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Chapter Twenty-Six

Author: Krista Lakes
last update Last Updated: 2022-06-02 04:28:25

“What's going on in here?” Christopher asks, his eyes going back and forth between Jonathan and me.

“Just looking for a missing chess piece,” Jonathan tells him with a smug smile.

“That's not what it sounded like,” Christopher tells him, his voice low and dangerous.

I see the piece near the back of the couch, grab it, and hold it up triumphantly. “Found it.”

“What are you two doing?” Christopher asks. His hand is still over the mouthpiece of his phone and his eyes are flashing.

“Playing strip chess, obviously,” Jonathan replies. I could smack him.

Christopher's eyes go wide and he looks over at me.

“Wait. Just regular chess,” Jonathan amends. “She still has her dress on despite the fact that I'm winning.”

I really could smack him this time, but instead I just roll my eyes.

“I'm seriously doubting the doctor's concerns about a concussion,” I tell him. “You're doing just fine.”

I roll up onto my toes and then up to standing. I walk deliberately back to the opposite side of the
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    My heart stalls. Shock, anger, love, hate, surprise, and then combinations of those each try to take control, but none of them seem to know which emotion should be in charge. I stare at him, my mouth open and jaw on the floor. I now see why the desk clerk didn't want to take me to employee housing. I'm tempted to change my mind about firing her and Anna. They did good customer service by stalling, even if it was helping Christopher. Why is he here, though? Is this some kind of sick joke? I consider slugging him, but I don't know what good that would do. He takes a step forward. “I'm sorry, Nora.” I cross my arms. He doesn't get to break my heart and then just apologize and make everything better. I don't care how many flowers he brings. “What are you doing here?” “Apologizing.” He swallows hard and takes another step toward me, his eyes focused intently on me. “And if that doesn't work, I'm willing to beg for your forgiveness.” My feet grow roots to the floor. It's a good thin

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  • The Other Billionaire Brother   Chapter Thirty-three

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  • The Other Billionaire Brother   Chapter Thirty-Two

    It's almost dark when I get home. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting an orange warmth that makes everything look ruddy and joyful. I don't feel it, though. I half expect my dad to be sitting out on the front porch waiting for me. The light is on his room, so I assume he's in bed reading. I'm glad. I don't want to talk to him. I don't want to tell him he was right about Christopher. Just thinking about it hurts. I need a drink. I know there's some bottles of champagne still in the kitchen from a recent party. The supplier will come and get the extras at the end of the week. The Lewis family ordered and already paid for all of them, so taking one isn't a problem. My dad often saves one or two in the fridge with Deborah's blessing. I sneak into the kitchen. The main house is dark and quiet except for the hum of the air conditioners. Deborah and Christopher are still at the office working, so they aren't home. I'm not sure where Jonathan is, but I'd probably guess he's either at h

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  • The Other Billionaire Brother   Chapter Thirty

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  • The Other Billionaire Brother   Chapter Twenty-Nine

    I finish running my errands and window shop a little more as I work my way through the city until it's suddenly two o'clock and time for me to meet with Christopher. I can't wait to see him. My heart is bursting with love. I ride up in a silver elevator to Christopher's floor. I'm always amazed at how beautiful a concrete and glass building can be. It's not as pretty as a mountain or the ocean, but it's still magnificent and grand in its own way. I'm a little late, but not so much that I feel the need to call ahead. Besides, we said two-ish, so I'm in the clear. I check in with his secretary and she buzzes me into his office. Christopher's office is immense. It's bigger than any apartment I've ever lived in. There's a full marble bathroom complete with shower and fancy toilet. My father tells me that there's a pull-out bed in the sofa on the far side of the room. There's also a closet full of clothes. Theoretically, Christopher could live in this office and never have to leave as l

  • The Other Billionaire Brother   Chapter Twenty-Eight

    “You seem happy this morning,” Dad says as I slide into the small kitchen and make myself a cup of coffee. I'm humming and I did my hair and makeup today. I even have on a cute dress, so I have to agree with him. I am happy. “I had a good night,” I tell my dad. “With Jonathan?” Dad asks, doing his best to keep judgment out of his voice. “No, with Christopher.” Dad sets down the morning paper. “Christopher?” I nod. “I'm going to go meet him at the office after lunch.” I wince at the hot coffee. “I need to run some errands first.” “Why does Christopher have an interest in you?” Dad asks, his eyes narrowed. “Because I'm smart, pretty, and very amusing,” I tell him. “While all true, those aren't usually Christopher's reasons for having an interest in people,” Dad replies. “He's all business. He was that way as a child and it's only gotten worse since his dad died. He never does anything without a reason.” I think of how those words are the same ones playing in my head, but then

  • The Other Billionaire Brother   Chapter Twenty-Seven

    “Jonathan! Jonathan, are you okay!?” Deborah rushes into the room, her silk scarf trailing after her like a streamer. She rushes past me, nearly knocking me over even though I'm already sitting down on the floor. She gets to her son, and puts her hands on his cheeks, inspecting him for damage. “I'm fine, Mom,” he tells her with a chuckle. “You nearly took out Nora.” “Nora?” Deborah looks back at me surprised. “I'm sorry, dear. I didn't see you.” “It's fine,” I tell her. I am the butler's daughter after all. I'm not meant to be seen. “I am going to stay up all night with you,” Deborah tells Jonathan. “Dr. Wrigley told me exactly what I need to do.” “I guess you're off the hook, Nora,” Jonathan says to me. “You just don't want to lose another game of chess to me,” I tease him. I won the game just before Deborah came home, but only barely. Jonathan has a keen mind and is good at strategy. He'd be so good at business if he decided to help his older brother out. Jonathan laughs. “

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