Page 140 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

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Dominic

The afternoon sun slants through my office windows, turning the Manhattan skyline golden. I should be celebrating. The deal is closed. One point five billion secured. My resort vision officially underway.

Instead I stare at my phone, unable to shake the feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, my thumb hovering over Nico’s name in my contacts. My pulse quickens with a sick anticipation. One call. One fucking call I don’t want to make. I keep telling myself I’m going to tell him to fuck off. And that he can forget about ever meeting Tatiana, let alone extorting any cash from me.

But I know I won’t be able to do it.

I won’t be able to tell him jack shit.

I won’t be able to say no.

Because of our history.

So I don’t make the call.

Fuck fuck fuck.

Coward.

My phone vibrates before I can decide, Nico’s name flashing across the screen like an accusation.

“So big brother,” Nico says, his tone deceptively light. “I hear congratulations are in order. The deal closed.”

News travels fast. “It did.”

“When do I get to meet your wife? I’m free tonight.”

I close my eyes, the pounding in my temples intensifying. “I was about to call you about that.”

And cancel it. And tell you to fuck off.

“Were you? Or were you hoping I’d forget?” The hint of a threat lurks beneath his words.

I swallow, then sigh. It’s like my soul is draining out of me with every word. “I said I would arrange it, Nico. I keep my promises.” Unlike that night, long ago. When I hid, while he...

“Tonight then,” he says. “Dinner. Somewhere nice.”

My jaw clenches. “Fine. Eight o’clock. Eleven Madison Park. I’ll make the reservation.”

“Looking forward to it.” The satisfaction in his voice makes my stomach turn. “Dom?”

“What?”

“Don’t tell her why we’re meeting. I want to see her genuine reaction to me.”

I close my eyes. The request hangs between us, heavy with implication. My brother wants to blindside Tatiana.

You sick fuck, I’ll tear out your throat. I’ll—

But I don’t say a word. Because I’m a goddamn coward. Just like that night.

“I’ll see you at eight,” I say, ending the call.

I stare at my phone for a long moment. Longer than I ever have in my life, if feels like.

Finally, I press Tatiana’s number.

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