Page 39 of Billionaire Bad Boy Auction

“Fuck you,” I said with disgust. “Grow up.”

He chuckled. “You like her?”

Before I could say something that would make me look more invested than I should, a voice cut in from behind us.

“Well, well, well. Look who came out to play today.”

I turned, already irritated, only to find Lila Sinclair sauntering toward us. She was the shitty reporter that seemed to have a real thing for destroying Portia’s happiness.

Lila sipped her drink, watching me with too much interest. “You here alone, Jackson? Or should I be looking for a certain real estate dropout? People have been eating up my story. I’d love to give the readers a little something more to chew on.”

My entire body tensed. I knew what she was doing. Fishing for a story that would sell her shitty paper and give her the fucking attention she so desperately needed to feel validated. Unlike Portia who didn’t need anyone. Lila was just jealous. Portia did something on her own without any help from anyone.

I wasn’t going to give Lila anything.

“Get lost,” I muttered, walking past her.

She laughed, clearly too pleased with herself. Seth caught up with me, his grin still in place.

“Don’t take her too seriously,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder. “She’s just doing her job. Nothing interesting ever happens in this town, so she’s excited. That’s all.”

I shot him a look. “That girl’s a vulture. You should stay away from her if you know what’s good for you. It’s only a matter of time before that woman turns on you. She will definitely bite you in the ass. There’s no loyalty there, Seth. You let her in and she’s going to blast you.”

Seth laughed, shaking his head. “Oh yeah, I don’t know what’s good for me—that’s kind of my M.O.”

I rolled my eyes. “She’s a different kind of mistake, Seth. That one has some teeth. You don’t need her blasting your business all over the place.”

Seth shrugged, his grin never faltering. “Maybe I like the danger. Keeps things interesting.” He took another swig of his drink, the ice clinking against the glass. “Anyway, you’re one to talk. What’s your deal, Dean? You’re not exactly the social butterfly type. What brought you out?”

I didn’t answer. Instead, I let my gaze drift back to Portia. She was still talking to Alexis. Even from here, I could see the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled, the way she tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear when the wind caught it. She looked like she might actually be enjoying herself.

“Fuck off. Try not to get drunk and make an ass out of yourself. I’ll let you sit in the drunk tank. You don’t want to waste your one phone call on me.”

“Come on, Dean,” he said without a care in the world. “Live a little. Everyone’s out here to have a good time. For once in your life, enjoy yourself and don’t worry about me. I swear I’ll stay out of your hair.”

I didn’t respond, just shook my head and kept walking. Seth was a pain in my ass, but he wasn’t wrong. I didn’t need to babysit him. Not today. If he wanted to go to jail or get in a fight, that was on him.

I had more important things to worry about, like my complicated feelings for my little brother’s ex-girlfriend.