Prologue
Leo
Rage burns inside as I stare at the arrogant prick.
I don’t get angry; it’s not who I am.
I’m the joker, the happy-go-lucky guy who you call when you’re sad and upset. The man with a permanent smile, but this guy…fuck this guy. He brings the worst out in me.
My lip curls in disgust as he continues to spout insult after insult, and tries his damnedest to embarrass everyone and stamp his authority.
I’m holding back because this isn’t my fight, but fuck me—the desire I have to plow my fists into his uptight face is burning so deep that they clench at my side.
A feral grin graces his face as he moves in closer. My blood boils in my veins as he crowds Ria’s space. “You never did get over me, did you?” he sneers.
She huffs out a humorless laugh, crossing her arms defiantly across her chest. “Oh, I definitely got over you.” Pride blooms in my chest as she stands tall against this absolute asshat.
She’s finding her voice again after he tried to quieten it, and God, does strength and confidence look good on her.
Her eyes that have always struck me dumb are bright and alight, the cerulean blue piercing as she stares him down. Her plump, luscious lips, coated in a soft dusky pink, twist into a hauntingly beautiful smile, as she refuses to let him bring her down.
An invisible force stronger than gravity pulls me to her. It has always been there. Fighting it is something that has become second nature, but I’m exhausted. I’m no longer fighting; I’ve surrendered. Waved that white flag and I’ve done it with a fucking smile on my face.
Standing by her side, I wrap my arms protectively around her delicate shoulders. Her warmth radiates through my suit, heating me from the inside out as she leans into my touch. My pulse speeds up as she loops her arm around my waist. Everything about this feels fucking perfect.
Grinning maniacally at the fucking asshole who let this incredible, kind, caring, force of a woman go, the words I’ve always dreamt of saying tumble freely from my lips.
“I think you need to step away from my wife, St. Claire.”
Chapter 1
Ria
From: [email protected]
Subject: Potential collaboration
Good afternoon, Miss Stone:
I’m reaching out to arrange a sit-down with you as our business is expanding. I'm looking to outsource my personal investments and am searching for a company like Bright to manage my extensive portfolio.
Please liaise with my PA, Shannon, for a time that suits both our schedules.
Kind regards,
Cole West
CEO, West Wing Hotels
“Grace?” I shout. “Grace, get in here.”
“Woah.” Grace stumbles into my office, clutching her chest. “Babe, what’s going on?”
When my brother Hunter decided to step down as CEO of the London branch of our family business, Bright Investments, and hand over the reins to me, I knew he would take his PA, Jenny, with him and I knew exactly who I wanted by my side. Best friends since elementary school, Grace has been my rock through everything. The good, the bad, and also the very fucking ugly. When I presented her with a package she couldn’t pass up, she packed her whole life up in New York and brought her whirlwind of chaos with her to London.
“Jesus, I shouldn’t be this out of breath. I literally just ran ten yards.” Hands on her hips, she sucks in a deep breath. “Maybe I will take you up on your offer of doing that thing…oh, what’s it called?” She releases a long breath, snapping her fingers as she thinks.
