Love and War with the Billionaire

“Well, it’s not funny.” She lifted her chin. “No wonder you never succeed with anyone who has any sense.”

“Look who’s been bitten by the uppity bug.” Maddox pointed at her. “I’ll have you know that I’ve dated the likes of Savannah Carlisle, who is one of the most sensible and elegant women in New York.”

Mila faced him and sauntered a couple of steps closer with a satisfied smile on her lips. “That’s not what I heard,” she whispered.

His eyes flashed. “Well, you heard wrong.”

Mila didn’t respond and started to walk away when he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. She glanced from his hand to his face. “Let go of me.”

He bent low so they were nose to nose. “You’re dancing with me.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “Why? Remember last time? It didn’t go so well for you.”

He smiled. “I know a lot of men in there would like to get close to you. But I have first dibs.”

She resisted as he tried to lead her to the ballroom. “There are no dibs,” she snapped. “And I don’t want to dance with you. Or anyone.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Not even Jackson?”

Mila narrowed her eyes. “I’m not dancing with you.” She tried to extricate herself, but he wouldn’t budge.

Maddox got close again. As he held her captive, she stopped wriggling. “Think how happy your mother will be that we’ve reconciled.”

“There’s nothing to reconcile.” She felt the bite going out of her as she met his dark eyes. Part of her still wanted to resist but part of her was giving up the fight.

“Of course there is.” He let go of her arm and slowly moved his hand to her waist. “Imagine how much you’ll make Jackson squirm.”

“I’m not that type of person.” Even if she was still irritated, she had no desire to get back at him. “Besides, like I told you, we weren’t anything to each other.”

He lifted a shoulder. “Then make a statement to those pseudo siblings you’re inheriting.”

She rolled her eyes. “At what cost? I’m not going to pick a fight with them.” She was hoping to avoid them from now on. This wasn’t going to be her permanent social circle.

“Then consider this a way to make up for the last time.” He dropped his chin and bent closer.

Before she could respond, Mila realized he’d maneuvered her against the wall. With nowhere to back up, Maddox closed in fast.

His lips sealed tight against hers. She pushed against his solid chest, and he eventually relented. Once she was free, Mila smacked him across the face–again.

“Have you lost your mind?” she said.

Maddox flexed his jaw. He didn’t seem surprised this time. “It was worth a shot.”

Before she retorted, the door to the ballroom swung open. As a head appeared, Mila knew it was Jackson instantly.

Without a second thought, Mila grabbed Maddox by the collar and yanked him toward her. His eyes widened right before their lips met. Again.

Have you lost your mind?she repeated to herself. But it was far too late.

Mila tried to push him away quickly, but Maddox had already locked his arms around her and milked it for all it was worth.

He finally let her go and Mila opened her eyes–more slowly than she wanted.

Jackson and his fiancée had passed them, and Jackson slipped them a glance over his shoulder before they left through another set of doors.

Mila slumped against the wall once they were gone. Maybe she really was losing her mind.

Maddox straightened out his suit jacket. “I thought you weren’t that type.”

Mila tried to catch her breath. But it was only from anxiety and had nothing to do with the kiss. She had no idea what possessed her to do that. “You got what you wanted.”

“Oh, I’m not complaining.” Maddox thrust his hands in his pockets with a satisfied glimmer in his eyes.