Page 85 of The Renegade Billionaire

Greyson’s mind is working. Not only does he know and retain every bit of information that could ever benefit us, he also has the uncanny ability to guess my father’s actions before he makes them.

Something tells me he wasn’t expecting this though—a hunch that’s quickly confirmed.

“This is not the route I expected him to take,” he spits out in frustration.

“It’s not your fault you couldn’t predict the actions of an unpredictable asshole.” I say the words even as I see them fly over his head. He believes this is his failure.

He rolls his lucky coin through his fingers, over and over again, the motion almost soothing. “I was convinced he’d come after you.”

Madison makes an uncomfortable noise, and Sage inches closer with a shrug. “We all grew up in this mess. It’s a lot to take in for a newbie.” He comforts Madison while Grey continues to pace and roll his coin.

Greyson is in his own world right now, where he’s running probabilities and scenarios as though he’s a freaking computer program.

He stops short and finally appears to see the room for the first time. “There’s no way Alistair isn’t behind this. If he went after Sage and your brother, that means he’s willing to take down everyone in your family.”

“What would that get him though? There’s no way Ace didn’t set up his will specifically to keep him from getting anything—especially if the rest of us don’t accomplish his goals.”

The coin goes around and around.

“He must be so sure of his success in New Mexico that he’s willing to sabotage everyone else. He’s always been shortsighted.”

“So that means he’ll do something to you too?” Madison tucks her feet beneath her on the loveseat, making herself even smaller.

“He’ll try,” Grey says flatly. At least he isn’t snapping at her anymore.

“We’ll protect him,” Madison says with a forcefulness that surprises me.

Grey snorts, and Sage chucks a throw pillow at his head.

“You’re going to protect him how?” Grey tilts his head as though he’s studying an exotic animal instead of an incredibly kind and beautiful woman.

“Does he know where you are?” The corners of her eyes tighten, and fear has her voice pitching higher.

Fear for me, I realize. She may not be willing to admit it yet, but she cares for me.

“No, sunshine,” I keep my voice calm. “I messed up and said I was in Georgia, but not what town.”

“And I left my plane in New York. We chartered a smaller plane to get us here.” Grey finally takes a seat on the sofa—but I know him. He’s cataloging every movement, every gesture between Madison and me.

“You have your own plane?” she blurts, then wildly waves her hands in front of her. “Sorry, that was, I’ve just never, wow.”

This time Grey’s lips twitch at the corner. It isn’t a smile per se, but it’s close.

“Okay, good then.” Madison stands and claps her hands together. “Well—” She bursts out laughing. Was this all too much for her?

Slowly I approach her, and when I place a hand on the small of her back, she stands upright.

“Don’t you get it?” She can’t control her laughter. She’s the fresh air after spending too long in a city.

“No, sweetheart. I don’t get it. What’s so funny?”

Behind her, Grey flashes Sage anI don’t knowhand gesture.

“We’re going” —giggle—“to hide you” —giggle—“at the Hideaway Inn.”

Okay, so she might be a little punch-drunk, but she does have a point.

Grey leans forward and steeples his fingers. “She’s not wrong. Your father knows you have investments outside of Omni-Reyes. He’s never going to come looking for you in some run-down inn.”