Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
How and why I was the one selected to go to this event was no surprise, even though I have the least seniority. My looks and age are there to represent the firm with some of our clients and to gain new ones. Many company heads and celebrities will be in attendance, so the cameras will be clicking.
“Of course. I haven’t forgotten about the event, Uncle.” I dread any event that my woman isn’t at my side, but soon, that will change. I’m counting down the hours until she’s mine. I will attend the event solo as I do every dinner and social engagement that’s required of the company.
The second he leaves my office, I take out my phone and check the footage my men send me. She’s so damn beautiful even in her plain chef’s uniform as she heads off for a day of work. She’s working on her culinary degree and works part time in a restaurant. I love her dedication and work ethic even though she doesn’t have to lift a finger. Her parents would give her whatever she wanted, and so would I. In a few days, I’ll be seeing her, holding her, worshiping her like I’ve longed to for so long.
****
I quietly leave the gala after speaking to the necessary people, but my rage hasn’t ebbed even an ounce. In three days, I’m supposed to claim my woman, and it could all go to shit. A call to my uncle goes unanswered, but I figured that would be the case because it’s past his bedtime. I sent an email to our family lawyers because I’ll be dealing with Rachael soon enough. Her behavior tonight would be considered assault if the roles were reversed.
Storming into my condo, I strip down and hit the shower, needing to wash off the filth of Rachael having put her hands on me at all. I take a fast one and then toss my suit in the bag to be dry-cleaned. My aggravation lasts until I take out the special box Black gave me six years ago. Opening my little treasure chest, I hold the memories once more and it settles the rage.
I have half a day of work before needing to head to the airport. Our condo in Chicago will be waiting for us. Once she gets out of school, I’ll be scooping her up, surprising her after all this time. Hopefully, my love will be pleased to see me.
Chapter Two
Lea
It’s two days until my birthday, and I’m getting antsy. My brother is visiting for some reason. I’m not sure why he’s here because I haven’t seen him in two weeks. Usually he’s in the city working full time, but it’s the middle of the morning and I don’t have classes for another two hours, so I’ve decided to hang out with him.
“Mom and Dad went out to the store together.”
“He’s still livid that a teenage boy told her she looked pretty for her age, isn’t he?”
“Livid? Jealous is more like it.” We both roll our eyes. My father loves my mother, so anyone trying to move in on my mother will have to deal with his wrath. All these years, and nothing’s changed. It’s really amusing and romantic.
“Want something to drink?”
“Sure. A lemonade would be cool.”
“Well, you know where the kitchen is.”
“You’re a dick,” he grumbles. He stands and leaves his phone on the table. That’s when I see it open to TMZ and the Met Gala that went on last night. Why does he care about that? Does he have someone he’s investigating? Maybe he’s finally interested in a girl. I pick it up and catch Jacob Richards’s name and photo, and I gasp. I’m about to read more when he snatches the phone from my hand.
“Let me see that,” I say, jumping at him, reaching for it, but he lifts it over my head. It doesn’t help that he’s a giant and I’m short.
“No.” He tucks his phone in his pocket and I huff, shaking my head while fighting back the unshed tears and the ache in my chest.
“Fine.” I read enough to look it up on my own phone, so I jump off the sofa in a flash.
“Lea, don’t do this to yourself,” Anderson says, knowing more than he’s letting on. He saw what it said before he left for the kitchen, or maybe that’s why he’s here—to watch over me once I found out. Was it on television?
I turn and stare at my older brother, sensing the mix of anger and sadness in his expression. “Too late,” I answer. I get my purse off the table and grab my phone.
Searching his name and the Met Gala, I found the picture of him and this woman, Rachael, his supposed fiancée. The article is detailed about them working for the same law firm in New York and having met there. She’s smart and beautiful—perfect.