The Resilient One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

she’d made after her dad forced her into a car alone with one of his politician friends. She’d been seventeen and terrified as the man clasped his long fingers around her thigh. Luckily, she’d been able to get out at a stop light and run until Maryn found her.
    “Ally-girl. Hello!”
    Alyssa’s head jerked up. That voice could only be one person. Granny Ellie rounded the corner of the building on Jerry’s arm. Jerry pulled several designer pieces of luggage. They both grinned as they saw Alyssa and Beckham seated together. Alyssa jumped to her feet and ran the few steps to wrap her tiny grandmother in her arms. Worry swept over Alyssa. Was Granny too thin? Her grandmother had fought and won against breast cancer eight years ago, but Alyssa always worried that it would come back. Plus, Granny was getting up in years, any number of things could rob Alyssa of the only family member who loved her unconditionally. Hugging her grandmother, she was safe. The feeling of coming home was overshadowed by knowing Beckham watched and would soon meet her grandmother, who’d never tried to install a filter between her thoughts and her words.
    Jerry swept past them. “I’ll just take your luggage upstairs.”
    “Thanks, Jerry, you’re a gem.”
    “Granny?” Alyssa finally managed. “What are you doing here?”
    “Idaho’s too cold this time of year. Your emails made me worry about my lonely little girl, so I caught a plane.” She tapped Alyssa’s cheek with her palm. “You look gorgeous, love, but are you so tired of being alone?”
    Alyssa glanced to Beckham. He met her gaze then took a drink of his juice.
    “Just lonely for you,” Alyssa said.
    “Ha! I know you’re too busy for this old lady. Don’t worry, Jerry has a room for me, I’ll enjoy the island and you can fit me in during your spare time.” She walked purposefully toward Beckham, tugging Alyssa along. “ Who is this?”
    Beckham stood and extended his hand, completely engulfing Granny’s fingers with his own. Two feet taller and with all those nicely-formed muscles, the contrast between Beckham and her petite grandmother would make an unreal photograph.
    “I’m Beck,” he offered.
    Granny held onto his hand and tilted her head to the side. “Alyssa’s friend? Boyfriend? Fiancé?” She paused and winked. “Make-out buddy?”
    “Granny! We haven’t even really met.” How embarrassing. Granny would have to throw in the make-out buddy. Did she even know what that meant?
    “Not officially anyway,” Beck said with a smile.
    “Oh, so you’re free? You ever heard of a cougar?” Granny Ellie made a sound that was somewhere between a meow and a growl and batted her fake eyelashes at him.
    “Granny!” Alyssa wanted to go bury herself in the sand.
    Beck laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs…”
    “ Ms . Armsworth. Recently widowed. You can call me Ellie.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your husband, Ellie.”
    She waved a hand. “It’s all right. I liked him, but once you bury four you start getting a little calloused. That’s why I’m looking for a younger man.” She winked obnoxiously.
    Alyssa narrowed her eyes. She knew Granny had loved and mourned each of her husbands. What was she playing at?
    “And this is my gorgeous, talented, and oh so sweet , granddaughter, Alyssa.”
    Alyssa scowled at her.
    “What?” Granny raised her shoulders. “You said you hadn’t met. Now use those manners I taught you.”
    Alyssa rolled her eyes and extended her hand. “Alyssa Armsworth. It’s nice to meet you.”
    Beck took her hand between both of his and looked deeply into her eyes. “The pleasure is mine.”
    Oh, my. She felt like she was a princess and he was the knight coming to formerly court her. Granny cackled and rubbed her small hands together. “This is going to be fun.” She linked an arm through Alyssa’s elbow and held her other hand out to Beck. “So, kids, how are you going to entertain an old lady