Page 7

7

BILLIE

P aparazzi meet me on Banks’s stoop like someone called and told them I was inside.

“Fuck,” I whisper, temporarily blinded by the flashes as I take the steps to the sidewalk.

I hold up my hand, blocking my face as I walk past them. Pictures of me leaving his house are the last thing I need circulating, especially if he’s working with Josh. I shake my head, pissed.

“Is it true you’re dating Asher Banks?”

“Absolutely not,” I state.

“But you went home with him?”

“You’re aware of what assuming does?” I glare at the guy, and I think he shivers.

I roll my eyes, then walk away, realizing I should’ve never spoken. Tomorrow, a video of me saying that will be splashed across social media.

I pick up my pace, thankful I only live two blocks away. I didn’t realize he was staying there again. Last I heard, he lived in his Upper West Side penthouse, but that was a few years ago. I don’t keep up with him because I genuinely don’t care. The farther he is from me, the better.

I’m sure he won’t stay in this part of the city much longer. He usually avoids me as much as I avoid him. Although that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

On my walk home, I text Harper, angrier and drunker than I imagined I’d be.

Billie

That was a mistake. He kicked me out of his townhouse. Paps were outside, waiting. What if that gets posted? Rumors are the last thing I need.

Harper

Wait. Back up. You went home with Asher?

Billie

Not because he invited me. I forced myself into his car.

Harper

OMG. Did you burst into his house too?

Billie

I pounded on his door, and he opened it.

Harper

Like an obsessive ex?

Billie

Funny, because that’s what he said.

I groan, feeling my cheeks heat.

Billie

I wanted to talk to him privately, but a woman arrived with food before I could, so I left.

Harper

Is he seeing someone? Only a girlfriend or a fuck buddy delivers dinner. What did she look like?

Billie

Blonde.

She was very pretty and seemed kind. Blonde. Petite.

Harper

Figures. To confirm, you didn’t beg?

Billie

I won’t. We should be able to have adult conversations without that.

Harper

You and Asher Banks have an adult conversation? NEVER!

Billie

That’s why working with him will be impossible, Harp. I’m sorry.

Harper

I vote you bang it out. Don’t underestimate the power of the pussy. It can make magic happen, trust me.

Billie

Now you’re whoring me out to my worst enemy? Thanks, bestie, but I’m not that desperate yet.

Harper

I’ve heard he’s huge, like porn-star big. I’ve heard some call him Asherconda.

I tuck my lips into my mouth when she sends me a snake emoji.

Billie

Harper. Shut. The. Fuck. Up!

The last thing I need right now is to imagine Banks’s gigantic cock.

Harper

I’ve also heard he’s very generous in the bedroom.

Billie

I’m about to come over to your house and kick your ass. There are billions of people in the world. Banks is the last man on earth I want to think about.

She sends a photo.

It’s a screenshot of his Instagram profile.

He’s shirtless, tanned skin glowing under the sunlight, standing in neon-green swim trunks and wearing Ray-Bans. He has abs for days with a dark happy trail that leads down to the sack in his shorts and muscular arms that are full of tattoos. The man looks like he was carved from stone.

Harper

You’re broken if you don’t think that’s hot.

My mouth suddenly goes dry.

Billie

I never said he wasn’t attractive. His personality ruins it for me.

Harper

They make mouth gags for a reason.

I laugh out loud.

Billie

Or duct tape.

Harper

There’s something between you. A spark. I saw it in your office.

Billie

There isn’t.

Harper

You’re delusional.

Billie

I don’t want a love prophecy.

Harper

I wasn’t giving one.

Harper’s known for predicting our friends’ relationships right before they get married. However, I’ve told her she can never tell me if I ever set off her Spidey-Sense. I want to fall in love unexpectedly.

Harper sends another photo. This time, Banks is surfing, his board cutting through a wave. Confidence oozes off of him.

Harper

It wouldn’t be the worst rumor to spread around. What if you leaned into it? He’d never expect you to do that. No one would.

I read her text message three different times, not sure how to respond.

Billie

If we’re not out of this by midnight on my birthday, I’ll start my fill-in husband search.

Harper

That won’t be easy. That’s next month.

Billie

Exactly. I’ll start my search.

Harper

Or you could give Louis a chance.

Billie

Prince Louis is an asshole.

Harper

Just your type.

Most men are intimidated or offended by me. I’m too assertive. Too pretty. Too rude. Too cocky. Too snobby. Too quiet. But still, it hasn’t stopped the stalkers I’ve collected over the years.

Thanks to my dad, I don’t care what anyone says about me. It’s their problem, not mine. I was taught how not to be intimidated by anyone .

I’m a man’s worst nightmare. I was trained to be ruthless. Josh and Asher are both aware of my upbringing. It will take two of them to destroy me.

Pathetic.

But Harper may be onto something.

Billie

Don’t stress. We’ve got this.

Harper

I know your Mensa mind will devise an infallible plan. You always do.

Billie

They’ll both regret ever starting shit with me. I will play to the death. Anyway, I just walked into my place. See you on Monday.

Harper

See you then.

I lock the door behind me and move straight to my bedroom, where I plug in my phone. I slide out of my ball gown and slip between the sheets, pulling the blankets over my head.

Asher’s speech plays on repeat in my mind.

“She desperately wanted to help those who wanted to make a positive difference in the world. Eden was the embodiment of people over profits and wanted the good guys to prevail. That’s now my mission. And I will honor her with everything I do, even if many of you don’t understand it at first. Eventually, you will.”

“That’s not fair,” I whisper, staring out the tall window of my penthouse bedroom.

Thoughts of him take over, and the sweet torture of it makes me a masochist.

How can Banks sleep at night, knowing he’s not keeping his word to his sister? She would never have supported Josh Lustre.

Hypocrite.

I’ve selflessly given the best years of my life to the fashion industry. I am the good “guy,” and Banks knows that. He stays up-to-date with the top companies worldwide. If any one person can bridge the gap between a brand being national or global, it’s Banks. He’s the supervillain.

His sister, Eden, liked me. She would have offered to help me. That’s just how she was—pure sunshine. Eden also loved my designs and believed in my vision before we were in the major leagues. Banks hasn’t stayed true to what she’d have wanted, and I’ll never forgive him.

While I’m having a pity party for one, my phone vibrates.

I stay where I am until the texts become a phone call.

“Leave me alone,” I mutter to myself.

When it doesn’t stop, I slide out of bed and grab it from the side table. Weston’s picture flashes across the screen and I answer.

“What?” I ask with a groan.

“Wow. What a way to greet your incredibly loving and caring brother.”

The background noise is loud. Music plays, and he’s surrounded by chatter.

“Rumor has it, you’re with Banks right now,” Weston says.

I roll my eyes. “I’m home, and I’m very much alone.”

“Blind item,” he mutters.

“What?”

“Photos of you leaving here together were posted.” Weston clears his throat and lowers his voice. “Josh is livid. He thinks you and Asher have something going on. Easton explained that wouldn’t happen until hell froze over, unless it has and …”

“Be serious,” I mutter.

“I’m asking,” he states. “Tell me the truth.”

“You asking is even more ridiculous.”

“Is it?” Weston doesn’t say anything for a few seconds. “I witnessed the two of you tonight with my eyes, sis.”

“So what?” I tell him.

“You … you had the look .”

I growl, “That’s absolutely preposterous.”

“I’d never forgive him if he hurt you,” Weston tells me.

“Aww, that’s kinda sweet. But trust me, you have nothing to worry about. Wow. You’re delusional, and I feel like I’m being gaslit by everyone when it comes to that asshole.”

“Yeah, I feel the same because I know what I saw. You’re my little sister. I only want the best for you.”

“The best isn’t Asher Banks, okay?” My thoughts wander.

“You have a type,” he says.

I ignore him. “Do you think it’s possible the paps were told to be at Banks’s? There is no way they’d follow us there.”

“You think it was planned?” He stays quiet. “A setup to control the narrative?”

“You’ve done it for years. Maybe this is part of his plan somehow? Why would he plant seeds of doubt about our relationship status?”

“I don’t know. It’s a genius plan,” Weston says. “I’ll find out.”

“How?” I ask.

“I’ll confront him,” Weston tells me.

“Do not do that. Seriously. ‘Never interrupt your opponent while he is in the middle of making a mistake.’ This could benefit me.”

“I’ll watch this play out your way then,” he says. “You’re up to something. Don’t make it personal, sis. ”

“It’s too late for that,” I mutter.

“Asher might not even work with Josh. He’s still contemplating it.”

I hear someone call his name, and he covers the phone and mutters something, but it’s muffled.

“I gotta go, sis. Read the Blind Item. Okay? I’ll be your ears and eyes the rest of the night.”

“And no confrontations,” I say.

“Agreed,” he tells me. “Night.”

The call ends. I flick open my web browser and type in the web address of the anonymous website where gossip is posted about the rich and famous. I scan over the last item submitted, and my heart races.

Blind Item #139

The diamond princess and the cocky billionaire marketer were flirting before the ceremony. After the nepo-baby award ceremony, they were spotted leaving together. He had also been seen leaving her office earlier this week. It’s rumored they hate one another, but there’s new speculation that they’re secretly dating.

I take a screenshot and text it to Harper.

Billie

Weston said Josh is pissed about this.

Harper

Yes! This is the best-case scenario. This may buy us some more time.

Billie

Harp, people will think we’re secretly dating, and then I’ll get zero dates. Eyes will be on us. Add the pics the paps got tonight. OMG. This could spiral.

Harper

Or the world could take notice of how many powerful men truly want you? Asher Banks. Prince Louis. Josh Lustre.

Billie

Do you think Banks planted this story for some reason?

Harper

I don’t see how it’d benefit him. He really doesn’t like you. He just likes to play dirty.

Billie

It’s a strategic move. I’m sad I didn’t think of it.

Who is smarter? Right now, Banks has me thinking about all of my options. I wonder if I’m playing into his hand.

Harper

You need to do something he’d never expect. If your normal answer would be no, maybe you say yes, and vice versa. He’s in your head already.

I hate that she’s right.

Billie

So annoyed. I should’ve never gone to his place. I made everything worse. But he doesn’t know me that well. Banks only knows my public persona.

Harper

Okay, but you have to admit, there has always been a vibe. Like you’d choke each other while you banged.

I swallow hard, and a small smile plays on my lips. It’s not something I’d ever admit. The two of us would be too destructive together. We’re two tornadoes traveling down the same path. I’m not sure people like us can ever truly find happiness.

Harper

I just hope you didn’t eye-fuck him, like you usually do.

Billie

I do not eye-fuck him, except for when he wears Dior.

Harper

Mmhmm. That’s the only time?

Billie

Why does he have to dress so well? Another reason why I STRONGLY dislike him.

Harper

Am I speaking to DB? Drunk Billie? Deb?

Billie

I love that you called my drunk personality Deb. I’m going to bed for real. Chat tomorrow. Night.

I lie on my back, staring at the ceiling, feeling my head swim. The champagne has taken over. As I drift off, I stupidly envision honey-colored brown eyes.

MONDAY MORNING

My alarm sounds, and I slide on a black pantsuit with my red fuck-you heels. I paint my lips the same color, brushing down my perfectly cut bob. It’s just past seven, and I stop by Roosters and order my double shot of espresso. As soon as I round the corner, paps are waiting for me. They snap photos.

“Hey, Billie! Thanks for what you do,” one of them says.

I ignore them, pretending they’re not there. I step inside the coffee shop, exhaling. As I take a step forward, I look over broad shoulders and dark, clean-cut hair. Then I smell the faint hint of his cologne. He hasn’t noticed me yet, and I know I could sneak out the door, but I refuse to change my routine for him. My headquarters was on this road first.

He orders, and just as he’s about to pay, he notices me from his peripheral vision. “Satan, wow. You got another pass to leave hell? Two in a row?”

The barista snickers, batting her eyes toward Asher. I get it. He’s attractive. I don’t give him the reaction he wants.

“Whatever she wants is on my bill,” he tells the cashier.

“No. Not necessary,” I tell her, then turn to him. “You’re not paying for my coffee.”

“I am,” he argues, then looks back at the girl behind the counter. “I am.”

“Absolutely not,” I argue, ready to tap to pay.

“Lady, let him buy you the whole damn store. You’re holding up everyone,” a guy rudely says behind me.

Banks smirks. “Everyone agrees. Now, please order your double shot of espresso that you drink every single day.”

I glare at him, then huff. “I’ll have a double shot,” I say.

As he pays, I move to the end of the counter to wait for my coffee. He’s the last man on earth I wanted to see this morning. Seconds later, Banks stands beside me.

“Why are you so close?” I ask, meeting his eyes.

“Because it makes you squirm.”

“You’re right. That’s what happens when a pest moves into your personal space.”

His eyes slide from mine down to my mouth. I hate how sexy he looks as he eye-fucks me from top to bottom.

“Take a picture; it will last longer,” I say.

“You’re absolutely right. Great idea ,” he says, pulling out his phone.

He leans in and snaps a photo of me and him together. He’s smiling wide, and I’m looking at him, confused.

I reach for his phone. “Delete that right away. ”

“No way, Ice Queen. Putting this on my Instagram now that everyone is matching us.”

“You think I did that?” I growl out. “I didn’t.”

A guy scoots past us and bumps us closer together. His hands are on me, steadying me. I look up into his eyes.

“You should really stop fucking looking at me like that,” he mutters.

“Like what?” I hiss. “You’re imagining things.”

His brows crease. “You’re in denial.”

“Of what?” I whisper.

“I don’t trust you,” he snaps. “I never will.”

“Black coffee and double espresso for Mr. and Mrs. Banks.”

He huffs and grabs his cup, and I reach for mine.

I lean over the counter and meet the barista’s eyes. “We are not married. That’s not funny.”

Banks walks away, thankfully, and I wait a minute before I step outside. To my surprise, he’s patiently waiting for me. So are the paparazzi.

“You called your friends to join us,” he says, pointing toward them. “Funny they weren’t here when I arrived. They’re following you . I wonder why.”

“This narrative about being with you is the last thing I’d ever want. It’s what my nightmares are made from.” My heels click across the sidewalk as I remove the lid from the cup.

A few seconds later, he’s walking beside me. I stop walking, and so does he. We stand in front of one another, and our eyes meet.

“What do you want?” I whisper-hiss, studying him.

His jaw clenches. “You knew exactly what you did last night, getting into my vehicle.”

“Explain it to me,” I state, trying to walk away from him before he fully encapsulates me and pulls me into his orbit.

He grabs my hand and doesn’t let me go. “You knew there would be rumors. You set up the pieces of this game.”

I stare at him. “You really believe I did this? ”

Something flashes in his eyes.

“What is it? What did you just figure out?” I ask him. “Whose game are we playing?”

“We can’t discuss this here,” he says, reaching for my hand and interlocking his fingers with mine.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I ask under my breath. “Let me go.”

He smiles, letting go of my hand and then wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He leans in, close to my ear. “The great thing about your fucking scowl is that you look the same whether you’re having the time of your life or not. No one knows the difference,” he says, nearly dragging me into my building.

We walk past security and move inside the elevator, where he lets me go. Banks takes a step away from me.

“Now who’s acting like an obsessive ex? Seriously, what has gotten into you?” I glare at him, my back pressed against the wall opposite him.

“If you didn’t do this and I didn’t, then who did?” He shakes his head. “Relationship rumors are fucking low. Scum-of-the-earth lies. Exactly what a Calloway would do. It worked for your brothers, right? A relationship scandal. I should’ve known,” he mutters.

I try to hold back a smile, but can’t as I glance away from him.

“Wow, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever witnessed you smile.” He checks his pulse. “Have I fucking died?”

“I’ve finally found your Achilles’ heel,” I say, overcome with pure joy.

“Really? Which is?”

I tilt my head at him. “ Me. ”

The elevator doors slide open, and I step out, happy I’m wearing these heels. Right now, I’m dressed to rule the world, but I’m a cutie about it.

Maybe Harper is right, and I can get whatever I want from Banks. Would that make me a bad person if I exploited his personal weakness? Maybe Banks could help me kill two birds with one stone—destroy Lustre and marry me.

I laugh and shake my head. The thought is hysterically ridiculous.

Banks follows behind me, and we go into my office. He shuts the door, moving in front of my desk.

I sit, and he stares at me.

“Do you want me to ruin you?”

“I’ll survive anything you throw my way,” I tell him confidently. “I always bet on myself.”

“I don’t think you understand,” he says, like a warning.

“I don’t think you understand. I don’t want anything from you. Ever.” I meet his eyes. “You’re doing this just so you can continue to humiliate me. Haven’t you done that enough over the years?”

He acts cocky as fuck. “You hold the power, Ice Queen. Give me what I want. Decisions have to be made.”

My lips part. “I’m going to say it for you very slowly, so then maybe you’ll be able to comprehend my words. Not no, but hell no. I’m not afraid of or intimidated by you. And thank you for confirming I hold all the power. I know I have the ability to get whatever it is I want from you or Josh or anyone. You know that too,” I explain.

“I will take pleasure in destroying your company and your huge-as-fuck ego. No corporation on the planet is too good for my help, but you’re the boss. Good luck, princess. You’ll need it.”

I stand firm in my decision.

The door swings open and I glance up.

“Good morning!” Harper says, moving closer and then stopping, glancing between us.

The tension is strangling me as I barely suck in air.

“Uh, did I interrupt something? Are the rumors actually true?”

“No,” I tell her, my heart rapidly beating. “Banks was just leaving.”

He stands, meeting my eyes. “Humble yourself, Little Calloway. And stop playing dirty before you get in over your head. I invented the game you’re playing.”

He adjusts his tie, moving toward the door. It clicks closed.

Harper stares at me. “What was that about?”

“He thinks I started the relationship rumors.” I shake my head.

Harper’s laughter fills the room. “If he didn’t and you didn’t, who did?”

“I don’t know, but when I find out who keeps posting these Blind Items about my friends and family, I swear I’m going to make their life hell.” I twist in my chair, staring at his office, watching his screen saver bounce across his monitor. “I think I’ve underestimated him.”

“And what will you do about it?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”