The Wrong Wife (Morally Grey Billionaires #5)(109)

My jaw drops.

Mira’s gaze widens, "Jeez, would have never guessed you’re a closet nerd.”

“You mean, because I am well-groomed and love my designer brands, I shouldn’t have a brain?”

Mira reddens. “Sorry, that was presumptuous of me.”

Gio’s features soften. “You’re good. I quite like disarming people with my”—she points to herself—“looks and fashion-sense, and then I lower the book—I mean, the boom—on them.” She cackles.

“I think I’m developing a serious girl crush on you,” Mira says slowly.

“Aww honey, you’re so good for my ego.” Gio laughs. "By the way, came up with that nickname after a rather intimate session too. Steely Dan has made me come more times than I can count, and faster and harder than any man ever has…and I suspect, ever will."

"Hmm." I contemplate taking another mouthful of the gooey ice-cream. I shouldn’t, should I? Oh, what the hell? Besides, the ice cream is doing what I intended with the brain-freeze settling over me. And if it adds another layer to my plentiful behind, I’m not complaining. And neither will he. Assuming I let him squeeze my flesh. Will I though?

"I’ll take your Steely Dan and raise you my BBF," Mira murmurs.

"You mean BOB don’t you?" Gio tips up her chin.

"Nope, I meant Book Boy Friend." Mira smirks.

"I’ll stay with Battery Operated Boyfriend, thank you very much," Gio retorts.

"BBF’s are superior."

"And imaginary."

"Don’t mock 'em 'til you try 'em." Mira scoffs.

Gio taps her chin. "I could, of course, take on a BBF and tag-team with a BOB."

Mira stares at her. "TBH, when you have a BBF, you don’t need a BOB."

"Next, you’ll be saying you’ve never wanted to try DP." Gio smirks.

Mira looks at her with speculation. "Something you wanna share with us?"

"Don’t mock it 'til you try it. Not that I have… Yet."

Mira and I exchange an amused look.

"You’re such a badass, I can totally believe you need a very special man—or men—to satisfy you," I tease.

She laughs. "Good thing I’m not in the market for one. Happy with my Danny boy, thank you very much. Also, we were talking about Knight and you."

I hunch my shoulders. "Not sure what to make of it. I’m a little pissed at his father for telling me something Knight may have told me in his own time. But also, I can’t be pissed because I’m glad I know. I think he’s doing the right thing, but I wish he’d just told me. We could've found a solution together. I’d have stood by his side. I’d have done anything for him, if he'd only let me. But the man doesn’t want to give me a chance."

"I thought things were improving between the two of you," Gio says slowly.

When I glance at her, she shrugs. "Abby told Solene, who told me. We’re all concerned about the two of you. I know it seems like we’re all up in your business, but—"

"I like it." I smile a little. "I miss having siblings, and after my mother fell ill, I felt ungrounded, so it’s nice to know there are people who care about me."

Gio’s expression softens. "See, I would be pissed if I were in your shoes. I prefer to face things on my own. But that’s that darned independent nature of mine, which has gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit. Not that I’m going to change or anything. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are a sweetheart, and he doesn’t deserve you."

"Hear, hear." Mira reaches for one of the remaining wedges of chocolate and raises it. "You’re not a complete bitch, Gio."

Gio laughs. "You’re not too bad, either."

"High praise coming from you." Mira grins, then turns to me. "So, you going to give him a chance to explain himself?"





66





Knight





"If only she’d give me a chance." I rub behind Tiny’s ear, and he yawns, then clambers onto the sofa next to me. The mutt’s the size of a pony, but he clearly thinks he’s a poodle. He prefers to curl up on the settee in the living room and thrust his nose into my lap.

The first time, he took me by surprise. I admit, I’d been worried the sectional wouldn’t bear his weight, but it held up. Also, when I tried to push him off, he sulked until I relented and allowed him up. And so most evenings, after my run with Adam—we’ve taken to running twice a day, once in the morning and once after work, now—I sprawl out on the sofa and watch gardening shows with Tiny.

Y-e-p, you heard that right. The man who used to hold a gun has found an affinity to holding flower bulbs. In fact, I’ve taken to cultivating them in pots on the balcony of my penthouse. Something about the undemanding routine of working with your hands in the earth, surrounded by greenery and nature, seems to soothe the churning in me. Something only she’d been able to do previously. Thoughts of her are never too far away from my mind. Especially because I know I’ve hurt her again. Why didn’t I have the courage to tell her about Bobbie's daughter? I haven’t seen her yet, and the social worker who’s been assessing me for the adoption hasn’t been impressed by me. I wasn’t surprised, at first, considering I was a single man. But as far as they know, I'm not anymore. Of course, it doesn’t help that they've never met my wife, and I'm also an emotionally wounded man with too many issues. Hell, I’d be the first to say I’m not fit to be a parent.