Page 103 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I popped by to invite Brooke to spend Christmas with us.”

Her tone leaves no room to question or argue.

Alex turns to me. “I assumed you were heading back to the UK as you have a week off.”

“I…”

“She’s left it too late to book flights,” Sophia says, stepping between us, her tone once again leaving no room to argue.

“Fine,” Alex says with a shrug. “If that’s what Brooke wants. Although I can think of better ways to spend Christmas than with your boss.”

I’m not sure how to take his statement. Is he pissed off that his mother has ambushed him? I know I would be.

“That’s settled then. I’ll send Benjamin to collect you on Christmas morning,” she says, pulling her gloves back on. “Now I must fly. I’m meeting Clarisse for afternoon tea.”

“Have a lovely time,” I say.

She disappears as quickly as she appeared.

Alex stares after her, his forehead furrowed.

“Look, I’m sorry. If you would rather I didn’t attend, I can find an excuse. Come down with a cold or flu or something,” I say.

He turns to face me.

“Are you not going home? Going to be on your own?”

“I…”

“Answer the question, Brooke. A simple yes or no.”

“Yes.”

He shrugs. “Then the matter’s closed. You’ll spend Christmas at my mother’s, with my siblings and me. Gabbi is coming home. She’ll be happy to see you again.”

The tightness in my chest lightens a little. “If you’re sure. I really don’t want to intrude.”

“You won’t be. On Christmas evening, mother invites all the neighbours in. It becomes a large social gathering.”

My heart stops.

What? What is Sophia thinking?

She knows I can’t risk exposure. These may be people who know or knew my parents. People who may have met me. Maybe I can make an excuse and leave straight after dinner. Tell Sophia I need to call my family.

That won’t work. It’ll be the middle of the night in the UK.

“Don’t look so worried. You’ll be fine. Gabbi will protect you, drag you off to give you more of a third degree. She’s very good at making herself scarce at these events.”

As if that’s supposed to make me feel better.

Lying. It’s hard.

I hate it, especially around people I like. I’ve always been upfront, a straight talker. This constant stream of lies and half-truths turns my stomach. I like Gabbi, and in another life, I could have seen us becoming firm friends. But now…

I offer Alex a weak smile.

“Honestly, it’s not that bad,” he says, returning it with a brighter one of his own.