Page 75 of The Billionaires' Gamble

Shoot. I haven’t replied to my sisters or my mom since before we boarded the yacht.

I finish my sandwich, take a giant gulp of water, and pull up the group chat.

Mel: any news?

I drag a hand down my face. Where to start?

Kingston: We’ve got her. We’re at Pierce’s place on the island. Lucinda’s been arrested.

There’s a pause, and it feels strangely prolonged. I can imagine my little sister’s mouth hanging open in surprise.

Ava: oh my god

Ella: Her mother??

Mel: how’s Katherine?

I move to the front of the pool house and glance across the manicured yard. Katherine’s light is on. Is she laughing? Crying? Does she need a hug?

Ineed a hug.

A hug and an ‘I love you.” In that order.

Kingston: surprisingly good. Got into it with Lucinda but nothing broken. She’s with LaShonda right now.

Mel: how scary.

Sophie: I don’t understand. You’re saying Lucinda kidnapped her own daughter?

My eldest sister could never understand that not all families are like ours. Our parents have set such a lovely example from day one.

I hear Gabe shut a door, much more gently than his best friend. He didn’t have a good example either, from what I gather.

Kingston: wild, right?

Katherine’s light goes out, and my shoulders sag. I was hoping to get to say goodnight. Hell, I was hoping for a lot more than that, but I get it. She needs a bit of space. Maybe some girl time. Her life has been upside down and inside out lately. It doesn’t really matter that Alex and I are in love with her or that we’re committed to her and this newfound family dynamic.

Such wild changes are bound to put anyone into a tailspin.

For all I know, they’re in there eating popcorn and watching old movies.

Which sounds pretty good at the moment.

I pace back and forth in front of the double doors leading out to the glittering pool. If she wanted to, she would have come over to say goodnight. Which means she’s probably still overwhelmed, or maybe she’s even crashed already.

Shoving a hand through my hair, I sigh and turn toward the bedrooms. I should get some sleep. Just as soon as I put up the food and tidy the kitchen. Tomorrow will be a new day, and who knows what craziness awaits.

Two hours later, my eyes follow the wavy lines moving across the ceiling. Light reflects off the pool, glinting through the window, putting on a show. I’ve tried everything I can think of to fall asleep, but nothing’s worked.

It feels weird to be in bed by myself again, but I figured everyone needed a bit of space. Maybe that was the wrong call.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed and listen. The pool house is quiet. Does that mean they’re asleep or awake? At least if they were snoring, I’d have a clue.

We need a game plan. Or maybe I do. As far as I know, Alex and Gabe haven’t made up yet. We need to nip that in the bud before breakfast because we can’t go to Katherine and not be a united front.

I wish I knew what was going on in Gabe’s head. I guess the good news is, I have zero doubts about Alex. Dude’s solid as a rock.

Dropping to the floor, I do a round of fifty push-ups, hoping against hope the exertion will help tire me out and lull me to sleep. But once I’m finished, I’m just as restless as I was.