The Billionaires’ Prize (The Heiress Merger #2)

1. Katherine/Gabe

1

KATHERINE/GABE

Katherine

What people don’t tell you about having your dreams come true is that it might happen at the worst possible time.

You might be standing on a beach on a cool May morning, staring at your best friend who you’ve had feelings for, oh, the better part of a decade. And he might finally admit that he has feelings for you, too. But you can’t be relieved or gleeful or giddy because you spent last night in the arms of another man. . . and his best friend.

And it was freaking amazing.

I want to do it again.

But this is Kingston.

My Kingston.

The kind boy who became an incredible man stares at me with mesmerizing green eyes, waiting for me to say something.

My heart lodges in my throat.

I didn’t leave because I didn’t care about you.

His words echo through my mind on repeat. I cock my head and my pulse pounds in my ears louder than the waves crashing against the shore.

I’m sure I heard him correctly. Which means he. . . My mouth goes dry. He wants me, too. But he left.

I left because I did.

My vision tunnels, and suddenly, everything looks like I’m staring through a bottomless Pringles can. The world falls away, and it’s just me and him and this truth.

He wanted me, and he left anyway. I shake my head, trying in vain to clear it to make the puzzle pieces fit. Trying to make sense of this.

Kingston’s gaze flicks over my shoulder.

“Miss Montgomery, we should head back.” Roman’s voice is a dash of cold water to my overheated system.

I turn slowly to see what’s caught his attention. The bodyguard has positioned himself between me and a house, where a woman is standing on her back deck. She’s not even trying to hide the phone in her hand or the fact that it’s aimed our way. Likely taking pictures or video, which is all I need right now.

I mean, I get it. Two billionaire bachelors each bid a million dollars to go on a date with me at a bachelorette auction. That’s bound to raise eyebrows. But the media storm has been insane, and now I can’t walk down a semi-private beach without someone snapping a photo.

Molars grinding, I turn away so she can’t capture my face. “I didn’t ask for any of this,” I murmur.

Kingston nods, understanding the limelight we grew up in. More importantly, he understands exactly how driven my mother is to succeed at all costs. Whatever game she’s playing, she aims to win. And not just win. Vault her way to the top step with flair and act like she didn’t trip anyone else on the way. Neither of us is surprised that she signed me up for the auction against my wishes.

Wind whips my hair around, and it gets caught in my lashes and between my lips. Kingston crowds closer, eyes narrowing on the woman before returning his attention to me. “Forget about nosey neighbor Mrs. Kravitz.”

Reaching up, he gently tugs the strands of my hair free and tucks them behind my ear. “She can’t hear us.”

The intensity rolling off of him is new and insanely potent.

My breathing shallows and my stomach goes all fluttery. Both reactions are painfully familiar where my best friend is concerned. He’s always been athletic and handsome as sin. As if impeccable genes weren’t enough, his parentage all but ensured he knows how to dress for every occasion. Not just dress, but accentuate all that. . . perfection.

Fudgecakes. Am I drooling?

“But she can see us,” I remind him. After the last couple of days, a picture of me on a beach with yet another man is only going to stir the scandal. Staring into Kingston’s eyes, I will him to understand the gravity of the situation. The chaotic storm I’ve found myself in.

He nods, and my lips curve as relief drips through me.

I lick my lips and turn to Roman. “Yeah. Let’s head back.”

Taking a step toward Gabe’s house, I jerk my chin in invitation. Then, I try to ignore all those incredible muscles as King falls into step beside me. The man does parkour for funsies. His social is filled with gravity-defying photos, usually sans shirt. I should be used to the sharp V that disappears into his gym shorts.

But it’s one thing to admire your bestie’s photos from afar. It’s entirely different to have him by your side after he’s just admitted to some pretty big feelings.

At this rate, I’m going to need a cold shower.

Two handsome men last night wasn’t enough, Katherine? Why are you such a greedy bitch?

Maybe I should just run out into the ocean to cool off. My phone’s waterproof.

Roman and Kingston flank me. Neither of them touch me, and yet, I feel surrounded. Protected.

Yep, definitely need a cold plunge.

As if I needed any more confirmation of that, we’re almost back to Gabe’s house when I see Alex striding through the beach grass. Gosh, he’s incredible. My heart does a flip.

Even a dozen yards away, I can see the tension in his gorgeous body. The purpose driving him forward. His shoulders could be chiseled from granite beneath the inky black polo they’re so beautifully sculpted.

“Somebody’s coming in hot,” Kingston murmurs.

Alex’s dark gaze locks on me, sweeping up and down as we close the distance. The tight clench of his jaw loosens the closer we get, and I feel a similar ease spreading through me. He’s safety and protection and ultimate pleasure.

I can’t wait to lose myself in his arms again. To feel his possession. My skin heats with need, and I duck my head so they can’t see my blush. My hair sweeps forward, a curtain around my face, and I take a steadying breath.

Oh god, this is awkward. My lover meeting the man who’s just confessed to wanting me. The same man, who’s also my best friend, meeting my crush. This is. . . this is. . .

Deep breath, Katherine.

“Everything okay?” Alex asks. I glance at him through my lashes as his attention moves from me to Roman before, at last, landing on Kingston.

“Everything’s fine,” I assure him, wishing he didn’t have reason to worry. “A woman was taking some pictures.”

His lips twist so quick I almost miss it. He has something to say, but he bites back the words. I don’t want his silence, though. I want to know everything he’s thinking. Feeling.

The silence stretches, and he glances at Roman again, who nods. “Just a neighbor on her deck. But it’s only a matter of time before everyone figures out you’re here.”

Alex’s massive chest heaves as he sucks in a breath. His gaze lifts past our shoulders, surveying, and his hands clamp over his hips. A muscle ticks in his jaw, and I hate being the cause of his concern.

Alex’s gaze flicks back to Kingston, who’s uncharacteristically quiet. How is this the same man who blew up my texts last night?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Alex doesn’t trust Kingston. Or his sudden appearance. Alex’s dark brows knit together, and he’s one blink away from an all-out frown.

Take control. I hear LaShonda’s voice as clearly as if she was standing next to me.

Right. I can do that.

I lick my salty lips and lift my chin.

“We were just heading back to the house. Kingston, you remember Alexander Hunt. We missed introductions last night,” I tease, hoping to ease the tension. “Alex, my best friend, Kingston Saint.”

A second ticks by, and my heart creeps up my throat. Oh gosh. This isn’t going to end up as a staring contest, is it?

Or worse. A pissing match.

Finally, they step toward one another and shake hands.

“Good to see you again,” Kingston says, and my shoulders drop as I blow out a sigh.

I honestly wasn’t sure what their reaction was going to be. Alex and Gabe are tight, but he doesn’t seem like the type to have a large circle. On the other hand, Kingston could make friends with a rock. The two men are complete opposites.

But that doesn’t mean Kingston is the enemy, just because he’s a newcomer. Kissing me last night. . . well, that might be a different story.

“You too,” Alex says.

“And this is Roman,” I continue, pivoting slightly toward the bodyguard.

They shake hands. “Thanks for watching her back,” King says.

Okay, so it’s formal and it’s awkward, but no one is throwing punches or hurling insults. That’s good, right? And it’s not like King knows I spent the night wrapped around Alex and Gabe like a human pretzel.

“Not a problem,” Roman says, taking a step back. He does a slow three-sixty, back on the job.

“Have you had breakfast?” Alex asks Kingston, shifting so we can step past. It’s an invitation as much as his extended hand is.

“No. A couple of sips of coffee and I was out the door for my run.”

“Come on.” I tuck my arm through his so he can’t get away. We need to talk. “I’ll share my muffin.”

His brows lift, and his eyes bulge comically. He quickly schools his features and takes a step. Alex falls in behind us. “Blueberry lemon?”

I glance over at Roman, knowing he probably ended up on gopher duty again. A waste of his talents, but one I truly appreciate. He nods.

“Blueberry lemon,” I tell King, giving his arm a squeeze. He moans and gives an exaggerated lick of his lips.

I feel Alex’s attention, focused like a laser on where my hand connects with King.

I’m used to walking arm-in-arm with him, but I can practically feel Alex’s jealousy swirling around us like a tornado. Interesting. So we aren’t one and done.

That suits me just fine because I want him with a force that threatens to send me to my knees.

But once upon a time, I wanted Kingston too.

I should let go of King. That’s what my brain tells me is the right thing to do. But my heart and soul don’t agree.

“Alex?” I hold out a hand to him. Beside me, Kingston is vibrating with energy and curiosity. There are so many questions that need answering but now isn’t the time or place. Roman is right. We’re exposed out here and I’m getting colder by the second.

Alex takes my hand, and I squeeze. What a picture we must make. One hand in Alex’s, my other tucked through Kingston’s arm, leaning in close. Day and night. Alex is all darkness, and Kingston is like spun gold in the morning light.

Being so close to Kingston is as natural as breathing. But holding Alex’s hand as we turn up the sandy path, cutting between drifts of grass? That feels right, too.

“I’ll be in in a minute,” Alex says as we approach the deck. He releases my hand slowly as if he’s reluctant to let me go.

I watch him stride around the pool with Roman, a flutter in my belly, and then they disappear along the side of the house.

“He’s intense,” King says.

“The very definition,” I agree, leading King up the steps and across the deck. I pause, turning to stare up at him. “Before we go inside. . .”

I’m not sure what to tell him about the state of Gabriel’s house. Or if I should say anything at all. Part of me is pretty sure it’s a terrible idea to invite him in. “Gabe’s designer screwed him over. It’s like she left in the middle of the demo.”

Kingston’s golden brows lift in surprise.

“He seems a little. . . sensitive about it, so be nice?” I don’t know why I phrase it as a question. Kingston is polite. Nice. Friendly. Like an All-American Golden Retriever. But after last night, I can’t help but feel more protective of Gabe. It’s like he’s waiting for someone to jump out with a camera and tell him everything in his life is a lie.

“Of course.” King nods like it’s no big deal.

It shouldn’t be. But it is .

Opening the back door, I call, “Gabe?”

Gabe

I snatch my hand out of the brown paper bag, my cheeks heating like I just got caught with my hand in the cookie jar.

“You’d better not touch that muffin, Rothburn,” Katherine yells and marches toward me.

My head snaps around. That’s not Alex or Roman.

I’d assumed that Alex had dispensed with Katherine’s BFF, but now that cocky prick is standing in my breakfast room. I want to wipe the smug look off his stupidly handsome face, but there’s a hellcat storming my way.

God, she’s glorious. Fucking fire with icy eyes that make me want to drop to my knees and worship her. To melt her and burn with her.

“Paws off my muffin,” she says again, ducking her head over the bag.

I hide my smirk behind my palm. We had our hands all over her muffin last night, and she was screaming for more.

Right now, she inhales deeply and lets out a happy sigh. I make a silent vow to hear that sound for the rest of forever. Whatever it takes.

“There’s coffee, too,” I murmur, wanting her attention. And heaven help me, her praise.

She’s been outside for all of twenty-five minutes, but it feels like days. What the hell is happening to me?

With a hum of appreciation, she peels back the wrapper, splits the muffin in half, and heads back to Kingston. She hands over one chunk and then turns my way again.

My jaw drops.

Why does he get half?

I cross my arms over my chest and prop a hip against the counter. Do not pout.

He moans as he downs the hunk of lemon blueberry heaven.

Fuck. The two of them standing side-by-side sucks all the oxygen out of my house. They’re gorgeous together.

“Gabe, you’ve met Kingston before, right?”

I’m pretty sure I’d never be able to forget being in the same room as him. Kingston’s a few inches shorter than I am, with a body honed like a Greek god. Gorgeous by any standard. Golden blond hair down to his square jaw. Piercing green eyes. Pouty, kissable lips.

Stop staring at him.

All that perfection watches Katherine like he wants to steal her away.

I get it.

Boy, do I get it.

“Didn’t know you were in town,” I say and take a sip from my coffee cup.

His chin lifts. “Yesterday. Just missed the auction.”

Dread settles in my stomach. “Event of the year.”

He gives me a cool nod. Like a model and a bobble-head-doll had a baby. “So Katherine says. I hear you and Hunt got a little carried away with the paddles. But that’s understandable.”

“Absolutely.”

Katherine’s gaze ping-pongs between us, her breakfast still hovering at her lips. She hasn’t taken a bite as she listens.

I stride forward, enjoying the way her pupils flare at my approach. She’s now intimately familiar with my body, my kiss, my scent. I’m oh-so-tempted to tug her to my side and give her bestie a show. After all, he laid his lips on her last night.

Fucking tried to steal her. To sweep her off her feet.

For the first time since the gavel came down at the auction, I’m feeling thankful.

“Katherine’s worth every penny,” I murmur, letting her see my meaning in my eyes.

He throws an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. “She sure is.” He gives her a little squeeze, then drops his attention to the muffin perched at the end of her fingertips. “You gonna finish that?”

A fierce little growl rumbles out of her, and my lips twitch. Kingston’s eyes widen and he holds up his hands in a placating gesture.

“All right. Sorry.” He gives her a dazzling smile. “Anyway, I’m sorry I missed it.”

Kingston holds her gaze for a long moment, and my gut tightens. Where’s Alex? We need to get rid of the bestie?—

“Then again,” Kingston continues, directing that devilish smirk right at me. “The bidding would have gone even higher.”

Maybe he means it as a warning, but it’s confirmation of what Alex and I suspected last night. Just look at the hold he has on my girl, our girl. Tell me you’ve fallen for a girl without telling me you’ve fallen for a girl.