The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires, #1)

by Lauren Asher

Cal places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. His vodka-and-mint-coated breath hits my face, making me scowl. My middle brother might look dressed to the nines in a pressed suit and perfectly styled blond hair, but his red-rimmed eyes tell a completely different story.

Declan stops by my other side. He stares at the crowd of people with an unrelenting scowl. My oldest brother has intimidating people down to a science, with everyone avoiding his pitch-black stare. His suit matches his dark hair, which only adds to his cloak-and-dagger look.

Sweet and little are the last words I’d use to describe myself since I’m as tall as an NBA player with the emotional range of a rock, but Grandpa was blissfully ignorant.

Because if there’s one lesson we learned from Seth Kane, it’s that love may come and go, but hate lasts forever.

When I was with Lance, that’s the kind of person I became comfortable being. The silent, demure type who didn’t want to make any waves because I prioritized his happiness.

It’s like she shits sprinkles and consumes rainbows for sustenance. I’m not sure what kind of fairy tale forest she was raised in, but no one can be this optimistic about everything.

“Move over.” He walks up to my desk, bringing his addictive cologne with him. “Why?” I rasp. “For some unknown reason, I feel like helping you.” “Because?” I keep my smile hidden behind a curtain of my hair. “Because you shouldn’t be trusted around electrical outlets.”

Me: Because life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. Zahra: Of course not. But how can we appreciate the sun every morning if we don’t live through the dark?

I’m experiencing my personal hell. Turns out Zahra is a back-to-back serial texter.

Why does he talk like he was born drinking breast milk out of a porcelain teacup? And even weirder, why do I enjoy it?

I want to learn all about the grumpy guy who played varsity bowling and joins a mentorship program for people with disabilities despite being incredibly busy.

Me: Who hurt you? Do we need to find their HP address? Zahra: Haha so funny. Are you expanding your talents to the computer hacking business? Me: For you, I’d consider it. And I mean every word.

Lucifer: Please tell me where you are? Me: Look at you using the word please. And people say old dogs can’t learn new tricks.

“You don’t want me to help you with that problem?” “Take a man out to dinner first.” “Does my pussy count?” “Fuck.”

If this is what it feels like to be around someone who’s pure sunshine, I’ll willingly accept the burn. Every. Damn. Time.

“I found the secret to making you smile!” “What?” “Orgasms! Why didn’t I think of it sooner?!”

Even after Rowan leaves, I can’t stop smiling to myself. Because I’m going on a date tomorrow with Rowan Don’t-Know-What-the-G-Stands-For-Yet Kane.

“A kiss for a secret.” “I’ve never heard of this game.” I smirk. “That’s because it’s exclusively ours.”

“If you tell anyone, I’ll have to—” “Yeah, yeah. Fire me. I got it already.” “I’ll have to fuck you. But if you’re interested in role-playing the other scenario, I’m more than happy to oblige.”

“You drive me crazy,” he mumbles against the goose bumps on my neck. He withdraws his fingers before slamming them inside me again. “Wild.” I gasp. “Out of control.” Another punishing assault of his fingers. “Reckless enough to fuck you in the back seat with my driver only three feet away, separated by a plastic divider that isn’t made to block out your cries.”

“If I had a heart to give, it would be all yours. Free of cost.” My spine tingles, and it has nothing to do with his hand running down my back. I want to tell him he has a heart, but the words get stuck in my throat. So instead, I soak in whatever kind of affection Rowan is willing to share.

“What kind of person hates New York?” “The same kind who loves Chicago.”

“I didn’t tell you this for you to pity me.” “Then why?” “Because…” His voice trails off.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman. Foreplay is important.” “You fucked me in a car only a couple of weeks ago. The gentleman card has been revoked.”

“Seriously. Your answer to everything is to cut, maim, and kill. That’s not really the kind of solution I’m looking for here.” “Only because you couldn’t afford a good lawyer after.”

“Seriously. Castration?” “You know how the saying goes. Act like a dick, lose said dick.” A loud laugh escapes me. “No one says that!” “Then maybe it’s time people did.