Page 32 of Black Tie Billionaire

“Your brother always brags about how smart you are.” Madison tsked softly. “Shay earnedthis degree. Shay graduated with honors from this program. So intelligent. And yet, when it comes to men, you’re so naive.” Her expression softened with a sympathy that was as false as her lashes. “What are the odds thatmyexwould turn around and fall formy new fiancé’s sister? A little too coincidental, don’t you think?” She chuckled, the sound taunting. “It’s almost pathetic in its transparency.He’s using you, Shay. Gideon still wants me, and you’re caught up in his little plan to make me jealous.”

Pain, serrated and ugly, slashed at her, the truth of Madison’s words the razor-sharp knife. Why did it hurt? She’d gone into this charade knowing the reason behind it. Gideon hadn’t tried to deny it. But reason had no place when humiliation and pain pumped out of her with every heartbeat.

Forcing her lips to move and her arm to lift, she waved away Madison’s barb-tipped claims as if they were petty annoyances. “I don’t see how any of this is your business, Madison. What is between Gideon and me is just that.Between us. Now if you’ll excuse me...”

She moved forward again. If Madison chose to get in the way, this time she’d find her ass meeting the floor. Thankfully, Madisondidn’t try to block her, and Shay headed toward the dining room with a smothered sigh of relief.

“Ask him who broke it off with whom. He hasn’t let go of me. If I wanted him back, Shay, he would be mine.”

Madison’s parting shot struck true. By sheer force of will, Shay kept walking.

But it was with a limp.