The Billionaire's Ultimatum (Book 1)

Chapter 9

Sometimes the presence of one friend can make up for the loss of an entire family- Allison Seeram.

Katy's POV.

Pulling into the cobbled driveway of a beautiful flat condo that looked more like a glass house for a doll, the throaty engines purred to a halt as the car switched off. As ever the gentleman that he was Ethan swiftly made his way to my side and pulled open the door. Offering me his hand which I gladly took we made our way up the short steps as the door was flung open. Immediately Ethan let go of my hand as insecurity slammed into me. An exasperated smile tore at his mouth as his sister appeared on the doorway. From such a close vantage point the similarities between the siblings were hard to be missed. They had the exact shade of rich brandy hair color and warm honey brown eyes and even that same pink mouth. Defined cheekbones and that ever present air of sophistication filled out their look that redefined beauty.

"Etty..." She said poking out her tongue at him.

"Eve I told you to stop calling me that." He said to her sulking cutely.

A giggle escaped my throat causing both siblings to look my way. A flicker of surprise passed through Evelyn's eyes as she mentally assessed me. Self-consciously I pulled down the hem of my top worrying my lip in the process.

"Evelyn this is Kathrine." Ethan said as a slight introduction, "Kathrine I would like you to meet my sister Evelyn."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." I said to the shocked brunette.

A slow smile overtook her angelic face as she stepped forward and pulled me into a warm hug.

"The pleasure is all mines." She stated in a soft cheerful voice before scowling at her brother, "You could have told me you were bringing company I would have gotten dressed."

What did she mean?

Even without makeup, her creamy skin was flawless. Her natural curls hung just about everywhere framing her sweet face and the stylish romper she wore made her look teenage-like and playful.

"I should get you a dozen nun outfits and the mappings to the nearest church." Ethan replied back scowling at her short wear as we headed inside.

"And I should get you new hair products." She said grinning wickedly at him, "Do you need me to fix that piece for you Etty?"

And for a while the sibling banter continued all in good fun as we relaxed in the backyard enjoying the heat and overlooking the pool before Ethan's phone rang interrupting the conversation.

"Hey mate." Ethan said grinning into the phone.

I noticed he was doing that a lot today, something about him was remarkably different. He was so light hearted and carefree it was a joy to watch.

"He only smiles like that for one guy." Evelyn said to me, "And that is especially reserved for the Italian's version of Lucifer."

"I'm sorry!" I said laughing out loud at her, "Who?"

"That was Lucas." Ethan informed.

"Him." Evelyn said to me as a scowl made its way to her lips as though she plotted murder in her head.

From her heated look I concluded that there must have been some bad blood between them.

"I have to head down to the office to collect some documents." Ethan informed as he rose from his lounge chair, "I'll be back soon."

Nodding, I took the chaste kiss that he placed on my lips and felt my mood immediately saddened as he left. There was silence in the air as Evelyn pensively stared at me. Any minute now I was waiting on her bash me or make a negative statement but none came until she finally spoke.