Page 122 of Billionaire’s Ruin

That gentleness.

That familiarity.

That confidence he had when talking to her.

And suddenly—it was as if I’d become a third wheel in my own damn life.

The connection—the magnetism that hit me like a truck the second she ran into my arms—gone.

Snuffed out like a candle.

When he told me to leave June alone, when he said it wasn’t safe for her to be with me…

I never agreed.

Not out loud.

Not in my head.

Not in my heart.

Who was he to decide anything for me?

If he wanted to settle the score from our childhood, fine.

There were a hundred ways I could repay him.

But surrendering June?

That would never be one of them.

Lincoln came back with the ice bucket.

A billionaire carrying ice like hotel staff.

I could hardly process it.

He handed June a damp towel without a word—like he understood instinctively that she wasn’t going to ask twice.

“Let’s cool you down,” she murmured, pressing the cloth to Dannie’s forehead. “Close your eyes.”

“Why?” Dannie muttered, fighting a smirk—a soft, playful smile that was meant for just her.

“Just five minutes.” June said, gentle but firm.

“Alright,” he whispered.

He complied without hesitation.

Had things really changed that fast?

Just weeks ago, she’d been falling for me—hot, fast, and real.

I knew what that looked like.

What it felt like.

What it sounded like in a woman’s breath and eyes and silence.