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“I know,” she whispers.

My jaw tightens.

“I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

She swallows. “It’s not like that.”

“It is,” I say. “And you know it.”

She doesn’t argue.

I step closer, just enough to feel her breath.

“I’m not going to fight him for you,” I say quietly. “But I’m also not going to step back because he feels something he shouldn’t.”

Her eyes widen slightly.

I lift a hand, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“Ruby,” I say, voice low. “I want you.”

Her breath hitch tells me everything.

“And unless you tell me to stop,” I murmur, “I’m not going anywhere.”

She whispers, “I’m not telling you to stop.”

Heat punches through me.

I take her hand in mine.

And I don’t let go.

Team Billionaire vs Team Boy-Next-Door

SEXY NINE GROUP CHAT

Ava renamed the chat

Ava:

EVAN LOOKS LIKE HE GOT HIT BY A BUS OF FEELINGS

Trey:

Ruby

Blink twice if the billionaire dragged you to his lair

Ruby:

NOBODY DRAGGED ANYONE

STOP SCENARIO-BUILDING

Sienna:

Girl