Page 118 of The Elusive Billionaire

Cian and Brax step closer to Grey—an army ready to step in, but I gently tell them no with a tiny shake of my head.

Riley’s glare continues to burn holes through my soul.

“Say what it is you think I owe you before my friends come in here and escort you out.” I’m only giving him this courtesy to try and save the people I love from any of his retaliation tactics that I know are coming.

He reaches behind his back. Grey instantly calls out and lurches forward, but when Riley retrieves a piece of paper from his back pocket, Brax and Cian hold him back. Riley stares at the paper for a long moment—long enough for sweat to trickle down my spine, unease snaking around my ribcage.

Then he tosses it onto the island, and when it lands, the air in my lungs cuts like shards of glass.

I’m reaching for the paper as my eyes burn with unshed tears.

It’s a save-the-date card for Paige and my brother’s wedding.

Pain slashes through my chest. You’d think after a lifetime of betrayal, I’d be stronger or more resilient, but this proves the walls I’ve built are made of straw. “I—I don’t understand.”

“It would be a shame if Austin were ousted as a dirty cop and Paige was once again left broken and alone, don’t you think?”

“Are you threatening me?” I hate how small my voice sounds.

“Call it a premonition.”

“A—Austin isn’t dirty.” I know that in my soul. He may not have believed me, sided with, or stood by me, but he’s not dirty.

Riley shrugs. “Hypothetically speaking.” He glances behind himself at my loved ones, crowded together to keep an eye on me. “Money speaks louder than actions. Everyone in this house knows that.”

He continues to stare at someone, and when Clover shrinks behind Cian, I know it’s her. My hands clench at my sides with every painful accusation I want to hurl at Riley.

“I heard poor, delicate Clover had some…unexpected gifts,” Riley says, and fire burns through my system, roaring and racing to cut him off from my friends—my family.

“What did you do?” I seethe.

“Who? Me?” His fake innocence makes my head explode. “Nothing, Sin. Clover writes some pretty fucked-up thrillers that have a, shall we call them, obsessive fanbase, and your little town here likes to spread gossip like melted butter. But I will say this,whoeverdoxxed her information must have known this was a…possibility.” I can tell by his smug expression that it was him. “Shame about Madison’s ex too, though I’m too late to enjoy his particular brand of…love. So much…pain in this little town of Happiness, don’t you think? It does always amaze me how easily people are willing to give up information if the price is right.”

He’s bribing someone for information on me and my friends. I know it. It’s how he works, but I can’t give him any kind of reaction, or he’ll pounce.

“I’ve heard enough,” I say.

He slaps both hands onto the island. “You haven’t heard anything yet. You are mine, you slutty little sea witch. You’ve always been mine, and you will always be mine. Mine to ruin. Mine to shame. Mine to destroy.”

He stands to his full height, but Grey is shifting his weight from foot to foot behind him, and I know he’ll only hold out a few more moments before he barges in here.

“But, Sin, I’ve grown.” God, his voice takes on a slithery edge, and goosebumps erupt on my arms. “I’ve had plenty of time to think and plan, so I’ll give you a choice.”

An indelicate scoff escapes me, and he narrows his eyes as though he’s already thinking of punishments for the infraction.

“You can either come home to Vegas and be my mine, or I’ll stay here and ruin everyone and everything you love.”

That’s not a choice—it’s a death sentence.

“Why did you show me Austin and Paige’s save the date?”

His snarl curls into a cruel smirk. “Because Austin wants you to finally step up and take accountability. He wants you at the wedding, but only if you can make amends for your wrongdoing. Paige’s family, of course, wants nothing to do with you, but as his best man, I’ve promised to keep you in line.”

“Best man?”

His mask slips, and I’m face-to-face with the demon he holds inside. “Didn’t you know? Austin felt so guilty over your lies that he’s come to visit me every week. Over ten years, we’ve formed an unbreakable friendship.”

“You’ve manipulated him into a friendship, you mean.”