Page 167 of The Renegade Billionaire

I know they are, but it doesn’t make it any less painful.

By the looks of Grey, who’s still in his suit from yesterday, he hasn’t even been to bed.

“If you tell them,” Grey says from his perch at the island, “they have to play the part of pissed-off friends. There can be no slip-ups, Madi. Alistair will be searching for any weak links.”

“I trust them. I do, I trust them with my life. And if something happens in Happiness, I’ll need them.”

Grey peers down at his coffee, and Braxton tugs on the back of his neck. “I trust them too,” he says. “How quickly can they get here so Grey can prep them? He has more experience with the media than I do.”

Running my fingers under the elastic around my wrist, I stare at his right ear because I can’t look him in the eyes.

“They’re on their way, aren’t they?” he asks, but he doesn’t sound mad. If anything, he sounds relieved. “I’m glad you’ll have their support.”

“It’s probably not a bad idea to have Cian in on it too. At least we know he’ll protect her if anything happens.” Grey’s voice doesn’t carry the same edge to it today, and that worries me more than anything else.

“Protect her from what?” Savvy’s voice is loud and echoes off the high ceilings.

“Calm down, Rocky.” Grey smirks and I know he does it to irritate her.

In the hopes of keeping those two separated, I jump up from my chair and rush to my friends. I reach Elle first, and she hugs me so hard she squeezes the air from my lungs.

Cian enters the kitchen, muttering about knocking, and sets the infant car seat on the floor.

“What’s going on?” Clover asks. She’s even more fidgety than normal—it happens when her fears are in control.

“Braxton and I have to break up,” I blurt. The chorus of curse words and threats that erupt around me make my head spin. “Hold on,” I shout to be heard over my friends defending my honor. “Let us explain.”

I turn to Braxton, who wraps his arms around my shoulders and rests his chin on my head.

“I’m confused,” Savvy mutters. “What the hell is going on?”

I study each of their faces as Braxton and Grey take turns explaining what’s about to happen and what we’ll need from each of them. The expressions range from distrust to anger to fear, but not one of them walks away.

“For fuck’s sake,” Cian says when they’ve finished. “This is some right shite you’ve got here. You pulling Sage from school?”

“No,” Braxton says. “I spoke to Trevon this morning. There’s an extra room in the football house since their last kicker went home when he broke his leg. He’ll stay there with undercover security. We’ll also have security on Madison and Pops, but they’ll only be able to do so much.”

Savvy’s still cursing in hushed tones, but she’s listening, and that’s all I can ask.

“We’re hoping that by going back to California, the media won’t even have a reason to come here. But if Alistair brings the fight to Happiness in a petty ploy he’ll never win, we need you all on Madison’s side.” Braxton squeezes my shoulder more tightly, and I know he’s struggling to let go as much as I am.

“We’re always on her side.” Savvy flops down into one of the dining chairs and exhales loudly. “I did not have this on my bingo card today.”

“None of us did,” I assure her. “But I need you all. I’m stronger than I was, but when I think about all the possible scenarios…I’m scared.”

“Fuck.” Braxton’s body goes rigid behind me. I know my words cause him pain—we’ve already had this conversation, but I will always be truthful with him.

“I’m scared, but I’m doing this. Will you help us?”

Clover barrels forward for a hug and nearly knocks both Braxton and me over. “Always.” Her voice wavers, but she’spushing through her own fears to help me, and I love her dearly for it.

“Okay, tell me again what you need us to do,” Savvy demands.

Grey walks them all through the plan one more time, then we pile into our vehicles and head to the Chug.

My hands trembleas I put the key in the lock. It’s taken me twice as long as it took Chief, but as soon as I have the chain off, Braxton storms past me.

It’s just pretend. It’s just pretend,I silently chant.