Page 63 of The Billionaires' Gamble

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I have hundreds of examples, but I think this one is the most pertinent. I want you to ask me a question, and I want you to listen to my answer.”

She reaches up, fingering the pearls around her neck. “What?”

“Ask me why I can’t marry Tyler.”

She huffs. “Probably because you think yourself in love with one of those fools who spent too much for a date with you.”

My smile broadens, confusing her. “Ask me.”

After an eye roll, she gives in. “Why can’t you marry Tyler?”

“Because I’m already married.”

22

ALEX

“You are not married!” Lucinda Montgomery’s shout echoes around the luxurious yacht and across the open water.

My team had almost beaten the Montgomery matriarch to the yacht, but while we were in a submersible, she’d arrived via helicopter. That added a bit of complexity to the plan, but nothing we couldn’t handle.

From my spot hidden along the lower-level deck stairs, I see the flush of fury in her chiseled cheekbones. The older woman is pissed.

One by one, my team reports in. It sounds like the yacht’s skeleton crew is below deck in their quarters, which makes sense because nothing Lucinda’s done is legal.

Despite that, my Katie Bird has never looked more beautiful and in control. For the first time in hours, I can finally take a proper breath. She’s alive and looks okay. The slight smirk as she delivered her lie makes me so fucking proud, and I battle back the rush of desire because now is not the fucking time. I’m waiting for the signal from my team that everyone’s in position and we have control of this beast.

Keep her talking.

As if hearing my silent plea, Katherine doubles down. “I am. As of last weekend. I tried to tell you at lunch yesterday, but you kept talking about Preston Shaw and Chase Barrett. You can expect the paperwork soon.”

Last weekend, we were in Paris.

“You’re lying! Oh my god.” Lucinda literally clutches her pearls. “Are you pregnant?”

I hold my breath, awaiting Katherine’s answer with keen interest. Now’s also not the time to think of her round with my baby, glowing from pregnancy, nesting as we expand our family. But the petty side of me wouldn’t mind seeing Lucinda’s head explode.

“No.” She nods to the men flanking the deck. “Have them give me my phone. I have pictures.”

That’s my girl. So smart. Obviously trying to find a way to communicate and send a call for help.

Hold on, Beauty.

There’s a moment of quiet where it feels like everything pauses and the world holds its breath. But the peace snaps like a rubber band, and Lucinda charges at my woman. My fingers tighten over the handrail.

“You little hussy!” She moves to slap Katherine, but Katherine’s arm shoots up to protect herself.

I bite my lips between my teeth to remain silent, but every cell of my body demands that I vault up onto that deck and intervene.

“Stop!” Katherine cries as Lucinda grabs a fistful of Katherine’s hair and yanks her toward the opposite set of stairs.

Adrenaline and rage swirl together in my veins. This is why I left King on the other boat with Gabe. He’d never be able to see something like this and not wait for the signal to advance. Waiting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s the right decision.

I lift my hand to ask my team to report in when a steady voice comes through the earpiece. “Bridge secure.”

At Katherine’s shouts, the sliding doors slide and Tyler storms out, calling for Lucinda to stop. It’s as good a distraction as any, and my team is in place.