Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 by Laura Burton (learn to read books .TXT) 📕

fake cough drew his attention, and a mass of red curls flooded his vision as a woman flung her arms around his middle.

“Harold, darling, I need to speak with you. This cannot wait any longer.”

Chapter Nineteen

Surprising Revelations

Julie watched Harry leave the dance floor with Ebony. The redhead wore a black fishtail dress that made her hair look even more fiery.

“You may recognize me from Bad Men.”

Julie turned back to look at the huge man who smelled strongly of ginger. His face had so much hair, she struggled to read his expression.

“Do you mean Bad Boys?” she asked. They side-stepped to the music, his hand was coarse and so large she thought he could break hers if he squeezed.

“No, no. Bad Man is a spin-off from the movies.”

Julie wasn’t sure what else to ask as her eyes scanned the room for Harry. Why did he go off with Ebony?

The song changed and everyone began dancing like they were at a nightclub. Julie took the opportunity to break contact with the man––she didn’t even pick up his name over the sound of the music––and offered a weak smile before making her way to the edge of the hall.

Julie decided that Harry was not the type of guy who would go running back to his ex-fiancé at the first chance. She had nothing to worry about.

Yet, the two of them had only been dating for a week, and when a beautiful redheaded ex returned to Singleville, Julie couldn’t help but worry.

Relax, Julie. He’s just gone with her to… talk.

She thought she was crazy about Harry, but seeing him with another woman further cemented her feelings for him.

The tabloids had made Harry out to be someone he wasn’t. Always photographed with ladies, scandalous stories about breaking hearts and getting into fights at the Oscars. Of course, none of it was true. Harry was the sweetest, most sensitive man she had ever known. Not that she had the opportunity to know many other men. The only male in her life outside of work was Tabby, and until now, she liked it that way.

As jealousy swirled around like snakes in her stomach, Julie wondered if she was being possessive and that perhaps she was overreacting. Maybe it is completely normal to have your billionaire date walk away with his ex. Then again––nausea rose to the base of her throat as she thought about it––maybe, she was perfectly within her rights to be annoyed. She walked out of the hall and followed the signs for the bathroom, her head spinning with scenarios. She reached the bathroom and pushed open the heavy door as she tried to stop the mental image of Harry and Ebony making out.

As Julie entered, one of the cubicle doors opened and Julie stood rooted on the spot, stunned at the woman who appeared in view.

“Hello, again.”

The black sleek gown had diamonds sewn into the seamline, creating a beautiful outline of the woman’s curves. Her thick red curls hung to her waist like a gorgeous mane. The woman stood a foot taller than Julie, making her feel like a child stumbling into a place she wasn’t supposed to be in.

“Julie, right?” she added. Her unnaturally white teeth gleamed as she ran a tongue across them. Her eyes glinting, like Tabby when eyeing up a new toy to play with.

“Yes,” Julie said, finally finding her voice. She moved to the sink and washed her hands. The scent of expensive perfume wafted over her as Ebony leaned into her shoulder and spoke softly into her ear.

“He’s such a good kisser, isn’t he?”

Julie’s body stiffened and she clamped her jaw shut as she forced a smile.

“Do you mind if I ask a question?” she asked, fluttering her oversized lashes at her. Julie shook her hands and grabbed a paper towel, then turned to look at Ebony.

“You already have, but go on.”

Ebony sashayed her hips as she waltzed around the bathroom, playing with her hair as she went on.

“How can you afford a fifty-thousand-pound plate?” Her eyes narrowed as she came to a stop and surveyed Julie closely. “You didn’t really let him pay, did you? And please tell me what Harold is doing with a seamstress?”

Julie’s heart quickened and sweat started to form on her upper lip. She tried to remain expressionless, but she always had a terrible poker face.

“Oh, yes. I know exactly what you are,” Ebony sneered. “You think anyone bought that story about Paris? As if Estelle would notice you. Come on, admit it. You don’t belong here.”

Julie ground her teeth as her temper rose to the surface. She wanted to launch an attack and rip that beautiful dress to shreds. Some poor person would have spent hours, maybe even days hand stitching those diamonds, and Ebony didn’t deserve it.

“I think that’s none of your business,” she said simply. Trying to sound like a school teacher reprimanding a child. Instead, she sounded like a whiny teenager trying to fend off a bully.

“It is my business. Harold and I have history, remember? We live in the same world.” Ebony held her head high and started to walk around again. “You’ve known him for five minutes and think you’ve got him wrapped around your finger.” She stopped and eyed Julie sharply, as if daring her to argue. When Julie remained silent, her satisfied smile returned, and she continued, “We both know Harold doesn’t have a backbone. He’d never hurt a soul… to his own detriment.”

“You’re making him out like he’s a pushover,” Julie said bluntly, crossing her arms. Ebony’s perfectly shaped brows raised.

“Well? And you don’t think so? You’re even more naïve than I thought.” She looked away from Julie and studied her reflection with a sigh. “Most billionaires get to the top by earning it. Standing up for what they believe in and kicking down any obstacle in their way.”

Julie’s jaw throbbed as she set her teeth together. “Harold just got lucky. He ended up in the right crowd, had friends