Page 100 of Money Reigns

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I don’t respond.

But I stand up and get ready anyway.

Chapter twenty

War

Ifinish pouring the wine.

The table is already set. Minimal. Elegant. Intimate. The kind of setting I never bother with because no one ever comes here.

Until her.

My phone buzzes.

My driver letting me know Olivia is on her way up.

I place the phone face down, adjust the napkin, and move toward the entryway.

The elevator doors open.

There she is.

She steps off the elevator and into my foyer like she has no idea she’s the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen.

Hair down. Freckles bare. Lips painted that same deep wine-red from the gala.

My favorite.

She smooths her dress, eyes flicking to mine, and I can tell she’s trying not to fidget.

Good. A little nervous. That means she knows where she is.

My space.

My home.

Myrules.

I extend a hand, and when she places hers in mine, there’s a subtle tremble. Barely there. But I feel it.

Perfect.

“You wore the lipstick.” My voice drops as I draw her inside.

Her eyes lift, curious. “Isabella left it behind,” she murmurs, almosttooquietly. Then, a smirk. “I’m guessing per your orders.”

I don’t answer right away. I just look at her,reallylook.

The way her mouth moves when she tries to hold back a smile.

The way her dress hugs her curves without trying too hard.

The way she always teeters between wanting control and craving to give it up.

I step closer. My fingers trail a soft path beneath her jaw.

“That shadebelongsto you now.”

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