Page 128 of The Renegade Billionaire

“Fuck,” Grey curses. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Mm-hmm.” Then Pops turns a stern glare my way. “And you. You been sleeping with my grandbaby?”

“Good luck,” Grey calls over his shoulder. “That’s for leaving that present on my desk.” I try not to laugh as he shuffles out of the house, slamming the door on his way by. I guess he didn’t find the box of extra-small condoms to be as funny as I did.

“Well, Pops. She is my girlfriend.”

“That so? I don’t remember you asking my permission.”

Cian snorts but makes no move to save me.

“I thought I only had to ask permission for marriage.”

“Well, what the hell you got a girlfriend for if you’re not looking to marry her? Don’t go fucking around with my grandbaby, boy. I don’t care how friendly I was with your granddad, she’s my priority.”

“I’m not,” I say with hands raised. I’ve never seen this fiery protective side of Pops before, but I knew it was in there.

“So you are lookin’ to marry her then.”

“I, well, we’ve only been dating for a week, Pops.” Tugging on my collar, I have the urge to blow cool air down my shirt.

“When did you know you were going to marry Elle?”

Cian stands up straighter, suddenly not looking so pleased with his decision to stay for this conversation.

“You know how that went down, Pops.” Cian’s face flushes. At least I’m not the only one in the hot seat.

“When did ya know?”

Cian curses out the side of his mouth before looking right at me and saying, “I knew I’d marry her on our second date, but I was young and an idiot.”

“I married Madi’s grandma after three dates. You know when it’s right. So I’m asking ya, is it right?”

I’m having a hard time swallowing, and it’s hot as balls in here. Sweat gathers at the base of my neck, making me itchy. “I mean, it feels right.” I scan the room, searching for a tissue and wondering if I can crack a window without being suspicious about it. “But I’ve never had a girlfriend before. We’re taking it slow, I guess.”

“And sleeping in her room is taking it slow?” Cian’s smirk makes his eyes squinty, but I’m past being intimidated by him. The guy is as soft as a teddy bear.

I practically hiss in his direction. “You’re supposed to be on my side here.”

“Nah,” he says flippantly. “We’re all team Madi in this town.”

“Good,” I say. “She deserves to have everyone on her side. But I think she wants to take things slow too. We’re just…getting to know each other.”

“By sleepin’ in her room,” Pops muses. At least his lips are starting to curl at the corners. “Well, are you giving the hatch a cover?”

This is one of those moments in my life when I feel the need to search for hidden cameras. “Ah, what?”

Cian chokes on a laugh.

“Rolling on the overalls.” Pops is fucking with me. I can see it in his ruddy cheeks, but I have no clue what he’s talking about. “Outfitting the old chap.”

Heat spreads through my body as he directs weird rapid-fire words my way.

“Donning the safety suit.” Cian howls.

“Suiting up the rooster.” Pops’ entire body is bouncing with each word.

“Loading the cannon cover.”