A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six

by Jeannette Winters

  Doug could read Beckett’s thoughts. He was already planning his visit to Candi. How Doug wished he could be there when it happened.

  “Please don’t tell me Earl left that vixen everything,” Trent said.

  Doug shook his head. “No. Like you said, he was a savvy businessman. Guess he wasn’t as blind as everyone thought.”

  “Good. So I guess since you arrived in LaPrade’s chopper, everything was left to you, and that makes you my competition now. There’s a little place in South America I think we need to discuss.”

  Doug didn’t want to hear anything about business. He didn’t plan on following in his father’s footsteps. Not professionally and not personally. “Whatever it is, it’s yours. I’ll have my lawyer, Robert Handa, reach out to you to finalize anything if you need it.” Until now, he’d never needed a lawyer. Since Handa had offered and knew more about the business it only made sense to utilize him. He was probably the only one my father trusted too.

  “You’re not the least bit interested in what it is, are you?” Trent asked.

  There was a piece of him that wanted to ask. Whatever it was, Trent seemed eager to get his hands on it. It’s only the first of many things I want out of my life. If I don’t give it to you, it’ll be some other guy. Might as well make it a Davis. “I am his son by blood only. If you want something, you can have it. None of it means anything to me.” He knew someone like Trent wouldn’t understand that. He’d built himself an empire, and his name was known and often feared, worldwide. It was believed that if he visited your company, you best be looking for new employment. He’d never resist what Doug was willing to walk away from.

  The shock of being offered what he’d fought Earl for showed all over Trent’s face. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not fighting over money or things. Neither matter to me. Never have and never will.

  “We don’t know each other well, but I will tell you that’s not a wise business decision. I know or can guess what Earl was worth. Just in assets alone, the guy was a giant. You don’t need to be him to run the business. Actually, I’d prefer you aren’t like him if you’re anywhere around my sister. Hell, any of my family for that matter.”

  “So are you suggest giving it all away? Trust me; I’m considering that option.”

  “Do I look fucking crazy? Hell, no. Unless you’d like to give it to me, then I agree with your decision.” Trent laughed lightly. Then he became serious again. “Take a look at Marpe-Agape, Doug. Every single thing you see is because of donations. Both money and time. But none of it would stay viable without continuous funding. I’m not saying for you to give your inheritance to Marpe-Agape. We’ve got it covered now. What I am saying is to think long and hard before you make any decision. A man with that much money has great power. How you choose to use it determines what legacy you leave one day for your children.”

  For my children? Hearing Trent speak like that surprised Doug. He’d been known as a shark, swallowing smaller fish. Had Trent changed because of the love of a woman and having a family of his own? It never happened for my father . . . and so far, not for me. But both these men?

  It appeared to be the case for both brothers.

  It was surprising and good to see people change for the better. He’d been worried about Beckett when they’d spoken earlier in the week. He hadn’t spent time with KJ, which wasn’t surprising given he’d arrived late on the eve of her wedding. She had seemed both relaxed and happy yesterday, which he was glad about. Beckett had been able to articulate what was concerning him, so he could work through some strategies to see his friend feeling more in control of his fears and doubts soon. Sitting here now, the only one who seemed to be having serious issues was himself. Tables seem to have turned. Doug needed to pull back and check himself. He couldn’t afford to snap. Not if he wanted to be near Rose. She is the last person I want to witness that side of me. Last night was bad enough.

  He remembered the sound of her voice as she pleaded with him to let go of Martin. She was scared of him then, and he hated it. It was the ugly side he’d hidden for so long that he almost forgot it was there. The truth was, he’d only buried the brutal anger. The crushing darkness. The stench of war. Me. It was only a matter of time before it reared its ugly head again.

  Hearing Trent talk about having children one day freaked him out. As long as he had these demons within him, how could he ever consider sharing his life with someone, never mind bringing innocent, defenseless children into this world? He wasn’t ready for that. Maybe I never will be.

  Doug needed a break from the conversation. He wanted to see Rose, to explain what she’d seen last night wasn’t what she thought. He should know the words to use, but despite spending the past five years counseling others on how to deal with speaking from the heart, why was it so fucking difficult to figure it out for himself?

  “Trent, that location is South America is yours. I’ll keep you in mind if I want to give the rest away. Right now, I’ve got other things on my mind.” Doug got up from the table and said, “Beckett, you keep digging. Right now, I’m going to try to do some damage control.”

  “I’d suggest giving it a bit more time. But you don’t seem like someone who takes advice. So good luck. I look forward to hearing from Handa. I wish all my business dealings were so simple.” Trent got up from the table too and left the dining hall.

  I wish I didn’t have any of them. I don’t like walking with snakes. Eventually you get bitten.

  Beckett stayed seated. “You’re serious? You’re just giving my brother property without even knowing what it’s worth?”

  “I don’t want to know. Let him put it to good use.”

  Beckett shook his head. “You’re one crazy son of a bitch.”

  “Lately, I’d have to agree with you.”

  He watched as Beckett’s expression became much more serious. “Do what you want with your money. Neither of us value it. It’s just a means to an end. But I’m warning you, Atwood, you blow it now with Rose, and you might not get a second chance. Trent is right, and I don’t usually agree with him. She needs to sort out her own emotions first. Once she’s done that, she’ll be ready to listen. If you go to her now, she’ll focus on you and not what she needs. She was attacked last night. Physically and mentally she needs to heal. If anyone should know that, it’s you.”

  Doug walked out of the dining hall and slammed the door behind him. Fuck. I know. I just don’t like it.

  Rose spent the entire day in bed. Lying awake, tossing and turning. Although she wished Doug was with her, it was a relief not to face anyone. Her face was black and blue and still tender to the touch. Her body felt as though someone had taken a baseball bat and beaten her. Did he only hit me once? The pain felt like more.

  She thought she heard the front door to the suite open and close again. Was Doug back? She didn’t want him to see her like this. If he entered now, she knew the tears she’d shed all night would return. Nothing good would come from that.

  They had shared something special yesterday in the garden. That was how she wanted him to remember her. Not bruised and looking like hell.

  There was a knock on her bedroom door, and Rose thought about not responding. Then there was a second one. Avoiding him wasn’t going work. “Come in.”

  When the door opened, she was surprised to see Sharma. “Rose, I was worried about you. Are you okay?”

  Rose sat up on the bed and tried to smile, but it hurt too much. “I’m okay, Sharma.”

  Sharma came into the bedroom, carrying a tray. “I thought you might want something to eat and drink. And I also brought an ice pack and pain killers.”

  She hadn’t eaten anything since the reception last night. Food wasn’t on her mind, yet the smell of coffee was wonderful. Sharma placed the tray on the nightstand near the bed and started back toward the door. Rose realized then she didn’t want to be alone. At least not now. Who knows how I’ll feel in ten minutes?

  Her emotions had been all over the place
since the attack. It was a normal reaction—she worked with victims of assault regularly—yet knowing that didn’t help her.

  “Sharma, do you have time to sit for a while?”

  She turned back, looking at Rose with concern. “Do you need me to call the doctor? Are you hurt badly?”

  Physically no. Mentally, I’m not sure yet. “No doctor needed. Just a friendly face.” Rose patted the opposite side of the bed. “Come and sit with me.”

  Sharma did as Rose asked but didn’t speak. It was obvious she didn’t know what to say. Who did? It happened to Rose, and she wasn’t sure what to say either. The silence became awkward, so she decided to take the time to get to know more about Sharma.

  “What did you do before you came here? I mean to Marpe-Agape.”

  Sharma looked down at her hands that were folded on her lap. “Do you mean for work?”

  “Yes. Did you do housekeeping back home too?”

  “No. My family was very poor, and I didn’t get the education that most did. I had to work to help support my family as a child. Then when I got married, it was too late. All I could do was sell things in the market and make a little money. Very little education and no job skills left me with only a few options. Even housekeepers are required to have education. So the answer is no, I didn’t work as a housekeeper until I came here.”

  Rose knew some countries required a college degree for some low-skilled positions and that seemed totally outrageous. Obviously Sharma came from such a place. For people who couldn’t afford an education, it trapped them in a vicious cycle of poverty. Just hearing Sharma’s story tugged at Rose’s heartstrings. “Did you ever think about finishing your schooling while you’re here?”

  Sharma looked surprised. “I am too old to go to school.”

  “No one is ever too old to follow their dreams. If you could be anything, what would it be? What is your dream, Sharma?” Rose expected Sharma to have to stop and think about what she wanted to do. After all, her husband had only recently died, so she’d been dealing with grief and a new job. So she was surprised when Sharma looked at her and smiled wistfully.

  “I would be a caregiver. A nurse like you and Mrs. Navarro. To be able to help the sick and know how to ease their pain is what I’d want to do. But that is just a dream.”

  Rose wasn’t used to hearing KJ addressed as Mrs. Navarro. Most people on the island were so much more laid back, but Sharma held to formal names until told otherwise. I’m sure KJ will set this straight soon. “Have you ever told anyone you want to go to school?”

  “No, and I’m not even sure why I shared that with you. You don’t need to hear all my woes. Thank you for being a good listener and easy to open up to.”

  She understood it could be embarrassing to admit she had no education. What Rose saw in Sharma was something so special. She had such a kind heart that Rose knew if Sharma truly wanted to be a nurse, she’d be an amazing one. You’d be an asset to Marpe-Agape.

  Rose wasn’t sure how she was going to pull it off, but she was going to make it her personal goal to make sure Sharma fulfilled her dream. She knew she could ask Trent to sponsor Sharma’s education, but she had a feeling Sharma would refuse the help. It would need to be something more creative than that.

  “What about you, Rose? Is being a nurse your dream?” My dream?

  Being a nurse had been expected of her. Her mother and sister were nurses. As long as she could remember that was all everyone thought she wanted, but no one asked her what she wanted. Rose knew she was a damn good nurse. Caring for others came naturally to her.

  Rose had started to share with Doug that she wanted something more, yet never gave him any details as to what that was. Mostly because she hadn’t exactly defined that yet. It was interesting that this was the second time in a few days her future had been brought up. Was the universe telling her it was time to reconsider her existing plan? Time to make a change?

  One thing was holding her back. The word change scared her. Growing up in a military family should’ve made her used to it, and she was to a degree, but that didn’t mean she liked it. Setting down roots someplace meant so much to her. Yet everything around her was changing. Her siblings were married and had families of their own. She was the only one who seemed stagnant. Was it time she started thinking of what she wanted instead of what her family expected of her? Here I am telling her it’s not too late to chase her dream. So what’s stopping me from chasing mine?

  Rose could come up with a trillion excuses, but that’s all they’d be. There were such things as fundraising to get the backing she’d need. Anything she didn’t know, she could learn. And I have enough connections in my family who could advise me if I get stuck. “A nurse is what my family wanted me to be.”

  “You don’t like being a nurse?” Sharma asked.

  “I love caring for others. It’s very fulfilling. But I feel I’m only able to help one person at a time. My dream is to be able to cast a wider net to help more.”

  “I don’t understand. How would you do that as a nurse?”

  I wouldn’t. She wanted to step out of her comfort zone. Ever since Beckett had come home from a mission as an amputee, she knew the physical aspect of losing a limb was only one part of the trauma. She respected Doug for what he did, trying to help people heal. That was another part. There was the financial part, and other agencies helped with that. And the adjustments needed to their home to accommodate their disability.

  Rose wanted to start a nonprofit agency for veterans that did it all. One that reached more people and saw that nothing or no one slipped through the cracks. And one that included regular check-ins on their clients to confirm their needs were not being overlooked. Not just closing a file and moving on to the next. Serious injuries, whether from war or not, sometimes precluded people from returning to work in their trained professions. She wanted a full-service center, including rehabilitation, affordable psychological assistance, retraining into a new role should that be needed, and case workers prepared to put in the extra time and effort to help those in need make a better recovery.

  She knew her brother had been fortunate to have the support system he had. So many others weren’t as lucky.

  “I want to start my own business.” It was such a simple answer to such a big dream. Yet it was still all she was able to share right now.

  Even before the flight to the island with Doug, the nonprofit service had been on her mind for a long time. She hadn’t planned on staying on the island for the entire week, yet in doing so, she could put the time to good use. It’ll be better than hiding in my room under a blanket. I can’t change what happened yesterday, but I can change what I want for tomorrow.

  A smile crossed her face. She was glad Sharma stopped to check on her. Whether she knew it or not, her act of kindness and concern was just the kick-in-the-pants she needed.

  “Sharma, have you seen Doug today?”

  “Yes. He was walking on the beach. Would you like me to find him for you?”

  “No. I’ll find him later. Right now, I have a few things I need to do.” Although she wanted to see him, he would be a distraction from putting this plan into action.

  Rose threw off her blanket and got out of bed.

  Sharma shot her a grin and said, “Good to see you up and on your feet. Let me know if you need anything.”

  Rose called out as she was about to leave the room, “I need you to hold on to your dream. Don’t you give up, Sharma.”

  Sharma nodded. “I won’t. I promise.”

  Good. Because the first thing on my agenda is to make sure this happens for you. Helping Sharma get into nursing school was going to be so much easier than her own dream. Helping others sparked a motivation that took off and started a life of its own. What Sharma needed were the funds, because Rose knew she already had the passion and drive.

  Rose rushed to the shower. She had a few people she needed to meet with before the entire day was lost. Danielle and KJ were the two women who had th
e tools, knowledge, and ability to make Sharma’s dream become a reality. Hold on tight, Sharma, because you’re about to enter the next chapter of your life. And if I’m right, it starts tomorrow.

  Chapter Eight

  Doug had wanted to see Rose, but after he’d approached the door to the suite yesterday, something had stopped him. Beckett and Trent knew their sister better than he did and were right. What she needed, he couldn’t give her. Not yet.

  Today was an entirely different story. He knew sitting in her room alone for too long was also not wise. Although they shared the suite, he still knocked quietly on the front door and waited for her to answer.

  Despite her black, blue, and purple right cheek, she was all smiles when she opened the door. “It wasn’t locked, was it?” she asked.

  He would’ve told her he was trying to respect her privacy after what happened, but he didn’t want to bring any more attention to it. Her sweet disposition was back, and that pleased him. “If you were sleeping, I didn’t want to disturb you.” It was a pathetic lie, yet she bought it.

  “Only a man would think that knocking on a door instead of quietly opening it, would be less disturbing. What would this world be like if there weren’t women?” She chuckled.

  As they made their way to the couch, he noticed she was limping. She was wearing a pair of jeans so he couldn’t tell the extent of the injury. When he’d carried her to the suite that night he recalled her knees being scraped, but nothing more serious. Of course, KJ had kicked him out so fast he wasn’t allowed to examine her fully. That probably was intentional on their part too. Doug had to face it, there were things he’d need to be patient about and let her tell him. I might do some prodding along the way.

  “I had a fresh pot of coffee sent over. Can I pour you a cup?” Rose asked before she sat down.