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

face.
    “You know the one.”
    He stared into my eyes, causing me to melt.
    “Oh, Josh. What are we going to do?”
    “About what?”
    “About us.”
    “I don't know,” he said.
    “Money doesn't matter to me,” I said. “We could say fuck them and be together.”
    “We need money to live.”
    “I know, but…”
    “Let’s just lie here, okay?”
    I shut my mouth and hugged him tighter. My head rested against his chest. He breathed deeply while I moved my hand over his hard stomach, moving lower. Just before I reached the Promised Land below his belt, someone knocked on the door. Both of us sat up as if we were caught doing something illegal. I turned to him.
    “Who is that?”
    “How should I know,” he said, getting out of bed.
    “Should we call the cops?” I asked.
    “Settle down, we’ll be okay.”
    He opened the door. Outside, a white haired woman with a wrinkled face stood.
    “Can I come in?” she asked.
    “Who are you?” Josh asked, not moving aside to let her in.
    “You don’t know me, but I’m familiar with you.”
    “I don’t have time for riddles.”
    “Just heed my message. You two need to watch your backs. While you’re destined to be together, forces are at work against you.”
    “Did the club owner send you?” Josh snarled, obviously upset.
    Without another word, the woman turned and left. Josh shut the door and turned to me.
    “What the fuck was all that about?” I asked, getting out of bed.
    “I don’t know.”
    “Did she say we’re destined to be together?”
    “I think so, but…”
    “But what?” I asked, walking over to him.
    “Some other guy has been following me down here. I think she might be connected to him.”
    “Some other guy?”
    “Yeah, a private investigator or something. He told me to stay away from you. I think the Knights hired him to keep us apart.”
    “Those fucking assholes,” I said.
    All of a sudden, emotions overwhelmed me. I tried to look away as tears streamed down my face.
    “Hey,” Josh said, moving forward and putting his arm around my waist. “It’s going to be okay. I’m not going anywhere.”
    I wanted to tell him everything I’d kept hidden for so many years, but no words came out as I sobbed. Unable to hold back any longer, I put my head on his chest and threw my arms around him, hugging tightly.
    “I love you, Josh,” I admitted.
    He sighed and pulled away.
    “I have a long drive. I should go.”
    “Why don’t you just stay for tonight?”
    “I’m tired. I guess I could get another room.”
    “No, I mean here. With me. We don’t have to do anything. I’d feel safer if you were sleeping next to me.”
    That’s not a lie , I told myself as I studied his face, hoping he would say yes.
    He sighed. “Okay. But no funny business.”
    “I’m not in the mood,” I said.
    Still in our clothes, we got back into bed and laid next to each other. I curled up against his body, listening to his heartbeat. Our bodies matched up perfectly. Everything pointed to us being together, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Can love overcome anything? I wondered as I drifted off to sleep, more at peace than I’d been in years and years.
     

Twelve

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Josh
     
     
    After an awkward night of sleeping next to Ashley in the hotel bed, we woke up around the same time. I got up to leave.
    “Where you going?” she asked, stretching.
    “I have to go.”
    “Can’t we have breakfast first?”
    “Order some room service. I’m going to take a shower.”
    “Okay, but hurry. I’m hungry.”
    I went into the bathroom and closed the door behind me. After I got undressed, I turned the water on and adjusted the temperature. When it was perfect, I stepped into the shower. The warm water hit my skin refreshingly. I soaped up, still thinking about Ashley. Spending a whole night in bed next to her had been incredible.
    I have to end up with her , I thought to myself as I rinsed off. As I dried off, I thought about ways