Page 5 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“I don’t know how to feel.” I shrug. Hell, yes, I’m nervous. The memory of his dark, narrowed eyes on mine makes me shift in my seat. “It’s just odd. I remember him as your best friend who caught Lucky Charms with his mouth mid-air and teased me about leaving the nightlight on. Not as a tycoon.”

“He’s still Adrian, El,” Ethan reassures me, his eyes softening. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he’d still tease you if he finds out you still leave the nightlight on.” He pats me on the back mockingly.

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes with a smile. My phone buzzes, and I look down at a text from—shit. Carson.

You can’t hide from me forever. I suggest you answer me before things get out of hand.

I quickly delete the messages and place the phone face-down on the table. Before they get out of hand? My ex-boyfriend still can’t get over the breakup. His jealous outbursts and inability to listen whenever I would tell him I’m not ready to sleep with him aren’tthings I’m willing to deal with. He’s dead set on getting me back, apparently.

“Wanna talk about it?” Ethan asks, obviously sensing my change in mood. “Is that little dick still bothering you?”

“He’ll get tired of it.” I take a deep, steadying breath. “I hope.” He’d shown up at each of my classes, glaring at me the entire time. He followed me to the bathroom, demanding I talk to him, and even slammed his fist into the wall. But I’ll spare that detail. Jail wouldn’t suit Ethan.

“Just give me a sign, and I’ll make sure he never even thinks about you ever again.” As much as I’d like to see Ethan throw a punch at Carson, getting my brother in trouble because of that slug isn’t worth it.

“Don’t worry about it. I have my nightlight on, so I’ll spot him if he makes the mistake of breaking in.” I grin and playfully shove Ethan with my elbow. Suddenly, my phone rings, and my heart jumps. Don’t let it be Carson. I flip my phone around and breathe a sigh of relief when I see it’s my best friend.

“Lilly’s calling,” I tell Ethan, who has his eyes fixed on whatever’s on TV.

“Say hi,” he says, distracted. After excusing myself from the table, I quickly walk up to my room and pick up.

“Hey, Lilly. What’s up?” I throw myself on the bed, putting her on speaker. I’ve never liked holding a phone up to my ear.

“Just checking up,” she chirps. I swear, this girl is always in a good mood. “Are you still upset about Ethan moving?”

“No… yes.” I shake my head. “I don’t know. It’s been just the two of us for so long. I’m not used to being away from him for more than a couple of days.”

“Think of the pros. You could throw all the house parties you want and invite all the cute boys from college.” Her giggle echoes through the phone, but I’m in no mood to giggle along.

“And have them go through my stuff? Absolutely not, Lilly.” The thought of having near-strangers in my house is enough to completely abandon any thought of throwing a house party.

“Afraid they’d find your diary with poetry about Adrian?” I can envision her smirking on the other side of the phone.

“It was a childhood crush, Lilly. It’s been years, and I’ve grown up. I shouldn’t have told you about meeting with him today.” I let out a dramatic sigh.

“Well, you could at least invite someone over. Maybe Ethan's leaving will finally give you a chance to get laid,” she whispers the last part.

“You’re a menace.” I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not looking to turn our home into a Tinder meetup spot.”

“Just a thought, El. You know, exploring new horizons and all that,” she teases.

“The only thing I’ll be exploring is the exciting world of investment, apparently.” I’ve been mourning what little free time I have left ever since Ethan told me about his plans.

“I forgot to tell you, Carson’s been telling everyone that you two hooked up,” Lilly says after a moment of silence. “And he’s very descriptive about it.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything else,” I mutter. I know I have to deal with him at some point, but how do you stop a deranged ex from being… well, deranged?

“If he bothers you, why don’t you just let Ethan loose on him? I’ve seen your brother, El. That man can knock him out in a single punch.”

“Yeah, because nothing says sibling love like a good punch to the ex-boyfriend’s face.” I roll my eyes but still can’t deny that the thought is quite appealing.

“Judging by Ethan’s body, I’m sure more than a punch might actually kill Carson. Can you imagine that hunk of a man is your sibling?” She giggles. Oh, gross.

“That’s disgusting. Please, try to keep my brother’s body out of your thoughts and our conversations.” I don’t need to hear any more than I already have. Lilly has had a crush on Ethan ever since we’ve been friends. Just like I’ve had a crush on Adrian. I shake my head, trying to send Adrian flying out of it.

“I’m just saying, if I ever get the chance, I’m dropping my handkerchief.” Lilly’s playful tone makes me laugh.

“That’s a handkerchief you might want to keep in your pocket, girl.” I chuckle. Ethan would never see Lilly in that light. To him, she’s always been the annoying little girl with a crush on him. I wonder if thathow Adrian sees me, too? His best friend’s annoying little sister? The thought makes my shoulders drop. Why do I even care? “So, you want to come over? We could help Ethan pack.”