Free CUZ: Billionaire Stepbrother Romance by Brandi Louis Page B

She looks so innocent , I thought, wondering if we had made a good decision sleeping together. I ha d grown the trust fund to just under three hundred million dollars in five years.
    All that work was about to go away. Is she worth that much? I put the thought out of my mind as she stirred and opened her eyes. A smile crept over her face when she saw me watching her. I leaned forward and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
    “Oh, please. My breath.”
    “We’re in this good and bad,” I said with a laugh.
    She rolled her eyes. “Anyway. Good morning.”
    “Good morning. You sleep okay?”
    “Better than I’ve slept in a long time.”
    I tried to keep smiling, but it faded from my face.
    “What’s wrong?” she asked.
    “It’s nothing,” I lied.
    “Tell me,” she insisted.
    “I was just thinking about all the money I made over the last few years. All my plans are going to go to hell.”
    She sat up on her elbow and frowned. “Are you seriously telling me you’re regretting not dumping me and keeping your precious money?”
    “No, but I was thinking about it. I put a lot of work in these last few years.”
    “And I haven’t?”
    Fuck. There’s no getting out of this.
    “You want some coffee or breakfast?”
    “Don’t change the subject,” she said, getting out of bed.
    “Where are you going?”
    “The bathroom. Is that okay?”
    I watched as she crossed the room. Dressed only in pink panties, she looked as amazing as she had the night before, even with her messy hair. With a deep sigh, I got out of bed and stretched. I reached down and adjusted my balls. She picked that moment to walk back into the room.
    “Nice,” she said. “You making breakfast?”
    “I’m not a great cook, but I can try.”
    “Fine. I’ll make it. Can you get the coffee going?”
    “You’re still not a morning-person,” I said.
    She rolled her eyes. “Please. It’s too early.”
    In the kitchen, I started a pot of coffee while she whipped up a couple of omelettes with red peppers and cheddar cheese. It smelled incredible. I sat down at the table and watched her in front of the stove.
    “I didn’t mean to say…”
    “It’s okay,” she interrupted. “Let’s just drop it, okay?”
    “Yeah.”
    I stood back up and got out a couple of plates as she finished our food. We sat down across from each other. The coffee was warm but good.
    “Why don’t I just get you a lawyer,” she said suddenly.
    “A lawyer?”
    “Yeah, to fight the Knights. I don’t have my money yet, but I bet we could get an attorney to help us if we promised to pay him when I get my inheritance.”
    “You would do that for me?” I asked.
    “Of course, Josh. I love you too.”
    I smiled at her. We both heard a knock at her front door.
    “Are you expecting someone?” I asked.
    “No.”
    She got up and headed to the living room. I followed close behind. When she opened the door, I saw the private investigator. He still had on the ridiculous black trench coat.
    “What do you want?” Ashley asked him.
    “Can I come in?”
    I walked over. “We’d rather you didn’t. Why are you here?”
    “Look, kid. Your time is running out. Are you going to sign the contract or not?”
    Ashley glared at me silently.
    “Go now before I call the cops,” I said, shutting the door in his face.
    “What was that about?” she asked me.
    “I told you. They want me to sign papers saying to never see you again.”
    “I thought you told them no already.”
    “Not yet. I didn’t have time.”
    “What about right after he asked you?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
    “I like to keep my options open. You know that.”
    “Oh, so I’m just an option for you, huh?”
    “No, it’s not like that…”
    “Then what’s it like?”
    “I love you, Ash.”
    She stared into my eyes as if trying to decide whether she should trust me.
    “Let’s just be on our own until we get to court, okay? I need some time alone.”
    “But, Ash. Last night