Page 344 of The Morally Grey Billionaires Boxset

Penny

"How can he think so little of me? Does he think I would stop him from adopting a child who needs his help? Why couldn’t he tell me earlier? Why did I have to find out this way?" I stare into the depths of my Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice-cream. It’s a classic, and one my mom loves.

After my father passed away, and before she started losing her mind, it was our ritual most Friday evenings—the one day she didn’t hold down a third job—when we’d share a tub and watch her favorite classic movies on TV.

My normal go-to for comfort is wine—don’t judge.

But the fact I turned to ice cream today shows how upset I am.

It’s one way I feel connected to my mother, but it’s also something I try to avoid, as it makes me feel so nostalgic, and that only makes me wallow in self-pity.

But today, I want to wallow. I want to roll around in my distress.

I want to squelch through all the emotions and bury myself in my misery.

A tear rolls down my cheek and plops into the ice cream.

I scoop it up, tears and all, and plop the spoonful in my mouth.

Tasting the slightly salty taste only makes me feel worse.

Which was the entire point… right? I sniffle, then hunch my shoulders. "I can’t believe he didn’t tell me."

"Maybe he thought it’d upset you more?" Mira ventures.

I’m in our flat and sprawled out on the couch wearing my favorite pair of fuzzy slippers and pajamas.

Good thing I didn’t take any of my old clothes when I moved in with Knight.

Not that I needed to, since he filled the closet in my room with brand-new clothes for all seasons, and with footwear to accompany it.

All my size, too. Of course, he must have had a professional stylist do it, but still.

He not only guessed my size correctly, but also the colors I like.

And the cuts of the clothes? They were perfect and flattering and always showed off the best parts of me, too.

It’s another sign of how thoughtful he can be.

Another thing that confuses me about this man.

"It’s upsetting me anyway. I specifically asked him if he had any more secrets and he—" I frown. "And when he didn’t reply… I thought there couldn’t be anything else.

And I understand why he’s doing it. Bobbie is his dead teammate’s wife, and he feels responsible for his family.

If he’d only told me, I’d have stood by him. "

"So, you don’t mind that he wants to adopt their child?" Mira asks slowly.

I shake my head. "The child doesn’t have a father, and the mother is not in any state to be their caregiver. I think it’s an amazing thing that Knight is doing. If only he’d trusted me enough to share."

"Maybe he was working up the courage to tell you, but his father beat him to it?"

I jerk my chin up in Mira’s direction, and she raises her hands. "I’m not defending him or anything. And you’re right to be upset with him. If I were you, I’d have done the same thing—"

"But?" I swallow.

"But—" She hesitates, then rises to her feet and begins to pace. "The guy loves you—"

"He’s never said so."

"He has feelings for you—"

"Not enough to trust me with his secrets, apparently," I say bitterly.

"And you love him."

I deflate. "Is that so obvious?"

"Both of you have a connection that’s clear to see. It’s the only reason to give him time to come around."

The intercom buzzes. We glance at each other, then Mira walks to the doorway and answers it. She speaks in a voice that’s too low for me to make out the words, then buzzes whoever it is in. She turns to me. "It’s Gio. I guessed you'd be okay with my inviting her up?"

I nod.

Mira opens the door, and a few seconds later, Gio enters. "Hey!" She greets Mira, then turns to me. "Thanks for letting me in, especially as I’m not the person you probably want to see right now."

I half smile. "You’re always welcome here, Gio."

Her features soften. She walks into the room, takes one look at my features and bursts out, "What’s he done now?"

I choke out a laugh. "You’re something else, you know that?"

She walks over to me in her six-inch heels, places her designer handbag and a paperback on the coffee table, then sits down next to me. "Mind sharing?" She glances at the ice cream.

I hand over the tub, and she takes a mouthful. She makes a humming sound and swallows. "Sooo good. I always forget this is my favorite flavor, until I taste it."

"Right?" I wipe away my tears. "And to answer your question, he hasn't done anything wrong—"

"Just wrong by you?"

I glance away. "I’m not sure."

"That’s my fault. I’m the one who thinks she should give him a chance, but I’m sure you think otherwise. Gio?"

Gio looks at Mira. "You think I’m heartless, don’t you?"

Mira rolls her eyes. She walks over, takes the ice cream tub from Gio, and scoops out a spoonful. "I didn’t say that. But I also know you don’t have as soft a heart as me."

"Those with the hardest exteriors hide the most emotions," she murmurs.

Both of us look at her. A frown appears between Mira’s eyebrows. "Beneath that ball-breaker persona you portray to the world, you’re a romantic, aren’t you?"

She scoffs, "I was talking about Knight."

"Hmm." Mira seems like she’s about to say something, then changes her mind.

"What?" Gio scowls at her.

"Nothing." Mira’s lips twitch.

I pull my knees up and rest my chin on them. "Did Knight call you again or—"

"I wrapped up work, wanted to hang out with undemanding company, so—" she raises a shoulder.

"Gee, thanks, you have a way with words," Mira murmurs.

"Oh, please, bitch, you know what I mean." Gio reaches over and grabs the paper bag, then pulls out a gold-colored package with a familiar brand-name of very expensive chocolate. Only the best for this woman.

"Godiva!" Mira cries.

"The only chocolate brand worth eating." She rips open the package, flips open the cover, then proceeds to drop a few of the pieces into the ice cream tub that Mira holds.

"Try that." Gio gestures.

Mira fishes out one of the ice-cream covered chunks, licks it off the spoon, then moans. "Ohmyfuckinggod, that is orgasmic." She swallows. "Not as orgasmic as some of the O’s that man has, no doubt, given you"—she stabs her spoon at me—"but I'll wager it’s close."

I chuckle, take the tub from her, and bite down on one of the chocolate-covered morsels. "Mmm, almost as sinful. Almost."

"Bitch," Gio says without heat. "I’ve resigned myself to being BFF’s with Steely Dan."

I choke on my next mouthful. "Steely Dan?"

“That’s what I call my vibrator.”

Mira blinks, “I don’t want to be gauche, but I still don’t get it.”

Gio blows out a breath, “Steely Dan is the name of a very famous Seventies rock band who named themselves after an oversized, steam-powered, strap-on dildo in William S. Burroughs' novel Naked Lunch.”

My jaw drops.

Mira’s gaze widens, "Jeez, would have never guessed you’re a closet nerd.”

“You mean, because I am well-groomed and love my designer brands, I shouldn’t have a brain?”

Mira reddens. “Sorry, that was presumptuous of me.”

Gio’s features soften. “You’re good. I quite like disarming people with my”—she points to herself—“looks and fashion-sense, and then I lower the book—I mean, the boom—on them.” She cackles.

“I think I’m developing a serious girl crush on you,” Mira says slowly.

“Aww honey, you’re so good for my ego.” Gio laughs. "By the way, came up with that nickname after a rather intimate session too. Steely Dan has made me come more times than I can count, and faster and harder than any man ever has…and I suspect, ever will."

"Hmm." I contemplate taking another mouthful of the gooey ice-cream. I shouldn’t, should I? Oh, what the hell? Besides, the ice cream is doing what I intended with the brain-freeze settling over me. And if it adds another layer to my plentiful behind, I’m not complaining.

And neither will he. Assuming I let him squeeze my flesh. Will I though?

"I’ll take your Steely Dan and raise you my BBF," Mira murmurs.

"You mean BOB don’t you?" Gio tips up her chin.

"Nope, I meant Book Boy Friend." Mira smirks.

"I’ll stay with Battery Operated Boyfriend, thank you very much," Gio retorts.

"BBF’s are superior."

"And imaginary."

"Don’t mock 'em 'til you try 'em." Mira scoffs.

Gio taps her chin. "I could, of course, take on a BBF and tag-team with a BOB."

Mira stares at her. "TBH, when you have a BBF, you don’t need a BOB."

"Next, you’ll be saying you’ve never wanted to try DP." Gio smirks.

Mira looks at her with speculation. "Something you wanna share with us?"

"Don’t mock it 'til you try it. Not that I have… Yet."

Mira and I exchange an amused look.

"You’re such a badass, I can totally believe you need a very special man—or men—to satisfy you," I tease.

She laughs. "Good thing I’m not in the market for one. Happy with my Danny boy, thank you very much. Also, we were talking about Knight and you."

I hunch my shoulders. "Not sure what to make of it. I’m a little pissed at his father for telling me something Knight may have told me in his own time.

But also, I can’t be pissed because I’m glad I know.

I think he’s doing the right thing, but I wish he’d just told me.

We could've found a solution together. I’d have stood by his side.

I’d have done anything for him, if he'd only let me. But the man doesn’t want to give me a chance. "

"I thought things were improving between the two of you," Gio says slowly.

When I glance at her, she shrugs. "Abby told Solene, who told me. We’re all concerned about the two of you. I know it seems like we’re all up in your business, but—"

"I like it." I smile a little. "I miss having siblings, and after my mother fell ill, I felt ungrounded, so it’s nice to know there are people who care about me."

Gio’s expression softens. "See, I would be pissed if I were in your shoes. I prefer to face things on my own. But that’s that darned independent nature of mine, which has gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit.

Not that I’m going to change or anything.

But that doesn’t change the fact that you are a sweetheart, and he doesn’t deserve you. "

"Hear, hear." Mira reaches for one of the remaining wedges of chocolate and raises it. "You’re not a complete bitch, Gio."

Gio laughs. "You’re not too bad, either."

"High praise coming from you." Mira grins, then turns to me. "So, you going to give him a chance to explain himself?"