Seducing You: How to Marry a Billionaire Three, page 17
Sebastian kneels beside her. “You stay put, Evie. Help is on the way.”
“What happened?” she asks, rubbing her forehead.
“You passed out,” Seb says. “Are you hurt at all? I don’t see any cuts. You’re probably going to have some bruises. Are you in any pain?”
“I…don’t think I’m hurt. Just embarrassed. Please, just help me up.”
“No,” I say. “You stay where you are. You might have a concussion or internal bleeding or—”
She pushes Seb out of the way. “For God’s sake, I’m perfectly fine.” She stands up but then sways.
I rush to her before Seb gets to his feet. She falls gently against my chest.
“This is why you stay put.” I steady her and lead her to the couch. “You were close to the coffee table. You’re lucky you didn’t hit your head on the way down. See?” I can’t help adding. “This is why we should have a trained physician or medic here on the island.”
“Cut her some slack, Riv,” Seb says, taking a seat next to Evangeline on the couch. “She’s ill.”
Evangeline shakes her head. “I’m not ill. I’m fine.”
“People who are fine don’t usually pass out for no apparent reason,” Brett says. “What’s going on, Evangeline? I’ve been gone all day, and you weren’t at dinner. Have you eaten at all today?”
Evangeline nods. “Yes, of course I’ve eaten.”
Alex turns to a staff member. “She needs a glass of water. Quickly, please.”
The staffer nods and heads toward the mini fridge in her suite.
“How long until help gets here?” I ask the other staffer.
“They didn’t specify a time, sir,” she says. “Just said they’d be here as soon as they could.”
I nod. Nothing new. They came quickly for Rachel, so no reason to assume they won’t come quickly this time.
Though I’ve learned not to assume.
Twenty years I made an assumption. I assumed everything would go as planned.
And it did.
But one piece of the puzzle was slightly out of place, and that subtle shift was enough to cause us to lose something far more important than what we’d gained.
That night the five of us didn't just set off a chain of events.
We forged the chains that bind us in the fire of youthful indiscretion.
Those chains are now cold and heavy in the twilight of reckoning.
EPISODE 118
EMILY’S CLAWS
Emily
My body is still trembling from River’s kiss.
Do I still want that date with Alex?
It’s important to get to know all the men. It’s also important that River know all the women.
So yes… I will keep the date with Alex.
What River and I have is physical chemistry, pure and simple. So why am I feeling something more? The thought of me living on a ranch in Montana… Well, it’s utterly ridiculous at best.
I’ve been in my suite for about an hour, ruminating on River, Alex, and what Sebastian had to speak to River about so urgently.
But the night is still young. The sun has set, and Alex said something earlier about a moonlight walk.
I should find him.
I rise and head into my bathroom to check my makeup. It’s a mess from being in the kitchen all afternoon and then eating dinner. In fact, I could use a shower, but I don’t want to take the time. I wash my face in the sink and begin anew with my makeup. Once I’m looking like myself again, I tidy my hair into a high ponytail, spritz some fragrance on my wrists, and change into a flowing light-blue sundress that matches the color of my eyes.
I open my door to leave my suite when I hear a distant thumping.
Odd.
I walk toward the staircase and down the second floor where the men’s suites are, and the thumping grows louder.
Sebastian runs out of Evangeline’s suite with Alex close behind.
“What the bloody hell is going on?” I ask.
“It’s the medics, English rose,” Sebastian says. “Evie’s sick.”
I gasp. “Oh, no! What happened?”
“We don’t know yet.” Alex walks toward me while Sebastian runs down the stairs, presumably to meet the medics.
The sound of the helicopter’s wings slicing through the air becomes louder and more urgent.
“Do you need my help with anything?” I ask, a bit dazed. Evangeline looked tired earlier, but I assumed it was stress from Ariel getting injured in the cooking competition. I should check on Ariel. Her injury was my fault, after all. Well, mine and Misty’s. I wouldn’t have been anywhere near Ariel’s station if not for Misty’s insistence that I try to sabotage the others.
“That’s sweet of you to ask,” he says, “but I think we have it under control. The medics are here, and they’ll get her to the hospital on the mainland.”
“Just like Rachel…” I say absently.
Alex nods. “Yes.” He rakes his fingers through his unruly brown hair. “Just like Rachel. What the hell were we all thinking, not having a health professional here?”
“Did Brett find out what happened with Rachel and Ginger?” I ask, regretting my words as soon as I say them. “Never mind. Go see to Evangeline. Make sure she’s okay. Please.”
“I will. Don’t you worry about any of this, Emily.” Alex rubs his jawline. “We’ve got it under control. I promise.” He races down the stairs in Sebastian’s wake.
I watch from the second floor as the paramedics enter with a stretcher. I move out of their way as they hurry up the stairs. Morbid curiosity bites at me, but I don’t follow them to Evangeline’s suite. The last thing they need is someone else underfoot.
Alex returns, and before he follows Sebastian into Evangeline’s room, he stops to stand with me.
“Are we still on for that walk?” he asks.
“I… I don’t know. Shouldn’t you see how Evangeline is?”
“Of course. I meant after. They’ll get her to the hospital if necessary, and then we’ll—”
“Stop,” I interrupt. “Then we’ll what, exactly? Evangeline is the orchestrator of all of this. If she’s gone, what then?”
Alex opens his mouth as if to respond, but no words emerge.
“Seriously,” I continue. “What happens if she’s gone? Is this over then?”
Alex shakes his head, his hair falling over his forehead. “I don’t know, Emily. Let’s just hope for the best.” He walks away from me and into Evangeline’s room.
I doubt Alex and I will meet for a walk tonight, but that’s okay. It’s more important that Evangeline gets the care she needs. I assume Brett and River are also in Evangeline’s suite, which means the women are probably elsewhere. Where might I find Ariel? I’d like to make sure her leg isn’t bothering her too much.
I head down to the kitchen, and then I glance out on the deck.
Ariel is there, along with Marc, the sous chef, and Zion, the bartender. The same one with whom Sienna and I shared a tryst. Hmm… Seems fraternizing is okay when Evangeline and the men are otherwise occupied. Not that I have anything against it. I’ve partaken in my share.
I walk out the French doors to join them. “Good evening.”
Zion smiles when he sees me. “Good evening yourself,” he says, his dark gaze meeting mine.
“Ariel,” I say, “how are you? Is your leg hurting at all?”
“I’m fine.” She takes a sip of something clear that I assume is water. “Have you heard anything about Evangeline?”
“The paramedics are here. They’re taking care of her. I decided to stay out of the way. I’m sure we’ll find out what’s going on as soon as anyone knows.” I lock eyes with Ariel. “Could I talk to you for a moment? Alone?”
Ariel darts her gaze to Marc and then to Zion. “Sure. I guess. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I just need your ear a moment. I’ll bring her right back, gentlemen.”
Marc smiles. “Please do.”
Ariel rises and follow me off the deck and down one of the paths that leads to the beach. When I’m sure we’re out of earshot, I stop.
“What’s this about?” she asks.
“I just want to have a look at your leg,” I tell her.
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Please, just let me—”
“Emily, no!” She slaps my hand away. “You’ve apologized, and I’ve accepted. It was an accident. We’re all worried about Evangeline.”
“And Rachel,” I remind her.
“Yes, Rachel. But the rest of us are here, and there are four billionaires here as well. And there’s one yet that I haven’t gotten to know.” She closes her eyes and then opens them, a dreamy look overtaking her. “And I want to get to know the last one. That gorgeous rancher.”
River?
She wants to get to know River?
The green madman forces my hackles to rise.
I draw in a breath. “I see.”
“Have you spent any time with him?” she asks.
Does she truly not know? I suppose not. We were discreet, and I haven’t told anyone other than Misty. And if Misty truly still wants him for herself, she won’t be blabbing.
“A bit,” I reply.
“Is he as dreamy as he seems?”
More so, but I won’t say that. “He was in a foul mood all evening. What on earth do you see in him?”
“Still waters run deep,” she says on a sigh.
I adore Ariel. I do. She’s like a little sister to me. But the thought of her and River makes me want to claw her big doe eyes out.
“I doubt any of them will be available this evening.” I brush a piece of lint from my dress. “They’re occupied with Evangeline and all.”
She sighs. “True. So what do we do tonight? Heather went to the hot tub. I was there earlier, but I can’t get in with this bandage.”
“We could get massages,” I say.
“Or”—she smiles coyly—“we could go back to the deck and hang out with Marc and Zion.”
Three days ago I’d have loved that suggestion—Zion does have a lovely cock, after all.
But now? I’m not interested.
“I’ll leave you to that,” I tell her. “I think I’ll join the other ladies in the tub.”
“Suit yourself.” Ariel turns and then looks over her shoulder. “I’m fine, Emily. I know it was an accident. Please stop worrying about it.”
I nod and give her a short smile.
She’s lovely. A doll really.
And if she tries to take River?
I’ll take her down in a minute. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fought someone younger and hotter than I am—and won.
EPISODE 119
CHOICES
Ariel
It was Marc’s voice that called to me as I was heading toward the stairs earlier to find Emily. When he asked if I’d like to join him for a few minutes on the deck, I didn’t see the harm in it. Not after we almost kissed in the bathroom earlier.
Once we were seated, Zion joined us. Seems with the cook-off over and Evangeline and all the men otherwise occupied, the staffers are left with nothing pressing to do.
“We could be preparing for tomorrow,” Marc said, “but we’ll have ample time in the morning.”
“Sure enough,” Zion agreed.
The three of us were drinking water when Emily arrived.
I watch her head into the pool house and then I take my seat between Marc and Zion. After sharing Alex with June, and then Sebastian’s question about a threesome with Heather, having two men concentrating on me feels like I’m the last slice of Mama’s pecan pie at a Sunday summer potluck. Everyone fights over it. I suppose Marc and Zion aren’t exactly fighting over me, and truth be told, nothing will probably come of it. But I’ll be damned if it doesn’t feel mighty flattering to have them both being so attentive.
“I’m glad you decided to come back.” Zion grins at me.
He’s handsome as anything, with medium-dark skin and dancing brown eyes. In contrast, Marc has light skin, dark hair, and sparkling blue eyes. I’m not sure I could say which one is better looking. Good thing I don’t have to.
“Me too.” Marc takes a sip of water and winks at me.
“I do hope Evangeline is okay,” I say.
I truly am concerned. But I’m also really enjoying the attention of two handsome men. They’re not billionaires, of course. One’s a sous chef and the other a bartender. I wouldn’t be living the high life with either of them.
But maybe that’s okay. Maybe I’m not ready for a commitment anyway. I’m only twenty-two, after all. This happened so fast for me. Evangeline plucked me, roller skates and all, from my small town and a minute later I was here on the island, being groomed to marry a billionaire.
I mean, these two are sexy and all, but I still haven’t gotten to know River Barrett. I don’t care if he was in a bad mood all night. Emily picked Alex for her private date tomorrow, not River. Why would she even care if River’s in a bad mood?
I try to push the thought from my mind, diverting my attention back to Marc and Zion. The night air around us carries the lullaby of the crashing waves mingling with our soft laughter. I take a swig of my water and feel their eyes burning my flesh. It's a strange kind of intoxication, and I drink it in like the bubbly champagne we had the first night.
“I bet you've never had a night like this before,” Marc says with a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Surrounded by men falling at your feet.”
“The two of you aren’t exactly falling at my feet,” I tease.
Zion leans closer to me, a playful smirk on his lips. His cologne is woodsy and enticing. “We may not have billions in our bank accounts, but we do know how to make a woman feel special.”
“I'm sure you do.” I try to keep my voice light, but my heart beats faster.
Marc slides his hand over mine. “You're an incredible woman,” he says, lowering his voice.
Incredible? He hardly knows me. Though we did almost kiss…
The air between us crackles with intensity, kind of like a lightning bolt on a hot summer night.
Another hand touches me, and I turn to face Zion. His gaze is focused on me, and he slides his hand under the table to squeeze my thigh. A jolt of electricity pulses through me.
“Do you two even know each other?” I ask, willing my voice not to shake.
“Does that matter?” Marc tips my chin so I look in his direction.
Zion pulls my gaze back to him. “We know each other well enough to know we both want you, Ariel. We both want to fuck you tonight.” His voice is deep and inviting, pulling at my senses—and at that hot place between my legs—in a way I’ve never experienced before.
“You came here for an adventure, didn't you?” Marc asks.
“Yes,” I say, entranced by his words, the pulse thrumming in my veins matching the rhythm of Zion’s hand subtly massaging my thigh. “I guess I did.”
“You guess?” Zion chuckles.
Marc tosses back the rest of his water. “We can give you an adventure that will beat any billionaire's offer.”
His words hold promises, possibilities I hadn't even considered before coming to this island. The soft glow from the fairy lights scattered around the deck casts halos around their forms as they both lean in, closing in around me.
“Are you saying what I think you're saying?” My voice quivers slightly, uncertainty creeping into my tone.
Zion catches my gaze and nods. He glides his hand from my thigh to intertwine his fingers with mine on the table. It’s warm and comforting. “Only if you want it,” he says. “It’s just an option.”
Marc takes my other hand and squeezes it gently. “We just want you to know you have choices here, not just what Evangeline has planned for you.”
Choices. Such simple word.
But is it?
The choice has never been mine at all. We’re here for the billionaires to choose us. We women outnumber them, and it’s likely some of us won’t be chosen. It’s possible none of us could be chosen.
But Marc and Zion are offering me a choice.
This isn’t forever. I can still get to know River. I want to get to know him. But tonight I have a chance to have two desirable men focused solely on me.
A threesome, like Sebastian suggested—only in this one, I’ll be the one getting all the attention.
Maybe threesomes aren’t so bad after all.
Boldness seeps into me and spreads quickly, as if I’m being consumed by wildfire.
I squeeze their hands back and smile, gathering even more courage.
“Well, then,” I say. “Let’s see what happens.”
“Your room?” Zion suggests.
I nod, my body hotter than a tin roof on an August day. “I can’t believe I’m going to do this.”
“Believe it, baby,” Marc says. “Let’s go.”
EPISODE 120
A BUN IN THE OVEN
Brett
Two paramedics carry a stretcher into Evangeline’s suite while another checks her vitals. Riv, Seb, Alex, and I stand back, making room in the already crowded area. We already dismissed the staffers.
I try to stay detached as the scene unfolds, but my heart pounds anyway. Evangeline is always pale, but at the moment she almost looks ghostly.
“I’m fine,” she tells the paramedic checking her pulse. “I just fainted. Who hasn’t fainted once or twice?”
The paramedic, a stocky man with graying hair, doesn’t respond. He continues to run his tests as if Evangeline hasn’t spoken at all. Evangeline flicks her gaze to us, her eyes wide and pleading.
Alex shifts uneasily on his feet, scratching his jaw. Seb stares at Evangeline, and River? He’s a million miles away. I know where his thoughts are. They’re back on Old Man Larson’s ranch twenty years ago.
“Her pulse is good,” the paramedic says. “She’s breathing okay. How long was she out for?”
“You can speak to me,” Evangeline says. “I’m right here. Don’t act like I’m some kind of child.”
“Sorry, ma’am.” The paramedic makes some notes on his phone. “What have you eaten today?”
