Beauty and the Billionaire

“I’m sorry.” The words are so soft I almost don’t hear them. A weird-ass tightening feeling forms in my chest. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like it. That’s not the only thing happening though. My cock hardens too. Shit.

“You should be sorry. Stay the fuck out of my way.” She only nods her head before grabbing the last book from the ground. She still won’t look up at me. My irritation grows.

“Knox!” My sister, Faith, shouts my name. I turn to see her coming toward me. She looks pissed, and it’s directed right at me. I know Ace didn’t rat me out. It’s not his style. But she’s mad about something, and I prepare myself for whatever wrath she’s about to bring. It takes a lot to get her mad at me. But once she’s there, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

“What?”

“Don’t be a fucking asshole.” I raise my brows at her choice of words. Okay. She’s more than pissed if she’s cursing. “I didn’t take you as someone who picks on a girl who didn’t even really do anything to you. It was a damn accident. She’s freaking new and doesn't even know her way around here.”

Oh. I turn back to look at the girl that ran into me but she’s long gone. I can see her dark hair trailing behind her before she slips into one of the classrooms.

“That was too far.” Disappointment is written all over my sister’s face. Fuck me.

I’m on a roll today.

3

WHITNEY

Faith tracks me down after my next class. I knew it would only be a matter of time. I was so dang grateful when she came along. She got right in that guy's face, and she wasn’t scared at all.

Confrontation isn't my thing. It sends me running. More so when it’s a giant man on the other side of it. My mom was never good at picking a husband, and she had a lot of them over the years. The last one has been the worst of them all. I try not to let my mind go there. I have a new life now. I try to focus on the future and not dwell in the past.

“I’m sorry. Don’t mind my brother. He’s got his own issues.”

“Brother?” That was her freaking brother? He’s twice the size of her.

“Yeah. That’s Knox.” I’ve heard him mentioned a lot. Faith even told me the crazy story of how she and her twin were reunited years ago.

“You guys are really different.” I pull at the strap of my backpack. She snorts a laugh.

“We are. I really am sorry. I don’t want to make excuses for him, but he has a thing about being touched. It’s a bit of a trigger for him.”

“It’s okay,” I try to reassure her. She is not the one that should be feeling guilty over anything.

“I was actually wondering if you could come over after school.”

“I’m not sure. I think I might have to check in or something.”

“No, it’s fine. Mom told me to bring you home with me today.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth.

“Is something happening?” I ask, anxiety gnawing at me.

“Honestly, I’m sure it’s something, but she didn’t give me any details. Your situation is a bit different.” She reaches out, snagging my hand. “What’s wrong? Tell me why you’re turning white.”

“Please don’t make me go if it has something to do with my mom coming to get me.”

She stares at me for a long moment. “I promise.” She pulls out her phone and starts clicking away. “You’re almost eighteen. I don’t see why you should ever have to go back if you don’t want to.” Her phone dings, and she smiles. “All good.” I relax.

“Okay, I’ll come.”

“Cool. Meet me out front. We’ll ride with Ace.”

“Okay.” She takes off toward her class. My mind wanders, thinking about what Kennedy might want to talk to me about. I was going to ask if I could possibly get a job somewhere in town. I know Healing Homes owns a few apartment buildings. Maybe I could get an apartment. I’m not sure what the rules and requirements are.

I grab a seat toward the back of the class. A few people turn to see who I am. From what I’ve noticed, most everyone has been going here for years. Everyone knows everyone for the most part.

“New girl.” I look up to see a boy standing next to my desk. “I’m Charles.” He drops down in the seat next to mine.

“Whitney.” I give him a half smile and go back to doodling in my notebook to try and seem busy.

“Someone is giving me a back seat.” My stomach tightens, recognizing the deep voice. I lift my head to see Knox standing there. All the seats in the back are indeed taken. His eyes land right on me, zeroing in.