Page 6 of The Rebel Billionaire

She pauses, and I wonder if she’s going to say anything else, but she doesn’t. Instead, she exits, making her way down the steps.

Seconds later, the plane door slams shut, and the engines roar to life. I stare out the window as she climbs into the back of a vehicle with her henchmen, and it drives off.

Kris moves into the seat opposite as we begin taxiing up the runway.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I don’t know.” Staring at the manila envelope in front of me, I let out a sigh. “Ask me again in seven hours.”

“Can I say something?”

“Certainly,” I say.

“Remember, whatever anyone calls you, you’re still Harper Frazer inside. No one can take that away from you. Pen always said you have the heart of a lion. I can see why. You’re brave and resilient, with one hell of a tenacious spirit. Don’t forget that. Use it.”

“You’re basically saying, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” I sigh. “The only problem with that is I hate lemonade.”

Kris chuckles, and I smile as I appreciate what he’s trying to do. I also know he’s right.

“However, I do like lemon drizzle cake, and a gin and tonic with an added slice.”

“There you go.” His smile widens. “Even The Seamstress, whoever she is, said you’re resourceful. You’ve got this, Harper.”

“You’re telling me to make the most of it?”

“I don’t see that you have any choice. The path forward rests with you.” His expression darkens. “Life sucks, and we can’t always see beyond the hurt and pain. What happened to you isn’t fair, but life rarely is. Take it from someone who knows. From where I’m sitting, you’ve got two options. You can either embrace Brooke or reject her. It’s up to you to decide which works best for you.”

I stare at him for a moment.

“Why are you doing this?”

He smiles, his eyes never leaving mine. “Pen was never my destiny.”

“That’s pretty profound for a man who just lost his fiancée to another man.”

I don’t know why I’m pushing him. Maybe it’s to see if he’s genuinely on my side.

“Maybe, but I believe your brother is hers.”

For once, I have no answer.

“Let me ask you this,” he says. “If that’s truly what I believe, am I right or wrong in letting her go?”

“Lemon drizzle cake?” I ask.

“Exactly. I think you’re going to be fine.”

CHAPTER 2

HARPER

Asingle key rests in the palm of my hand. It looks sad, or is that just me projecting?

I draw in a breath and puff out my cheeks, releasing it with a whoosh as I slide the key into the lock and turn. It clicks, the sound loud against the eerie silence of the hallway.

Home-sweet-home.

I glance behind me at the door opposite, the one that supposedly holds my protection squad. Are they watching? Passing judgement? Ready to defend me with their lives, should I require it?