Page 113 of Misdeeds of a Billionaire

Jesus, how the fuck did he know?

But then his words from way back rushed to my mind. It was during one of my visits to his place in Canada. What were his exact words?I bet you a specific woman is demanding you stay out of her sight too.

He wanted me to get off his back, and the best way to do it was to hit me where it hurt. Except, how in the fuck had he known?

“Let me guess,” he drawled. “You’re wondering how I know about her.”

“It’d be nice to know,” I grumbled. “Considering it was only Winston who ever saw her, and he barely remembered her.”

Alessio chuckled. “She’s not exactly forgettable, but then Winston was busy getting wrapped up in her sister if I’m not mistaken.”

I shook my head. “I honestly never saw you much as a stalker.”

“You had to be in my profession or you’d end up dead.” He was referring to his days in the mafia, running drugs and gun smuggling through Canada. But like I said, those days were behind him.

“So how did you learn about her?”

Alessio shrugged. “I kept tabs on you. Honestly, I wouldn’t have picked up on her, but then you went and beat up the driver who ran into her.”

“The drunk fucker almost killed her.” Just thinking about it had a cold sweat forming under my skin. I had never been so terrified in my entire life. “He touched something that didn’t belong to him.”

My big brother didn’t seem bothered by the fact I had put the man in a coma. Okay, so he might have lost a few fingers and his face was all but unrecognizable, but he almost killed my woman. And I thought he killed my unborn baby.

“You don’t have to justify yourself to me.”

I scoffed. “As if I would.” My big brother had done a lot more than just beat up a fucker here and there. “Do you ever regret it?” I asked him, changing subjects abruptly. When he raised his eyebrow in question, I added, “Do you ever regret leaving all your businesses to just be a father and husband?”

He didn’t even hesitate. “Not fucking ever.”

We sat in silence for a bit while Kol busied himself with the train set I kept on hand for exactly these visits. He was right outside my office, but he left the door open and his small chattering voice traveled through the air. He still alternated between English and French a lot.

Kind of like my own son, come to think of it.

Chapter45

Odette

Standing in the changing room of the designer dress shop, I watched my reflection but couldn’t recognize myself.

I played the role he wanted. Except, I wasn’t happy. This world wasn’t for me, but I swallowed my protests and complaints, because I’d sold myself.

Jesus, I sold myself.

My only consolation was seeing Ares’s happy face. Whenever I fought the urge to pick up and go back to Villefranche-sur-Mer, I’d look at his happy face. It took no time for Ares to fall for his father’s charms. I mean, what was there not to like?

“How do you like the dress?” the salesperson asked.

I forced a smile. “It’s beautiful.”

And it really was. But it’d bring everyone’s eyes to me. It screamed of money, power, and that “look at me” vibe. None of it was me.

I didn't know Byron had scheduled me in for an appointment to be seen by this supposedly famous designer. I itched to text my sister and ask her to come back. But I didn’t. Instead, I smiled and nodded, accepting exaggerated smiles and compliments.

Byron sat on the couch in the lobby of the store, looking annoyingly sexy and entertaining Ares. He’d come home straight from the office, then dragged us here. His blue suit and tie were immaculate, his eyes darting my way every so often, as if to ensure I was being adequately flattered.

“Why are we doing this again?” I made a face. I hadn’t meant for it to come out so sharp, but I was tired and cranky. Billie would be in heaven right now. But I was in hell.

He smirked, unfazed by my tone. “I need to know you’re taken care of, and we need to coordinate colors.”