CUZ: Billionaire Stepbrother Romance by Brandi Louis Read Free Book Online Page A

necessary.
    “Hold on,” the club owner said. “Leave him be. They were just leaving. He bought her freedom.”
    Ash was still in shock herself when I grabbed her hand and led her out of the office and back down the hallway toward the front of the club. The image of her going down the same hallway on a nightly basis and stripping on the stage crossed my mind, but I found myself rationalizing her behavior.
    “Where are we going?” she asked weakly.
    “Out of here,” I said. “You’re safe now.”
    “Josh, I’m so sorry.”
    “Don’t be. It’s okay.”
    When we made it outside to my car, I got her into the passenger seat in the front. Closing the door, I looked back toward the club to make sure no one had followed us outside. The coast was clear, so I walked around and got in the driver’s seat. As I started up the car, I noticed the man in the black trench coat standing next to a Suburban SUV.
    “Fuck,” I muttered.
    “What?” she asked.
    “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
    I drove to the nearest five-star hotel and checked us in. When we got into the room, I locked the door as she walked over to the mini-bar.
    “I need a drink,” she said, opening it up.
    “Help yourself.” I turned to her. “What the fuck happened back there? Why the hell are you dancing?”
    “I told you, I’m trying to buy a retail store. I’m damn close, but Benji had to be a fucking pervert tonight.”
    Her brow furrowed in anger. I walked over as she pulled out a tiny bottle of wine and opened it up. She had finished half the bottle by the time I made it to her.
    “Damn, slow down, sis,” I said, joking.
    “I’m not your fucking sister,” she snapped.
    I put my arm around her waist, touching the small of her back.
    “Hey, it’s okay now. Have another drink.”
    She finished the bottle. After grabbing another, she walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of the mattress.
    “You should slow down,” I said as she took another drink.
    “I thought he was going to…” Her voice trailed off.
    “Don’t think about it,” I said. “You shouldn’t go back there.”
    “You think?” she asked, sarcastically.
    “There’s the Ash I know and love.” I smiled. “Are you hurting for money?”
    She sighed, something strange in her eyes. I couldn’t put my finger on it.
     

Eleven

 
     
     
     
    Ashley
     
    When Josh grabbed my hand and led us out of the club, I fell even more in love with him if such a thing were possible. Instead of going back to my apartment, he rented a very fancy room at the best hotel in New Orleans.
    “Are you hurting for money?” he asked me.
    “No, Josh. I have a little saved up. I really do have a plan.”
    “I bet you do.”
    “Stop treating me like I'm your little sister, okay?” I stood up and walked over to him. “Please?”
    When I reached him, I put my hand on his forearm. He looked down but didn’t move it away.
    “We shouldn’t do this,” he said.
    “Do what?” I ran my hand over his forearm.
    “Stop,” he said, pulling his hand away.
    “Why, Josh? You feel the same way. I know you do.”
    “You do, huh? Can you read my thoughts now?”
    “No, but you can’t tell me you’re not attracted to me.”
    “I’m not attracted to you,” he said, not looking me in the eyes.
    “Say it again while looking at me.”
    “Stop being silly, okay? You’re safe now. If you don’t want my help, I’m going to go.”
    “Will you just lay next to me for a while?” I asked. “Until I fall asleep?”
    “Fine,” he relented.
    I climbed into the huge bed and laid down on the left side. He joined me a moment later, his hands behind his head. I draped my arm over his hard chest, nestling against him. Does he know how he makes me feel when we’re close? I wondered.
    “What are you thinking about?” he asked.
    “Nothing.”
    “You're lying.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “You have that look.”
    “What look?” I asked, moving back so I could see his