Billionaire Alpha 1: (A Bad Boy Billionaire Novel) by Ali Parker Page A

phobic."
     
    *
     
    Bethany and Matt chatted for a few more minutes before dinner was served. She wanted so badly to ask him about his mom, as he had briefly mentioned her, but she let it slide. Now wasn't the time, in the middle of a family dinner. As soon as dessert was cleared, Matt stood and stretched, promising to come back the next night for dinner if they would have him. His father assured him he would.
    Bethany stood and offered her bent arm to Matt. "Might I walk you to the door, sir?"
    "Most certainly, my lady."
    He took her arm and walked with her, skipping here and there to keep his mental act up. They stopped at the door and he turned to her, pulling her into another air-depleting bear-hug. She laughed as he sat her down and tipped a fake hat.
    "Behave, as much as possible, and if not, pretend it's because you didn't take your meds." He winked and slipped out the door, Bethany thrilled to have him as an almost member of her family. He was just what she needed.
    Damon on the other hand … wasn't.

Chapter 8
     
     
     
    Bethany showered quickly before blow drying her long chestnut hair, the straightener a godsend in the Texas summer heat. She finished getting her hair to behave and put on a little makeup before walking into her adjoining room and getting dressed. A light blue suit with cream-colored lapels and lining made her look like a fashion icon from the fifties. It was elegant and yet demanded attention. She put on her favorite earrings and slipped on her cream-colored heels, the height of them making her leg muscles more apparent. She loved feeling pretty and yet couldn't seem to find a reason to dress up most days of the week.
    Her internship was going to spoil her.
    Bethany walked to the kitchen, Martha handing her a plate with two breakfast tacos and salsa on it. She moved the plate to her face and breathed in deeply, the smell divine. Her stomach protested loudly and she sat down at the bar for a quick breakfast. She didn't notice Martha watching her as she ate quickly, her concern not getting anything on her outfit.
    "You haven't had the easiest of lives, have you miss?"
    Bethany looked up, slowing her rapid chewing a little and reaching for the silky white napkin sitting beside her. She wiped her lips and reached to pick up her orange juice. She took a quick sip and sighed with relief, her gaze moving to the older Hispanic woman as she smiled.
    "My father was a drug dealer and took everything from us when I was twelve. My mom's worked very hard to try and put food on the table, but most days it was just one meal. I'm not sure I want to get used to eating again, though."
    "Why is that?"
    "It hurts too much when it's gone again." Bethany rubbed at her chest, just above her heart. She had dealt with poverty so long that surely it was just around the corner in this new fairy tale and would jump out and cause everything to crash down around them.
    "You don't have to worry about that, child. Mr. Bryant loves your mom."
    "My dad said he did too. Who knows, right? Better to prepare for the worst and find yourself pleasantly surprised than hope for something that never comes."
    "Well, I think that's pretty negative, but I'll keep my opinion to myself. You want another taco, sweetie?"
    "No. I won't fit in my suit if you keep feeding me, Martha."
    "Then we'll buy you another one."
    The chef laughed and moved to busy herself with something on the stove as Bethany finished her breakfast, enjoying it, to the last bit that she licked from her fingers. It was weird to be in the midst of wealth after such a long life of wanting for everything.
    One thing was for sure — Bethany would never end up with someone who was rich. They wouldn't have anything in common. While a wealthy guy might be great for entertainment and sex, chances of him understanding her were slim. She couldn't shake the image of Damon from her thoughts, angst pressing against her at the idea that her new stepbrother was becoming her go-to