Page 158 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Kat’s still in surgery. She’s going to call when she’s out.”

“Well, let’s get this cleared up, and then we can find something to do until they call.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks.

“Do you have any board games?” he asks, and I’m glad he’s turned away.

“Er, no. I have a pack of cards. Do you play poker?”

“You play poker?”

I chuckle. “My older brother and his friends played while I was growing up. Little sister, watching and learning in the background.”

Alex inclines his head. “Did you do that a lot? Watch and listen?”

“Taught me everything I know,” I say.

“What’s the age gap?”

I think back to the details The Seamstress gave me, but I decide to tell the truth.

“Seven between me and the next youngest, and thirteen between me and the eldest. I was the bonus baby my parents weren’t expecting.”

He doesn’t press me for more details. Instead, we continue to clean up the dinner in silence.

Once everything has been put away, we move to the sofa.

“You don’t have to stay,” I say.

“Are you trying to get rid of me, or are you afraid to play me at poker?”

His eyes sparkle, but I can’t miss the question in them.

“I just don’t want you to feel you have to babysit me. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“Let me make one thing clear. I don’t do anything I don’t want to do. I’m thirty-nine years old, and I’m way past people-pleasing, although I’m not sure that was ever in my MO. Therefore, if you want me to leave, you have to tell me. If not…it’s poker.”

“Poker it is…”

CHAPTER 48

ALEX

Iroll over, grimacing at the crick in my neck. Sleeping on a couch is not conducive to good physical health, certainly not at my age. Pushing myself upright, I stretch, rewarded by several satisfying pops.

It’s still dark outside.

A noise catches my attention.

I get up and move towards Brooke’s bedroom door. The noise is coming from inside.

I knock lightly. No answer. I knock again, with the same result.

A desperate cry has me opening the door and stepping inside.

She’s lying on her bed, shifting restlessly beneath the sheets, her breath coming in short, rapid bursts.

I cross to her, sweat glistening on her skin in the darkness.