Total pages in book: 160
Estimated words: 164263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 821(@200wpm)___ 657(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 821(@200wpm)___ 657(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Eccentric assholes.
Coming from old money definitely has its advantages, but nobody quite understands the challenges it brings unless you’ve lived it yourself. The pressure of expectation that hangs over our heads firsthand. We live with it every day.
I guess that’s why we’re so tight, we get it.
“Can we talk?” Hermione asks.
“What are you doing here?” I ask her softly. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
“I had to see you.”
My eyes drift over her shoulder to see Sinclair and Theo smirking as they clink their champagne glasses, thinking this is hilarious.
Fuckers.
This is the setup of all setups.
“I have to work, now isn’t a good time, Hermione,” I say softly, screw him for bringing her to me. I’m going to kill him with my bare hands.
“Shall I go back and wait at your place for you to get home?” she asks hopefully. “We need to sort this mess out.”
“No.” I grab a glass of champagne off a passing tray and give it to her. “You go and have fun. I have to work for a bit. I’ll come find you later.”
“Okay.” She smiles up at me.
I throw the boys a look and walk off before she tries to kiss me, this is a literal fucking disaster. I walk around the corner, take out my phone and call Philippe.
“Hi, boss.”
“What’s happening?”
“Nothing, they talked for about five minutes.”
“Where is he now?”
“He walked off in the other direction.”
“So…. Where is Alora now?”
“She’s just crossing the road on the way back to the hotel.”
“Okay.” I feel myself relax a little. “Just um….” I try to collect my thoughts. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”
She’s important.
“Yes, boss, I’ll call you if there are any developments.”
“Thank you.” I stuff my phone back into my pocket and turn to Olivier, my guard who’s trailing behind me. “Keep King Volter away from me at all costs.”
He nods. “Yes, sir.”
I glance over and smirk as the chance to repay the favor appears. “Margarite.” I smile. “Bonjour.”
“Edward.” She kisses both my cheeks.
“Sinclair is looking everywhere for you.” I take her hand. “Let me take you to him.”
“He is?” Her eyes widen in excitement.
I lead her through the hall and Sinclair sees us approaching and turns his back to us in hope we don’t see him. “Sinclair. I have a surprise for you.” I tap him on the shoulder and he turns toward us acting surprised and I pass Margarite’s hand to him. “Look who I found.”
“Great.” He fakes a smile as he gives me the side eye.
“Oh Sinclair, Edward told me how you’ve been looking for me all night?” She smiles all dreamily up at him. “I was looking for you too.”
His eyes meet mine and I wink.
Theo and Nicholas smirk before clinking glasses. “Touché.”
ALORA
“Hello.” I smile. “I have a booking.”
“This way, madam,” she says. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Sparkling water, please.” She toddles off and I immediately take out my phone and google:
Edward Prescott, previous partners, images
The thing about snooping on a guy’s past is this…it’s stupid, highly unadvised and I do not recommend.
One star. Actually, scratch that…no stars.
For the last half hour I have studied in great detail every woman that Edward has ever dated, and you know what it has shown me?
Nothing.
Other than the fact that they are all famous, rich, and beyond beautiful.
“Alora.” I hear a voice and look up and see Pascal walking between the tables toward me.
“Pascal.” I frown. “What….”
“I was catching up with a friend down here but he’s just called and cancelled. Stomach bug or something.”
“Oh.”
“Mind if I join you?”
“Ah…do you think that’s a good idea?” I shrug. “I don’t want to.”
His face falls. “I thought you said we could be friends?”
“I mean, we are, I just….”
I’m such a bitch.
“Just sit with me until my meal comes out.” I force a smile; it’s got to be coming out any minute now.
He takes a seat and the waitress comes over. “Can I get you something, sir?”
“Yes.” He smiles as he opens a drink menu. “We’ll have a bottle of red to share.”
Um….
I stare at him deadpan…. Seriously?
EDWARD
Lucien and I walk through the whale gaming lounge en route to my office. “Prescott,” someone calls. I turn to see King Volter sitting at a gaming table. “I’d like a word.”
I subtly make eye contact with Lucien and he rolls his lips.
This isn’t good.
I walk over to him with a smile. “Of course.” I go to take a seat beside him.
“In private.” He stands and marches out of the lounge and toward my office, his men scurry to keep up.
“Nice knowing you, man,” Lucien whispers.
“Not in the fucking mood for this shit,” I mutter under my breath as I follow him. He storms into my office, unimpressed, and I close the door with a sharp snap.
His eyes hold mine. “How has the event been?”
“Good. Cut to the chase.” I pour two glasses of Blue Label scotch and pass him one. We glare at each other as animosity bounces between us. King Volter and I don’t see eye to eye. We never have.