Page 63 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set

In a moment, though, the anger will emerge. The only question is whether it will be directed at me or at Austin.

Except it’s not a question at all.

I hold my breath and wait.

Dad releases me, and his dark eyes burn into Austin, who’s standing next to me. “What the hell is my daughter doing with you? Carly, did you spend the night here?”

“With all due respect, sir,” Austin says, “that isn’t your business.”

Miles shows up then, fully dressed and his concerned gaze on Austin. He says nothing.

Chance rubs at his forehead as if someone just split it open with an ax. He wasn’t happy the last time Austin had his hands on me and he’s clearly not happy now. “Jesus Christ, Austin.”

Chance is the least of my worries because my dad’s about to freak.

Here it comes.

Before I see it, I feel it. My father’s rage.

“The hell it’s not!” Dad advances on Austin, poking a finger into his chest.

But Austin stands his ground and he grabs my hand. My dad’s practically breathing down his neck and he’s taken my hand to reassure me.

I swallow. “I’m a grown woman, Daddy.” I clear my throat and speak louder. “I’m sorry about breakfast. I didn’t mean to miss it, but—”

“Did you forget why we were going to have breakfast together?” Dad demands. “To talk about the Bridgers and why I think you should stay away from them.”

Austin drops my hand. “Carly?”

I gulp audibly. “We were to talk about Jonathan Bridger and why he took our land.”

“They’re all Bridgers,” Dad counters, glaring at Austin.

Here I am again, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Daddy and Austin.

Daddy, who’s protected me—or tried to—his whole life.

And Austin, who I’ve known for less than a week, but who has shown me I’m still desirable, still able to feel. The ache between my thighs is a reminder of that.

My choice should be a no-brainer.

But it’s not.

Not even slightly. Because Austin said that once he took me, I was his. I was already naked when he told me that. He didn’t have to proclaim it because having sex was a sure thing.

Therefore, he meant it, even though I’m clearly fucked up and have a fucked-up family.

Even so, I love my father, but I also…

No. It’s not possible that I love Austin. It’s too soon. Sex isn’t love.

But Austin was so caring, so willing to do whatever I needed. He’s not standing down from my dad, willing to face his anger head on. He’s not interested in a one nighter because what man would face my dad otherwise?

And now? I’m not interested in only one night either.

I can’t—I won’t—give Austin up. Not because he knows how to do things with his tongue that are probably illegal in some states. Or that he makes me feel alive. Feminine. Pretty.

He makes me feel whole for the first time in…years.