Page 63 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“He doesn’t have to. I’m the one who should be apologizing.” I step forward, gathering my thoughts. “I gave you my word that I would protect your sister, and—”

“And that’s exactly what you’ve done,” Ethan interrupts me, catching me off-guard. “I’m so sorry.” Ethan’s eyes go wide with remorse. “When I saw that video… fuck, I can’t even explain what came over me.” He takes one step towards me and pauses. “Are you okay?”

“Taking my dying breath,” I reply with a raised brow.

Ethan huffs out a chuckle before his face drops again. “I’m so sorry, brother. Fuck, I feel disgusting.”

Elana walks over to him and wraps her arms around him. “You’re an idiot, Ethan,” she murmurs against his chest as he returns the hug.

“I’m so sorry,” is all Ethan keeps repeating as the two of them hold each other.

I move my jaw around, trying to ease the pain while watching them. It’s the only hit he landed without me blocking it, but he sure as hell made it count. Damn, I haven’t got a beating like that from him in a while.

Elana steps away from Ethan, who locks eyes with me. He slowly takes a few steps towards me until we’re eye to eye. Suddenly, he pulls me into a tight bear hug. I wrap my arms around him and look up at Elana, who gives me a tight smile. She loves me.

“Forgive me,” he chokes out.

“Getting into a brawl with you definitely wasn’t on my bingo card for today.” I chuckle, hoping that this will be enough to lighten the mood a bit. Ethan’s body trembles with what I hope is a quiet laugh, his arms squeezing me even tighter. He pulls away and scans us both. “Wait, so,” pausing, he furrows his brows, and his fingers swings back and forth between Elana and me, “you two…”

I look at Elana, who gives Ethan a smile that’s half-apologetic, half-smug.

“Wow, I think Ineed a drink.”

So, that’s exactly what we do. I whisk them away to one of my favorite sky bars in town. Elana and I take turns explaining everything to Ethan, laying out the entire story with a few carefully chosen omissions. He doesn’t need to hear about those, and I certainly don’t need more punches to the jaw. By the time we’re onto our second glass of brandy, Ethan’s already laughing at one of Elana’s jokes. Elana throws her head back, her hand clutching her belly as she lets out a laugh. That’s my girl. A swell of pride fills my chest as I reach to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

She turns to me then, her smile radiant enough to light up the entire city below us. They’re both happy—the two people I love. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and I have to blink back at the sudden rush of emotion. Love. Yes, that’s exactly what this is.

“What’s that face?” She giggles, leaning in closer. “What’s on your mind?”

“I love you.” The words spill from my lips, loud enough for both of them to hear. My heart pounds in my chest from the confession.

I love you, little duck. I look up at Ethan, who’s suddenly quiet, watching us with a smile. I love you both. Elana watches me with wide eyes before giving me the brightest smile I’ve seen on her face.

Ethan clears his throat. “Well…” He raises his glass for a toast. “Here’s to Adrian Morgan becoming Adrian Turner.”

“Turner Investments,” I muse. “I’m not sure people would be happy with me rebranding.”

“Trust me, once I become CEO of CBK Media, you’ll start singing a different song. You’ll be honored to carry our name.” Ethan laughs and dings my glass.

“Oh, I’m sure I will.” With a wink, I raise my glass in return.

Epilogue

1 YEAR LATER

~ADRIAN~

One year. That’s how long I’ve waited for this moment. Elana graduated yesterday, and I couldn’t be prouder. So, I’ve been planning this for months, every detail meticulous to give my girl the perfect proposal. Her whole family came to support her, granting me the opportunity to talk to her father. Thank fuck. I basically lived at their house when Ethan and I were younger. Kal is like a father to me, which made asking for Elana’s hand easier yet a lot more awkward.

I was more than relieved when instead of a punch to the nose, I got his bright smile and hearty clap on myback. Ethan could learn a thing or two about asking before punching. I smile, shaking my head. He knows I’m planning to propose, he just doesn’t know when, which is exactly why I’ve waited for Elana to go out with her parents while Ethan and I stayed behind.

I approach Ethan, who’s sitting on my couch, a beer and a controller in hand. My smile turns into a frown.

“Get your fucking shoes off my coffee table,” I grunt from behind him.

“Or what?” he teases and takes a swig of his beer.

“Or,” I say, clapping him on the shoulder and leaning in, “I can tell you about what happened on the exact spot you’re sitting on.”