Room One Hundred and Eleven (Bred By Billionaires)

17. Carter

CHAPTER 17

Carter

T he phone hasn’t finished its first ring when I snatch it up and answer. There’s nothing more pressing than an update from Gunner, and—hopefully—another liaison with our beauty.

I haven’t been able to think of anything but her for weeks.

Deals have fallen through, Aiden hasn’t gone to the gym, Knox stopped joining us for dinner and sulks while destroying aliens in his video games as if that’s going to alleviate any of his real-life frustration.

Come on.

“It’s a no-go.” Gunner is curt.

“Try again.” My intensity is all Aiden and Knox need to figure out who I’m talking to. They gather around, hardly blinking or breathing, as they eavesdrop.

Gunner groans. “Look, I can deliver the message, but I can’t make her read it. Or accept whatever bullshit you’ve cooked up.”

“You’re a persuasive bastard?—”

“Sweeten the deal however you think will work. We’re good for it,” Knox adds, loud enough for Gunner to hear.

“No can do. If you want a different outcome, you’re going to have to get it yourself. I’m not your middleman.” His voice is strained.

Something’s off, but I can’t put my finger on it.

“What aren’t you saying?” Of course, Aiden picks up on Gunner’s emotional vibe.

“I’m in a shitty spot here. Stuck between three rocks and one incredible young woman.” Gunner lowers his voice as if he doesn’t want someone—his fiancée or maybe even our beauty herself—to hear. “Look, this isn’t some kind of deviant game anymore, okay?”

“It never was to us.” I glare at Knox, daring him to say otherwise. “Not to Aiden and me anyway.”

“There were tears, damn it.” Gunner curses.

“When you gave Poppy our invite?” I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Yeah. So if you have something to say to her, you’re going to have to do it yourselves. In person. And be damn sure you mean it. Don’t come out here with some stupid contract—or anything equally contrived—either. She’s on edge. If you press her wrong, she’ll run again. This time way farther than back to my club and her friends. We don’t want to lose her either.”

“Does that mean you think we have a chance?” Aiden is practically pleading. He has the same sweet desperation in his eyes as he does when he kneels for me.

“If there is one, it’s fragile. That’s all I’m going to say about that. I’ve already said more than I should. Except…” Gunner clears his throat.

“What?” I prod him to continue.

“Poppy’s like a little sister to me. And you’re good friends. It’s possible that what’s best for all of you is each other. That’s worth taking a risk for. Don’t prove me wrong.”

“Is that what you did with Riley?” I ask him.

“Yes. And we almost fucked it up. Don’t do that.”

I look first to Aiden, then to Knox, both of whom are frozen as if afraid to breathe. “I’m not about to. We’re coming.”

Knox grins and Aiden slumps in relief.

It feels right.

I trust my instincts in our business. I should do the same in our personal life.

“Next time you make her cry, I’ll let Kane loose on you three,” Gunner growls. “He’s nowhere near as forgiving as I am.”

“Understood.”

“Let’s go.” Aiden is already striding for the door.

So I hang up.

And we chase.

No matter where our beauty runs, we will find her. And make her ours.