“With feeling.”
“Ria Stone.”
“Still not good enough. You are Ria fucking Stone. Boss bitch billionaire and CEO. This portfolio is yours. So I’ll ask you again. Who are you?”
“I’m Ria fucking Stone,” I shout and she beams at me.
“Yeah, you are. Stop worrying and go win that portfolio. The other shit will work itself out.”
“You’re right.” Grabbing my laptop, I continue, “This is my portfolio.” Strutting out of my office, determination set in my brow, I throw back over my shoulder. “You coming?”
“Wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
“Dexter’s just bringing Mr. West up now.” Jade settles in next to me in the boardroom, opening up her laptop.
“Great. Did you see Leo on your way in?” I ask, my eyes darting from her to the open door.
“I did, and he's on his way.” She pushes her glasses up her nose and I nod. “You may want to put your ring on.” She motions to my bare finger.
“Shit.” Rummaging in my pocket, I pull out the simple band and slip it on my finger just as Leo walks in.
“Hi, Ri Ri.” Leo’s dazzling smile hits me as he moves easily toward me, planting a soft kiss to my cheek, which isn’t new. Leo has always been physically affectionate, but the way his lips linger on my skin has my cheeks flushing.
“Hi,” I whisper, sucking in a sharp breath as his hand rests gently on my hip.
“Good morning, Miss Stone.” Mr. West's strong voice fills the boardroom. Turning, I’m shaken out of whatever weird moment I’m having with Leo. “Or is it Mrs. Brent now?” He offers me his hand, a huge smile on his devilishly handsome face.
“I’m still Stone in the office, Mr. West.” I shake his hand before glancing across at Leo. Heat blooms in my cheeks when I catch him already looking at me with adoration and a soft smile. “This is my husband, Leo Brent.” Saying the words out loud doesn’t sound as strange as it did this morning when I practiced in the mirror.
“We have met a few times at Enigma.” He shakes Leo’s hand, and they share a knowing look. I know what sort of club Enigma is. It’s for the rich—high-end with added extras. I’m not a prude, and if I’m honest I’ve been intrigued. Even Grace has walked through those glossy black doors in Mayfair, but I haven’t had the balls to do it.
Leo releases his hand and rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, haven’t been there for a while.”
“Can I get you a drink, Mr. West?” Grace beams across the room.
“I’d love a cup of tea, please.” He smiles warmly at her as she nods.
“Can I get everyone else their usual?”
“Please,” we all reply in unison, and she sways out of the room before softly closing the door behind her.
“It’s lovely to have you here, Mr. West.” I gesture for him to take a seat. “This is our associate, Jade. She will be helping with maintaining your portfolio if we are lucky enough to work with you.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Mr. West. Your accolades are pretty spectacular.” Jade stands and eagerly shakes his hand.
“I could say the same about you, Miss Wilde.” He releases her hand, and Jade’s mouth gapes slightly. “Did you really think I wouldn’t have googled the people I’d potentially be trusting with my investments?” He lets out a soft laugh.
“Well, I suppose not but my resume is nothing like yours,” Jade says shyly.
“It’s very impressive what you’ve managed to achieve. Bright was lucky to snap you up from Peak when they did.”
“It wasn’t a tough decision to make the move; I’m truly blessed to have been given the opportunities I have here at Bright.”
“And we’re grateful that you took that leap.” I smile warmly at her as we all take our seats around the boardroom table. “You quickly became a huge asset to our team, and I know I for one would be lost without you.”
“Thank you.” Jade’s cheeks flush at my compliment.
“And this is the type of leadership and company I need helping me control my investments.” He rests his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers. “I believe that my staff are my biggest asset—without them I have nothing. From my managers and executives of my hotels to the cleaning staff, every singlemember on the West Hotels payroll is integral.” He pauses and looks between me and Leo, and I sense he’s sizing us up. Should I be more affectionate toward Leo? No, this is a business meeting, so I hold Mr. West’s gaze, but I see Leo’s fingers twitch on his thigh, a sign I’ve learned over the years means that he’s uncomfortable. Placing my hand over his, I feel his frame instantly relax, and he turns his hand, intertwining our fingers.
