Bad Boy Billionaires

Book I - 5

SCARLET

Since I had nowhere to go, I went to the reception and tried to book myself a room, but there was already a reservation under my name. Luke might have had it prepared for me—or maybe Thomas. Luke was no gentleman. Certainly, he was nothing like his father. If only I knew he was a jerk like this, I wouldn’t have fantasized about him for the last six years.

I dragged my suitcase with me and stepped into the elevator as soon as I got my key card. Good thing my room was a suite. I freaking needed a good bath.

First, I dug into my suitcase and laid out the only dress I could ever bring. A Burberry crimson backless dress with a hem two inches above the knee and a pair of Christian Louboutin silver stilettos. Fortunately, I also got my charms and my ruby necklace. I touched the gem with my finger and briefly admired its beauty.

I wasn’t greedy, and I’d never imagined myself wearing these extravagant things before Mom’s marriage. It’s not that I desired any of it, but when Mom married Thomas, I wouldn’t deny that I also lived in luxury. My stepfather was generous. He provided things for me. I lived in an apartment leased in my name in Cambridge, paid for my education, and provided me everything I needed—not to mention he was also a good adviser.

However, there were times I wondered what Luke thought of me.

Did he think I wanted his father’s fortune? Was that why he couldn’t like me or accept me as his stepsister? Thomas did mention that I needed to sign papers for the transfer of assets, but I didn’t want any of it. I had had enough of the material things. But who knows? Maybe he changed his mind.

Enough thinking about Luke.

My mind screamed at me. I had to get moving. I stepped into the bathroom and had a delightful bath.

Shortly after, I slid everything on, hurriedly did a smokey-eye look, and finished the evening makeup with a touch of red lipstick. All I needed to do now was inform Thomas about my arrival at the party and get myself an Uber. However, I stopped as I noticed the blinking of my notifications.

13 missed calls from Thomas

2 missed calls from Jax and another message from him

I ignored Thomas’s missed calls because I was a bad daughter and opened Jax’s message.

Jax: Have you arrived yet?

I bit my fingernail, thinking of a reply.

Me: Yes. I just arrived. Thank you. Can I just call you later? I need to get an Uber.

Jax: Getting out already? Good for you. I’m stuck with my family tonight.

I giggled. I was about to be stuck with my family, too.

Me: I’m starting to count. It’s going to be three weeks, and you still didn’t find a date.

Jax: Except there’s still one woman in NY that I haven’t f****d. Just tell me if you want to advance our meet-up.

Me: Hey, I really need to go. I’m over-dressed tonight and might ruin my makeup if I don’t go now. I’m going to be late.

Jax: Do you have a date?

I didn’t answer and texted Thomas instead.

On my way, Thomas. See you later :* – Scar

I was about to put my phone in my purse, but my phone buzzed. It was Jax again.

“Damn it,” I cursed but answered the call anyway. “What? I’m busy.”

“Then why did you pick up the phone?”

“Because the sound of my voice makes you hard,” I joked. I rolled my eyes. “Seriously, Jax. I told you I’m busy.”

“Funny,” he said, but he didn’t sound pleased. “You didn’t answer my question. You have a date?”

Did he call just to ask me that? “So what if I have?”

He groaned. “That’s not such a good idea for you to f**k someone else before me. Can’t you wait for us to meet? Then you’re free to go.”

I sighed in frustration. “Don’t push your possessive s**t over me. I don’t know how your brain works—but for someone who f***s different women weekly, you had the guts to say that to me?”

“So, you’re really going out tonight, huh? Where are you going?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“No reason. I’m just asking.”

I rolled my eyes. “Where else? To meet my family. I’m not going on a date. Happy now?”

“I thought it wasn’t until tomorrow.” His tone softened. “It’s a boring night for us, isn’t it?”

“Mine should be heartbreaking. I miss my mother,” I said. It’s like Jax grew on me. I loved talking about personal things with him because, unlike the others, he would only listen, literally, without speaking. “Can I call you later?”

“Always.” I heard him chuckle before he finally hung up.