Billionaire's Payback Time

CHAPTER THREE (Knowing your Enemy)

JUNE POV

I wanted to have a blast; get drunk, call Wyatt, get yelled at by Candice and retire to bed as soon as possible. Being around Amir was sickening. I can’t imagine what our marriage would be like.

“No, No, No,” I whimpered, moving my legs rhythmically like a child who had been denied candy with my hand massaging my scalp.

“Want to get a drink?” the familiar voice asked, making me turn on my chair to face him. Miles Huck, I mean Miles Welsh.

“I can’t get used to this,” I mumbled, tapping my index finger on the counter. “Drinks!” I called to the bar man who drew close to me. I completely ignored Miles while ordering my drink.

“Anything for you sir?” the bartender asked, turning to Miles.

“I’ll get what she’s having,” he responded, marrying his fingers together and wrapping them under his jaw.

“June Baker, my would-be sister-in-law. What an irony,” he said.

I sighed, then looked his way, my face painted with disdain, “can you please let me be? We weren’t so close in school.”

“Getting married to my brother must be pretty hard. It’s taking a toll on you,” he said while the bartender served our drinks and left.

“I never said that. Can you please leave me alone? Shoo!! You’re still a jerk and pest like you were before,” I retorted while sipping my drink without looking his way.

“And you’re still that cocky, rude brat who thinks she’s better than everyone else, especially with that accent of yours,” he replied without blinking. I looked into his eyes this time and he was expressionless. His face held nothing, said nothing.

“You can just leave if you’re going to annoy me,” I said with bated breath, holding the straw in my drink close to my lips.

“You must feel so much pain, seeing this is an arranged marriage. Well, you’re about to experience a greater version of pain and hurt since we’re now family. Welcome to my world,” his deep voice resonated in my ears as he gulped down his drink.

I can’t be scared. Never! Miles Welsh can’t be the one smiling while I’m in tears.

“You can’t scare me,” I replied.

“Oh! I think I’ve already succeeded in doing so,” he responded almost immediately.

“I don’t deserve this from you,” I said, playing with my straw. I was hiding it. I was hiding the fear I felt when I looked into his eyes and knew that he meant what he said. I bowed my head to hide my face since tears had welled up in my eyes.

“I didn’t deserve all you threw at me ten years ago as well, but why should we talk about the past? You'll only get what you deserve now,” he tapped his thumb with his middle finger at the bartender, who got the signal that he needed more drinks while keeping his composure and the smile on his face.

The Welsh are psychos. How could he say such nonsense with a straight face? Anyone would think he was flirting with me at the moment.

“You’re such an annoying bastard. I hated you then, and I still do now,” I stood in my chair, losing my confidence and composure. He had succeeded in riling me up.

He stood up from his chair as well, placing his hands in his pockets, “the feeling is mutual. You’d better keep your voice down if you want to get married to Amir. I’m a major decision maker here, and I guess you don’t want to lose him because your uncle’s company would drown. I’ll personally see to it.”

“How petty can you get?! I can’t stand you,” I let out a scream that made everyone glance my way. If Candice and Wyatt found out that I had just insulted Miles and made a scene because I lost my temper, I’d have to sleep in the garage till they felt I’d gotten enough punishment.

My whole body boiled as he seemed unfazed by my anger. I picked up my clutch bag and stormed out of the hall. Leaving early without the two opportunists who brought me to the party meant I had to stay away till the following day.

“This Guy Miles is loaded. Just check out his net worth. He’d have all the ladies in America wrapped around his finger,” Jenna screamed, grinning and moving all over the bed.

“Do not judge a book by its cover. He’s the devil with the appearance of a saint,” I drew my legs closer and laid my head on it.

Jenna held my head up, placing the phone where I could clearly see it, “I bet he’s not. Look at his picture for Forbes. I’d do anything to have his babies. His biceps are to die for. And his torso is —”

“Jenna!!!! Will you take his side or mine? You can’t imagine what he did to me at the party. Thinking about it is making me go crazy,” I said, lying on my back.

“As much as I want to take your side, I’d advise you not to pick a fight with him. He’s different from high school Miles. He’s also the heir to the JTK Group. Your fiancée isn't,” Jenna said, reading a headline from an online news agency. I pulled up immediately and snatched the phone from her. She rolled her eyes, squeezing her face.

“The heir? That means he’s the legitimate or, let’s say, the biological son of Mr. Welsh. How did he get so lucky?” I grabbed the pillow, placing my arms on it.

“I think you really hurt him when you turned him down then, seeing he still has a grudge against you. Or do you think he just wants to get back together but acting uninterested to getting you from his brother?” Jenna asked, sitting next to me.

“He’s not into me. Besides, that was ten years ago. He hates me with passion. I saw it and felt it,” I heaved a deep sigh, lying on my back once more.

Jenna did the same and held my hand, “You can’t make your life miserable when you’re about starting a new one. Ignore him the next time you meet. He’s your brother-in-law, not your arranged fiancée. You might not even see each other until your wedding.”

“Stop mentioning a wedding. I’m mentally traumatized by the thought of it. I can’t even run away because my cards are suspended and my passport taken. I’ve only enjoyed a bit of fresh air, thanks to you. I’m suffocating with no one to help. I wish someone would show up and save me from this situation. I don’t want to be with Amir. He seems unusual and weird. I might have watched too many dramas, but he seemed like a psychopath to me,” I looked in a mirror at the other side of the room.

“I’m sorry, I can’t help. If only I wasn’t struggling with bills,” she held the tip of her top, playing with the helm.

“You’ve done enough for me. I should be helping. I don’t have a choice regarding the wedding. My uncle and aunt will make sure it happens. My only wish is that I do not encounter Miles till the wedding.”

With a record of five sleepless nights over my arranged marriage to Amir, I got to enjoy my beauty sleep at Jenna’s place. However, I left early when Candice had a guard take me home.

“And you think a makeup artist is necessary? Why do I have to look grand for a simple dinner? And we just had our engagement yesterday. Why is there another dinner today? Don’t I deserve space?” I poured the questions rearing its head in my mind on Candice, who continued combing my hair even though it was already styled.

“You don’t have the right to act cocky, June. You were able to go to college and survive, thanks to your uncle’s company. If we don’t have this wedding, consider your card, account and passport taken. You can wander into the street so you know how cold and unfriendly it is,” Candice replied coldly, dropping the comb.

“With what you just said, one would think I finished college. I’m a drop out, thanks to you,” I replied, glaring at her reflection in the mirror in front of me. Candice ignored me and strutted out while the makeup artist finished.

I was back at the Welsh house, standing at the entrance and watching the maids treat me like a princess. I walked into the dining area where Mrs. Zara sat with her husband while they waited for their boys to arrive.

“I hope I’m still on time. I apologize for my tardiness, Fath—” Miles walked briskly into the room, offering his coat to a maid. He was obviously startled to see me. Our eyes locked, making me rub my sweaty palms rigorously.