Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 17

I called home three hours before it was time. My father picked up on the second ring, and it was a video call.

“Asher.”

“Dad.” I answered.

“What is it?”

“You remember we have that…”

“Yes, of course, he does,” Marcus interjected, his annoying face covering the whole screen, “We all remember, we wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I couldn’t hide the surprise on my face. “You’re at home, Marcus?”

“Yes, I am. Dad and I made a little bet. Do you want to know what it’s about?”

I rolled my eyes. I didn’t, but I knew Marcus, and I knew he would tell me anyway.

“I’ve bet that by the end of the night, I’ll unravel whatever scheme you’ve planned and how you managed to entrap your new wife. Dad, for some reason, thinks she might actually find you likable enough to want to be married to you…” He chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t know, though, it seems highly unlikely.”

“Marcus, I don’t care. I hope Dad can at least get good money out of you. You’re unfortunately my brother, and my wife’s family would like to see you, regrettably,” I added.

He had an amused look on his face.

“I’m not just calling to remind you, I’m calling to ask you to be on your best behavior. I’m meeting her family for the first time, and I’d like us to pass for normal people. In case I wasn’t clear, this is directed at you, Marcus…”

He threw his head back and chortled, “Okay, okay, baby brother. I promise I’ll be on good behavior. Your wife won’t be embarrassed, I promise.”

“Also, never call me that,” I replied, and cut the call. It was always draining to deal with my family, and I was already under a lot of stress of my own. I didn’t want to add to it.

I was the first to arrive. My parents and Marcus arrived in separate cars at the same time. As we drove into the house, I was immediately captivated by the artistic grandeur of the Whitfield mansion. I issued last warnings to everyone before we walked into the house.

My eyes searched for her the moment I entered. I was oblivious to the noise and conversations around me- all I saw was her. She wore a floral patterned dress with low–heeled shoes. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, accentuating her sharp jawline, and her bright red lipstick added a striking contrast to her skin.

She appeared to be searching for something or someone, maybe me. And then we locked gazes. It was enchanting. It felt like time had stopped, and nothing else mattered but us, until my big–headed brother ruined the moment. I didn’t react immediately, simply watching them converse like they were old friends. I couldn’t lie, I hated to see her smile at him. I waited and waited. It didn’t look like Marcus was going to stop anytime soon, his touch lingered in a way that made me uneasy, and then I did what I thought every rational man in my position would.

I walked up to her, pulled her close, and captured her lips in a kiss. In that moment, I was truly convinced that time had

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Chapter 17

indeed stopped. I was acutely aware of her body pressed up against mine, the softness of her lips that gave in to my kiss immediately. She tasted like sweet wine, it was intoxicating. My hands were possessively wrapped around her, and in the heat of the moment, they traveled further down, gripping her ass, squeezing her soft cheeks.

She suddenly pulled away from me, her cheeks bright red from embarrassment. Not me, though. I was still reeling from the kiss when her parents walked up to me. “Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Whitfield.”

They were all smiles, especially Mrs. Whitfield. “You look so much better in person!” she exclaimed excitedly and pulled my cheeks playfully.

Now it was my turn to blush. I was not used to this kind of show of affection. “I’m afraid there can only be one model, and it’s Ivy.”

Her father was beaming with smiles. I noticed Ivy had his eyes, but hers were a lot more intense. “Welcome to our home, Asher.”

I nodded. “Thank you.” Ivy was the perfect blend of both her beautiful parents. They were vibrant and younger. I wondered if it was because of the wide smiles on their faces or the simple clothes they had on. Not the double–breasted suit my father was wearing for a family dinner, or the extravagant gown my mom had on.

I noticed they seemed unfazed by the kiss Ivy and I had just shared. If anything, it seemed to excite them. When I looked at my dad, he was looking away; my mother lowered her gaze, and Marcus… well, he was fuming. I couldn’t blame them. They had never had to witness something like that.

“Come on in,” Mrs. Whitfield extended a hand to me, but her husband took it. “Honey, let the two lovers be…”

Ivy looked up at them in surprise.

“We have to see to it that our other guests are fine,” he continued and led her away before she could protest. They went to meet up with my parents and led them into the house. Marcus followed closely behind them.

And we were left alone. We walked slowly at our own pace.

“Why did you kiss me?” she blurted.

I turned to look at her. “Why? Didn’t you enjoy it?”

Her cheeks turned red. “That was not the question I asked.”

“We have to play the part of a normal couple…” Marcus stole a glance at us. I slipped my hand around her waist, a possessive glint in my eyes as I stared him down. She didn’t see what was happening. Her body was stiff at first, until she visibly relaxed in my arms. “You said it yourself, your parents are big on love and marriage. We have to somehow convince them that we like each other enough for our marriage to last.”

“And your parents?” she asked with a raised brow.

“They just need to see I’m responsible enough and that I made the right choice,” I answered. I glanced at her. “How have you been?”

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