Lincoln School of Art to pick up a painting. And this weekend, I’m heading to Vegas.” I’m really doing this. Rushing into a fake marriage, which, until recently, was only a hopeful plan.

Her eyes widen, curiosity etched on her face. “You are?”

I clear my throat. “I’m getting married this weekend.”

Her hands freeze over her keyboard. She stares at me, mouth parted, clearly stunned. “Married? This weekend?” She shakes her head slightly. “Mr. Lincoln, I’ve managed your calendar for years, and I didn’t know you were seeing anyone seriously.”

“It’s complicated. But right now, I need you to arrange a private appointment at Winston’s Jeweler, book the jet, and handle accommodations with a return flight on Sunday.”

She clasps her hands and her smile widens. “And who is it?”

My lips naturally curl as I think of my blonde, feisty fiancée. “Karley Maddox.”

“Oh, you two have known each other forever. I saw the way you looked at each other when she came in. I’m so happy for you.”

It couldn’t have been from me. Sure, she’s stunning, but I don’t look at her any differently than anyone else.

And she couldn’t have read anything in Karley’s eyes other than annoyance.

When she looked at the gallery, her eyes lit up, but toward me, they dimmed.

But I don’t ask Cora to clarify because all I care about is that we look like a real couple.

“And I need you to come and be a witness.” Cora keeps my professional life running smoothly, so dragging her into my personal life crosses a boundary I’ve always maintained. Still, I have no choice. I need someone I can trust.

She blinks in surprise as her hand touches her scarf around her neck. “Um...”

“I’ll cover everything for you and your family. Make it a weekend trip on me. I just need you to sign as a witness.”

She’s married with two kids. Paying for a holiday is the least I can do, considering I’m dropping this on her last minute.

“And to get photos,” she adds. “But… why isn’t your family going?”

“I don’t have time to go into the details right now. I need to meet with Ray, but I’ll brief you on everything when I return.”

“What about dinner?” she asks.

My mind immediately flashes back to the other night, quietly sitting with Karley on the sofa, eating toast.

“No, I’ll handle it.”

Karley is different. She doesn’t care for fancy dinners or over-the-top gestures.

Simple things make her smile, and I plan to show her how grateful I am for what she’s doing for me.

The money was easy to transfer, but making her happy is more important.

Which is an unfamiliar feeling for me. In business, in relationships, even with family, I’ve always controlled my emotions, so this urge to care for Karley is strange.

It’s not just because of the favor she’s doing for me, though that matters.

It’s the way she carries so much without ever asking for help, like she’s afraid to need anyone.

Maybe it’s guilt, or maybe it’s something else…

but there’s a strong pull to take care of her that I can’t shake.

I want to be the reason she feels like the world isn’t always taking from her.

“Book the Bellagio as the accommodation,” I instruct. Remembering the Fine Art Gallery they have there.

“Okay, anything else?”

I shake my head, stepping away from her desk. “Nothing for now, but I’ll call if I need anything else. Otherwise, I’ll see you in Vegas tomorrow.” Unease swirls in my chest, so much depends on this working for not only me but for Karley too.

“Yes, sir,” Cora calls back.

I walk out of my building and get into the car, making my way to buy another painting.

I approach Declan and Karley’s brown brick condo, already anticipating the inevitable brotherly warning from Declan, as if I haven’t heard it before.

He’s going away to Florida to view the new house this weekend, so we didn’t have to tell him about Vegas.

If he knew about our trip, he’d insist on coming along, or worse, try to talk Karley out of it.

“Hey, man,” I call out as he opens the door.

“Hi,” he replies, stepping aside to let me in.

His brow furrows as he looks me over. My outfit is a simple black t-shirt, blue jeans, and shoes. It doesn't scream, we’re going to Vegas to get married , but he’s definitely assessing me.

I step inside, and my eyes immediately dart to the black suitcase by the door before shifting back to him.

The temperature in the room drops when his icy eyes gaze at me.

“She said you two are going to live together?”

A lump forms in my throat, unprepared for this conversation, and so I say the first thing that pops into my head. “Yeah, we need to for a short while. She’ll be in one of the spare rooms. We’re grabbing the rest of her stuff this weekend.”

Declan runs his hand through his hair. “The more I think about it, the more I don't like this.”

“It’s only for a few weeks. After that, she’ll be free to move out into her own place,” I reassure him, even though I don’t have a specific end date.

He nods. “I’m glad she’s taking your money to buy property. It makes me feel better knowing she won’t be renting.”

“Can you stop talking about me as if I can’t hear you?” Karley’s voice cuts in.

I see her at the door, in light gray sweats, white Chucks, her hair up, and a big frown that hides her blue eyes.

Something unexpected aches in my chest at the sight of her.

I have to swallow a laugh as I watch her grab her suitcase with a huff as she enters the room, pausing beside her brother.

As I grab the case to take it to the car, I expect her to throw her independence at me, but I’m grateful she accepts my help.

When I try to move it and struggle, I see why.

What the fuck has she got in there… Weapons?

“Declan, I’ll be fine,” she says, patting her brother on the chest. “Oliver won’t let anything happen to me. And if he does, I give you full permission to kill him.” She turns her head and winks at me.

I chuckle softly.

“Focus on your relationship and your new house with Armani,” she tells him. “I’m planning to visit during the holidays, so you better get a room ready for me.” Karley opens the door.

“Fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” he says, his arms folded across his chest.

With a quick nod, she heads off to the car without looking back.

I dip my chin and head out the door, dragging her case.

The driver takes her suitcase, and she slides into the back seat. I climb in next to her.

“Are you ready?” I ask. This isn’t how I’d imagined my wedding day: sitting beside my best friend’s sister who barely acknowledges me, both of us tense with uncertainty.

“Not one bit,” she replies.

I can’t have her back out, so I get her focused on what she wants.

“But when you're sitting in your mortgage-free dream house, will you be okay with this?” I raise an eyebrow at her.

“I won’t care about any of this,” she says, and something heavy settles in my stomach.

It’s clear she doesn’t see this as a real wedding, and neither do I.

Except, I think about how traditional my parents and grandparents were—married first, then kids.

Even though this isn’t real, there’s a part of me that feels guilty for not doing it the right way.

But I’ll make it up to them with my next marriage, and they’ll never have to know about this one.

I’ve already planned that when the time comes for annulment, I’ll ensure the records are sealed.

A few minutes later, we’re on our way to Winston’s.

“You’re actually going to waste money on a real ring?” she asks, side-eyeing me.

“I can’t exactly get you a Ring Pop.” I smirk.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to a cherry one,” she replies her expression matching mine.

A small laugh escapes me. “No. If this is going to be believable, I’m buying you a nice ring.”

“Will you want it back afterward?”

I hadn’t considered the ring beyond getting one that looks convincing. The idea of asking for it back doesn’t sit well with me after what she’s doing for me. The car rolls to a stop. I unbuckle and twist my body to face her. “No, it’s yours. So, pick a design you like.”

She shakes her head, peering at the shop through the car window with a sigh. “This is such a waste of money.”

“Nothing I do for you will ever be a waste, so get over it and get your sexy ass out of the car so I can get a fiancée,” I say, gently nudging her with a grin.

The driver gets out first, and before he can reach her door, I step out on my side.

I circle around the back of the car, reaching her door just as the driver opens it.

I hold my hand open for Karley. She takes it without hesitation, and for a moment, my heart skips a beat.

But then she quickly drops my hand, and I run it through my hair, confused by the reaction.

What the fuck was that?

“You don't have to do all of this. It’s not official yet.”