The Billionaire and the Runaway Bride

“I wasn’t talking to you. I thought that was super clear.”

“It was,” Declan says with a sigh that tells me he’s torn between murder and screaming. But there’s also a hint of amusement.

Regardless, I hope he opts for screaming. Murder is complicated, even with the best attorneys. I don’t think I can be his alibi, either, because Hae Min’s lawyers will be pissed if I perjure myself. Plus, Declan doesn’t pay me enough for perjury.

“Who the hell are you to talk back to me?” Ella screams, apparently focused on me for some reason.

“My name is Yuna, and I’m Declan’s assistant.”

I glance at the latte in my hand. I could throw it at her—coffee stains are a bitch to get out. But Ella’s Versace is from a collection that debuted three years ago. It’d just give her an excuse to update her wardrobe.

“Do you know who I am?” Ella says.

“I do now.” I wouldn’t want her to think she wasn’t special and start crying. Crying crazy women are harder to deal with than frothing crazy women.

“Are you Declan’s latest skank?”

“What is it with the people around here? I don’t think this Dior radiates skank vibes. It’s a classy piece from the latest collection.”

Ella takes a better look at my clothes, then swings her attention to Declan. “I cannot believe you bought that dress for her but can’t spare a little bit of money for my wedding!”

“He didn’t buy it. I did,” I say, but I don’t think she hears me from the way she’s breathing. It’s like she’s just climbed Mount Everest in heels. Mr. Choi, when I’m back in Korea, I’m going to give you a pay raise.

“You bitch!” Her face mottled with anger, Ella rushes at us. Which isn’t easy to do in high heels and a tight skirt.

Declan spreads his arms like a wall, standing between me and her, while I watch in lurid fascination.

Ella runs right into him, and ends up bouncing off and sprawling on the ground. Why didn’t she slow down or stop? Did she think Declan would blink and move out of the way? I mean, that would’ve been hilarious, too…as long as I moved with him. Because she would’ve slammed right into a heavy potted palm and probably knocked herself out.

Man, this is like American football! Except you do it in a mansion and in nicer clothes.

I clench my teeth to try to contain my laughter. But a small giggle escapes anyway.

“Are you laughing at me?” Ella starts to push herself up, then changes her mind and lunges on all fours. Her hand slashes out, and then she starts wailing. “My nails!”

I feel a stinging sensation on the side of my ankle. Ow. I take a few steps back. It better not get infected! Actually, forget infection. It’s a minor thing. But if there’s a scar? Ugh. I’ll nail her face to the wall with my stiletto.

“Stop hiding behind him and face me!”

“Just stop,” Declan yells.

“No,” I say almost at the same time. “I don’t face mad dogs on my own.”

“Mad dogs?” Ella says.

“Mad, rabid, whatever,” I clarify in case she’s dimwitted. “You’re literally drooling.”

“I deserve more money for my wedding!” Ella wails. “I need the dress of my dreams!”

“Why the hell would I pay for your dress when I don’t even plan to attend the ceremony?” Declan says.

He isn’t going to his sister’s wedding? Granted, she’s a half-sister, and she’s embarrassing, but I’m sure some sedatives will help control the excesses. In Korea, you would only fail to attend a sibling’s wedding if the other person was dead to you. And based on the tight set of Declan’s shoulders and his flinty voice, it looks like Ella’s deader than an ancient Egyptian mummy.

Ella’s face turns red, then white, then back to red. “Because… Because if you don’t, I’m going to sue this bitch!” She points at me. “She broke my nails!”

Is she serious? “You broke your nails scratching my leg. And I’m going to have you charged with assault,” I say with all the contempt I can muster. Eugene might have taken Ms. Kim and Mr. Choi away from me and frozen my account, but if Mom and Dad hear about the attack, somebody’s head will roll. Definitely Ella’s and maybe Eugene’s as well.

“What?” Declan immediately turns to me. “Are you all right?”