Page 188 of The Bet
He reached for the box of tissues by the bedside, cleaned up then turned to look at her. Her flushed face and shiny eyes stared back.
“That was beautiful,” she said, still breathless, still panting, her chest lifting and lowering. “Worth the wait.”
“Was it?” He needed to know.
“Yes, oh, yes, yes yes,” she murmured, arching her back lazily.
“I promise not to make you wait so long next time.”
“I promise not toallowyou to take so long next time.”
She shuffled closer to him, forcing him to lie on his back. He opened his arms, and let her snuggle against his chest before putting his arm around her. Then, he held her close, her warm, soft body melding with his.
He could fall asleep like this, with her in his arms, and when he awoke, he could lie here happily, and be content forever.
In a world where happiness could be bought, where fancy cars, and overpriced watches and jewelry were temporary fixes, the real happiness, he realized, came from things which money couldnotbuy—like creating precious moments, tender and unique, like sharing laughter and kisses with a lover, like finding a soulmate who completed you.
Izzy completed him.
And, he hoped, she felt the same way about him.
Or that she would, given time.
He had so much to tell her; so many ideas and thoughts which he had been contemplating ever since they had started their new journey. Seeds of new plans and loftier goals. Ambitious ventures he wanted to talk to Tobias about, but only once he had run his ideas by Izzy.
Delving into the past, into the circumstances surrounding her father's company going bankrupt, he had discovered the name of the unscrupulous businessman who had been involved. A man who had gone into politics a few years ago, leaving a trail of sex scandals and rumors of arms trafficking in his wake.
It had happened too long ago, for Xavier to find a way to right that wrong, but there was nothing to stop him from making things better.
He was always looking out for new business ideas and opportunities and he liked the idea of buying premium real estate—like Luke did—but in Pittsburgh, and building luxury condos, because, why not? And if he was able to, and if Izzy’s father was interested, he could come on board. The man already had the experience and the know-how.
“What are you thinking?” she asked, looking up at him through her lashes, this woman who had let him back into her life, and who now meant the world to him.
“You really want to know?”
“I really want to know.”
And then he remembered what else he had to tell her. There would be a better time to discuss her father, and the future.
“They kicked Shoemoney out of the mastermind group, those filthy rich businessmen.”
Her eyes grew wider, and she propped herself up on one elbow.
“What? When?”
“A few weeks ago, at the last get together. Before they'd even started the first round of golf.”
“This wasyourdoing?”
“Tobias's.”
“You told him?”
“I had to. I'm sorry.”
She didn't look as annoyed as he had feared she might.
“I won't let anyone hurt you again, Izzy. And I don't think it's right for people like that fucktard to get on with their normal lives, and get away with their crimes.”
