Page 52 of Betrayal of a Billionaire
“This,” she said, flicking her gaze forward. “I didn’t know this was Julia’s hometown, and now she’s…”
“Sierra, it’s okay.”
“But, Daddy–”
“Sierra, it’s okay. Whatever happens, it’s okay. I’m not mad at you.”
She pouted. “But that’s just it. It’snotokay whatever happens. Daddy, if Julia stays here, I’ll be…”
She didn’t finish the sentence.
“So will I, baby. So will I, but we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen, okay?”
Sierra nodded as she kept hold of him, still upset.
He kissed the top of her head. “It’s okay, Sierra. Try to have fun, okay? In fact, why don’t you go walk with Julia? I bet she’d love to tell you all about this place.”
That brought a smile to her face, and she nodded. “Okay, Daddy.”
She kissed his cheek before she let go of him and hurried forward, pushing between Luke and Julia and wrapping her arm around Julia’s.
Julia slid her arm Sierra’s waist and pulled her closer. He really loved the way Julia treated his daughter.
Alicia dropped back with Luke as Julia pointed to a mountain in the distance as she spoke to Sierra. Julia’s sister slid an arm onto Luke’s back before she offered him a few words and a conspiratorial nod and slowed her steps even more.
Grant continued down the path, his stomach clenching as it became clear that Alicia was dropping back to walk with him. He wondered if he should walk even slower to avoid a confrontation. The last thing he wanted was a fight between them within Julia’s earshot.
He decided to keep his gait normal, figuring he couldn’t avoid her forever.
Within seconds, they strode next to each other. “Hi, Grant,” she said, her tone disdainful.
“Alicia,” he said, giving her a nod. “Sure is beautiful here.”
“Yes, it is. Very. I’m sure it’ll be hard to leave at the end of your trip. Especially for my sister.”
“I’m sure leaving her family behind will be tough, yes.” He deliberated over his next words. When they finally escaped, they sounded more begrudging than he had intended. Still, he hoped Julia would appreciate that he had mustered the courage to say them. “But you could visit.”
“At Harrington House? Where you all live together?” Alicia asked.
“It’s a pretty big house,” Grant said, giving her the side eye.
“Mmm, well, if it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll pass. That house sounds like it has more problems than I’d like to deal with.”
Grant chewed the inside of his cheek, trying not to get into an argument. “Just wanted to give you the opportunity to see your sister. I’m not a controlling jerk, despite what you think.”
“Then let her come here,” Alicia said.
The words made Grant’s stomach flip-flop. Did he want her to travel back to see Luke?
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Alicia said.
“No, I didn’t say no. Julia has the jet at her disposal, she can visit you whenever she’d like.”
“Really?”
“Of course,” he said, hoping she couldn’t hear the edge in his voice.
“How interesting. And her past with Luke…that doesn’t bother you.”
