While my dad’s methods to recoup his money were bordering on insane, Livia’s theory was plausible. By causing internal disruption and instability, Bly Enterprises’ stocks would drop.
While the rumors, threats, and kidnapping attempt had caused instability, it wasn’t enough to cause major waves in the markets. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had more up his sleeve.
My train of thought was interrupted by a piece of candy hitting my forehead. “Ow,” I murmured and rubbed the spot it bounced off of before falling onto my desk. “What was that for?”
Livia snickered, “I didn’t realize I had such good aim. It’s good,” she said, pointing to the hard candy in a pink wrapper. “It’s strawberry… I wouldhighlyrecommend it.”
“Was there a reason for the projectile, or did you just want to share?” I asked and unwrapped the candy before popping it into my mouth, the strawberry flavor washing over my tongue as it dissolved.
“No. Though I don’t mind sharing… comes with being a twin,” Livia mused.
She was sitting on the chair sideways, her legs hanging over one of the arms, her pink Converse—which matched her hair—kicking softly back and forth. She was very dedicated to pink. I respected the passion. “I asked you a question, but you didn’t answer.”
“Oh yeah, sorry,” I apologized, thinking back to what she had asked. “The cars, yes, I used to watch them. Back when I was a kid and this was my dad’s office. After a while, it gets boring.”
Livia laughed, her whole face lighting up, “No, not that! That was like four questions ago. I asked what your plans with my brother were.”
I raised a brow and interlaced my fingers on my desk, “Are you asking me what my intentions with your brother are? Shouldn’t that line of questioning come from your mom or dad?”
She smiled and nodded, “I can’t help but be curious. I mean, he’sRome. He doesn’t date, but then you come around and he completely transforms. And I meancompletely. You aren’t just his first serious relationship, but his first relationship ever! From what I’ve read about you, which is a lot—I’m willing to admit, it’s a bit creepy—you’re the same as him. Two lone wolves have found each other. I can’t help but wonder… what now?”
I leaned back in my chair and really thought over the question. Rome was my opposite in every regard. Where he was sunshine and blue skies, I was midnight rain. He looked at life with a level of optimism I had never seen before, while I expected life not to go according to plan. I had learned to expect the unexpected.
Rome was unexpected.
On paper, we wouldn’t work, but in reality, it was seamless. We balanced each other. We were there to step in and support each other’s weaknesses when needed, and uplift our strengths when able.
We had only been together for a couple of months, but I couldn’t imagine my life without him. “I guess forever comes next… as long as he’ll have me.”
Livia’s jaw dropped as she stared at me, “Holy shit, so you’re like a legit thing! Do you love him?”
I laughed at her enthusiasm. “I think he should be the first one to hear that, not you. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Absolutely not,” she exclaimed and sat fully up. However, she still wasn’t using the chair correctly, as she was now sitting backward as she said, “I shoulddefinitelyknow first!”
“You’re something else, you know that?” I mused.
She shrugged her shoulders, “As my mom says, I’m not a lot to handle. I’m the perfect amount for someone out there…” she trailed off, “I just need to find them.” Her brow raised, and I could see the mischief swirling in her brown eyes. “By chance, do you have any rich friends who are in desperate need of a pink-haired attention whore in their lives?”
I barked a laugh at the comment. Rome would say something right along those lines. “You’re so much like your brother.” I checked the clock. “Speaking of, where is he?”
Livia looked out the window, as if she could see him down on the street. I shook my head in amusement and called for one of the security guards.
Fynn popped his head in, “Yes, Ms. Bly?”
“Do you know where Rome is? He left a few hours ago. It shouldn’t take this long to grab my things, my mail, and get back here. Was there an accident that caused traffic? I highly doubt it would take them this long to grab the items on my list,” I stated, concernedly.
Livia snickered, “Itwastwo pages long.”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to Fynn, “Can you figure out where he is?”
“Give me a moment,” he answered. “Let me see what I can find out.”
He left, closing the door softly behind him.
“He’s cute,” Livia mused.
“He’s a decade older than you.”
