Page 117 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I’m not that old,” he says, turning to scowl at me, until he notices the twinkle I know is shining in my eyes.

I like this Alex. He’s more relaxed, carefree. It’s like the past hour with Aubrey never happened.

“Favourite movie?”

He twists his lips. “Die Hard.”

“One, two or three?”

He growls, making my stomach clench. “One, of course. Bruce Willis versus Alan Rickman…it’s a classic.”

“I concur,” I say. “But is it a Christmas movie?”

“Ah, the ongoing debate.” He chuckles.

“Well?” I press.

“To me, it is. I only watch it at Christmas. It’s set at Christmas and takes place during the holiday season.”

“But the story is about kidnapping and trying to blow up a building,” I counter.

“So, to you, it isn’t a Christmas movie?”

“I didn’t say that. I’m just arguing the opposing view.”

“You’re being pedantic,” he moans.

“That as well,” I say, shooting him a grin that has him rolling his eyes.

We pull up outside my apartment building. It’s not run-down, but it’s nowhere near as salubrious as the one we dropped Aubrey off at.

“Thank you for the lift,” I say, unclasping my seatbelt. “And for allowing me to share in your family Christmas.”

“I’m not sure I was given much of a choice in the latter,” he says, raising an eyebrow.

“Sorry about that. Sophia is a force of nature.”

“Mother is definitely that,” he says. “But it was good having you there. Mother and Father were on their best behaviour. I’m not sure I’ve seen them sit together amicably for that long in years.”

“Yet they’re still together?”

“They love each other in their own sick and twisted way. They have quite different values, and it’s been a bone of contention between them for years. I think Dad was hoping by leaving, he’d force her hand to slow down.”

“Oh,” is all I can muster, surprised he’s sharing so much with me.

“Gabbi likes you. She’s had a hard time of it and has found herself caught in the middle. Not wanting to take sides.”

“I like her too,” I tell him truthfully.

“Just watch Enzo. He’s a flirt, but…”

“I have a brother exactly the same as Enzo. He’s still very much in love with Avril’s mother,” I say before I can stop myself.

“Beautiful and incredibly perceptive. You surprise me more and more every day.”

I drop my gaze, unsure he realises what he just said.

“The joy of being the youngest of five siblings. I grew up watching all their dramas unfold. No one notices the little sister in the corner.”