River's POVYesterday's session with the therapist was amazing, he was professional, compassionate and knowledgeable. I even had to disclose to him that I had ran into Jake at the wine shop. He advised I stay away from him till I was able to clearly sort out the residue emotions I still had for him else he would manipulate and bend me to his will.As much as I had wanted to deny and claim that I was too healed for that, my reaction to seeing him at the door told me otherwise. A part of me still had feelings for him and I needed to deal with it.This morning I woke up by 4’00am sharp to start preparing what I was to present at the meeting today. Mr Brown had sent me template on how to structure my report, he was extremely pleased with my outcome at the court.Unlike that silly Dante, who seemed mildly impressed. Now standing in front of the mirror I adjusted my navel blue blazer which I pair with matching office palazzo pants. I wore a cream camisole inside and paired the whole looked
Dante’s POV I woke up already upset, my concise made me toss and turn the whole night. I absolutely hated how I ended things with River, I wanted things to end to protect her from myself.I didn't want to be the man that hurts a woman because he is not ready for a relationship. But the way I ended it was terrible and the fact that I knew she would absolutely hate me right now and had the right to did not sit well in my chest.I got up from my bed swinging my legs on the ground to touch the cool tiles. I needed coffee to clear the fog in my mind before I took a shower and headed to work.I pressed the intercom and the voice of my butler came through, “Good morning master Dante.” “Good morning, please tell the kitchen to send up my coffee.”“Okay sir, would you like a toast or something.” “No Howard just coffee”“They’ll have that right up.”My butler Howard was more than just a butler to me, he was like a father figure. I had known him since like forever my parents were hardly aroun
River's POVI had wanted to drive to the little cafe spot Tessa had suggested we go to but she insisted it was just a few blocks away and a walk would help clear my head.We walked about a block then a small cute restaurant came into view. The smell of hot coffee with cinnamon buns waffed around my nose and I immediately worked up an appetite.We entered inside the cute cafe a few persons were already there but spotted an empty table by the window. It looked like the perfect Pinterest background but we weren't here for pictures anyways.“Hi welcome, my name is Amara.” A young waiter approached us, I could tell she was new,it made me smile. She looked about sixteen.“Oh hi, I'll have a latte and two cinnamon buns.” Tessa said warmly.“Make that for two.” “Okay, so you'll have them here or to go?” “We'll have them here, we'll be seated at the table by the window.” Tessa said.“I'll be right out with your orders.” She nodded and went to the counter.We sat at the table, and in as much
Dantes' Pov The afternoon rolled in and I closed the file I had been working on. I had to meet Mr White at White water hotel, I really hoped it wasn't a conversation that would upset me.Throughout the day all that has happened has just been upsetting. Immediately I got to the office after the meeting I had to contact Sanders the best private investigator money could afford to get. I needed to know who exactly Jake was and what was the relationship between him and River. It was all too obvious today that they had some weird unfinished business going on and I'm determined to find out.I rubbed my forehead, it was really quite annoying that cared so much about this but I couldn't get it out of my head. The way they both locked eyes like some love sick couple of something. I adjusted my suit and stood up, texting my driver to drive up to the building front door. I wasn't in the mood to take a walk and run into someone who would want to chit chat.I didn't even page Baron to let him kn
Chapter OneRiver's POVI took a deep breath, taking in the New York air. I absolutely loved the smell of the city. It smelled like big dreams and lots of opportunities, money, and, last but not least, hot men.Tomorrow I have my life-changing case; this is going to be my big break. I have the privilege of being the counsel to a hotshot client in a million-dollar suit.Once I win as per usual tomorrow, my name will become a corporate staple. Every company would want me as their lawyer and I can't finally get the life I've worked so damn hard for.But first, I need to fuck someone tonight. I let out a breath enjoying the view of the magnificent hotel pool, my eyes scanning for my next prey. Yeah, I won't lie I've seen potential. Hot men with chiseled abs and all but I've had even better. Since this is the most important case of my life, I need to have the most passionate one-night stand of my life with the best-looking man I've ever been with.“River, you need to change your ways and
River's POVI woke with a banging headache, feeling rather sore. But not the bad kind of sore, the delicious kind of sore; glancing at the digital alarm, I saw the time was already 7am (the next morning).'Shit.’ I muttered softly, I turned around and noticed the space beside me was empty. What the heck? My eyes fell on my ripped clothes on the floor and I almost started panicking.How the hell was I to get out of here, where exactly was I even? I jumped off the bed in search of my cell phone and I saw a beautiful black dress and a folded note.I picked it up and read: 'Sorry for the ripped dress, and thanks for the beautiful night🖤’. I don't know why I smiled reading the letter. My phone rang loudly and I jumped slightly, swearing.I checked my phone to see that it was Samantha calling, I picked up the call.“Hi babes.” “The hell River, get your ass out of the hotel room. I'm outside the hotel with a cab.”I chuckled despite the situation, “I'll be right down hot pants.”I picked up
River's POVI freaking lost the case. I don't even know how I really feel, I feel utterly heartbroken. This was supposed to be the life-changing opportunity of my lifetime.Currently, I was sitting on the steps of the courthouse feeling utterly devastated. After the break, I was so disoriented that the defendant's lawyer completely ate me up, and I lost the case.The last time I felt this way was when Jake left me when I was seventeen back in Texas. I took a deep breath trying to hold back my tears, I can't let this break me. I'm freaking River Harper and who the hell cares if I soiled my perfect record and lost one case.Even if it was the biggest case of my life, I felt my chest heaving with a sob, tears blinding my vision. Damn that stupid Dante.Someone thrusted a crisp white handkerchief in blurry my vision and I took it without a thought. “I hate seeing pretty girls cry.” I heard that voice again, whose owner was the source of my problem.“Give it a rest, Dante.” Now I was mad,
Dante's POVThe music blared loudly in my ears; the club was wide awake tonight. I took another shot the burning sensation of alcohol went straight to my head.“Woah, what's happening tonight? You seem very on edge.” Kyle, my best friend said. Honestly, he was right, since I met that temptress River of a woman. I haven't been stable since.“Mind your business, Kyle.”Someone grabbed my arm, I felt her sharp nails jarring into my flesh and I nearly winced in surprise. “Hi baby, I didn't know you'd be in the club tonight.”I disentangled my hand from her grip and turned to her; it was Amanda, one of the trips I usually mess with. “Hi, I didn't know I'd be coming to the club tonight either.”She batted her fake heavy lashes at me, and from the corner of my eye, I could see Kyle roll his eyes. But what the hell I need the distraction right now.I circled her waist with my left arm, pulling her close, but almost immediately, the picture of River flashed before my eyes. But I shook it off.
Dantes' Pov The afternoon rolled in and I closed the file I had been working on. I had to meet Mr White at White water hotel, I really hoped it wasn't a conversation that would upset me.Throughout the day all that has happened has just been upsetting. Immediately I got to the office after the meeting I had to contact Sanders the best private investigator money could afford to get. I needed to know who exactly Jake was and what was the relationship between him and River. It was all too obvious today that they had some weird unfinished business going on and I'm determined to find out.I rubbed my forehead, it was really quite annoying that cared so much about this but I couldn't get it out of my head. The way they both locked eyes like some love sick couple of something. I adjusted my suit and stood up, texting my driver to drive up to the building front door. I wasn't in the mood to take a walk and run into someone who would want to chit chat.I didn't even page Baron to let him kn
River's POVI had wanted to drive to the little cafe spot Tessa had suggested we go to but she insisted it was just a few blocks away and a walk would help clear my head.We walked about a block then a small cute restaurant came into view. The smell of hot coffee with cinnamon buns waffed around my nose and I immediately worked up an appetite.We entered inside the cute cafe a few persons were already there but spotted an empty table by the window. It looked like the perfect Pinterest background but we weren't here for pictures anyways.“Hi welcome, my name is Amara.” A young waiter approached us, I could tell she was new,it made me smile. She looked about sixteen.“Oh hi, I'll have a latte and two cinnamon buns.” Tessa said warmly.“Make that for two.” “Okay, so you'll have them here or to go?” “We'll have them here, we'll be seated at the table by the window.” Tessa said.“I'll be right out with your orders.” She nodded and went to the counter.We sat at the table, and in as much
Dante’s POV I woke up already upset, my concise made me toss and turn the whole night. I absolutely hated how I ended things with River, I wanted things to end to protect her from myself.I didn't want to be the man that hurts a woman because he is not ready for a relationship. But the way I ended it was terrible and the fact that I knew she would absolutely hate me right now and had the right to did not sit well in my chest.I got up from my bed swinging my legs on the ground to touch the cool tiles. I needed coffee to clear the fog in my mind before I took a shower and headed to work.I pressed the intercom and the voice of my butler came through, “Good morning master Dante.” “Good morning, please tell the kitchen to send up my coffee.”“Okay sir, would you like a toast or something.” “No Howard just coffee”“They’ll have that right up.”My butler Howard was more than just a butler to me, he was like a father figure. I had known him since like forever my parents were hardly aroun
River's POVYesterday's session with the therapist was amazing, he was professional, compassionate and knowledgeable. I even had to disclose to him that I had ran into Jake at the wine shop. He advised I stay away from him till I was able to clearly sort out the residue emotions I still had for him else he would manipulate and bend me to his will.As much as I had wanted to deny and claim that I was too healed for that, my reaction to seeing him at the door told me otherwise. A part of me still had feelings for him and I needed to deal with it.This morning I woke up by 4’00am sharp to start preparing what I was to present at the meeting today. Mr Brown had sent me template on how to structure my report, he was extremely pleased with my outcome at the court.Unlike that silly Dante, who seemed mildly impressed. Now standing in front of the mirror I adjusted my navel blue blazer which I pair with matching office palazzo pants. I wore a cream camisole inside and paired the whole looked
Tessa's POV I woke up to a banging headache, i struggled to open my eyes as I sat up shielding my eyes from the sunlight. I glanced at my alarm clock to see it was already evening, I had slept the whole day. Last night was terrible, it all started with that text from the man who caused all my pain.I got a text from my father, “Hi Tessa, I know this is an unexpected request. But I'm in town and I'd like the chance to meet up and talk over dinner, please it's really important.”I looked at the text with disdain and of course immediately called my mother, who to my surprise asked me to grant his request. Begrudgingly I sent him a message to text the address of where he wanted us to meet up.He responded in a second, “Blue waters Restaurant.”I rolled my eyes thinking how he just had to rub it in by choosing an expensive place to prove a financial point. I headed there and when I got to the restaurant I felt very out of place. I wasn't even dressed to the standard of the restaurant bu
Dantes' PovToday was turning out to be an even more annoying day than I planned for. Firstly I planned to get my mind off River by all means, that was what led me call Ashley up to my office to make out.My problem with Ashley was although she's good in bed, she was extremely clingy and desperate. The very opposite of the kind of girl I needed at the moment, I needed a no strings attached kind of woman.Immediately she got to my office I regretted my decision, she came up looking excited. “Hi baby, I've missed you so much. Just know I'm here stay for good now that you've finally removed Rivers claws off you.”“Don't ever mention her name, you don't have that right.” I said angrily surprising myself and even Ashley.She looked hurt for a brief moment but quickly masked it closing the distance between us. She pushed my rolling chair back and sat on my legs straddling me. As she ran her fingers through my hair and down my chest. “I've missed you so much baby.” She said in her sultry vo
River's POV “Wow, that's a huge one. But you may not like what I'm about to say. That particular case is very personal to Dante he'll want to hear all about it before the board meeting tomorrow.”I immediately felt down cast, “well Mr Brown could brief him about it himself. I really don't want to be anywhere near him after yesterday, I just want to keep my head down and do what I need to do.”Baron looked at me with understanding, “I know but keep it professional. Even if it feels like your heart is bursting hold it together, don't let it weigh you down in his front.I thought about it for a second and realized Baron was damn right, “And if I don't go Mr Brown would tell him I was the one who won the case, it'll become obvious I'm trying to avoid him which will make him think I really care.”“Exactly!”I took a deep breath and nodded at Baron, “I'll go brief him, I'll keep it cute and very professional. He doesn't deserve to see me break down actually.” Baron's eyes brightened, “I k
Tessa's POVI watched River walk out the door and I felt bad for her. The poor girl never seemed to catch a break, although I had to put some damn respect on her name.She wasn't the sweet, weak River my friends and I used to push around. To say I regretted how I acted out back then would be an understatement, I was just lashing out because my parents had a messy marriage.Everyday, I had to sit through my mother's rants about how she only married my Dad because she found out she was pregnant with me by him.I grew up an only child and my Dad did quite well but he never spent his money on myself and my mum. He spoilt his mistress and her obese son silly, my mum was a minimum wage earner.She did her best to make sure I lacked nothing but I paid by listening to her tell me I pretty much ruined her life. My only escape was coming to school and acting all high and mighty. I really used to be jealous of girls like Samantha who came from a happy home.Her parents were stinking rich, we're
Chapter 16Dante's POVAs soon as she left my office, I stood up to chase after her and apologize but I stopped mid way. I from my monitor I watched her gently sway till she got to the elevator I felt like absolute shit but I knew deep in my heart I wouldn't have anything to say to her if I chased after her. I didn't have anything tangible to offer her that could soothe the hurt my words must have caused her.I walked back to my desk and punched the wall. My fist went through it, “Shit!” I muttered to myself.My fist hurt like hell but that was the least of my concerns. Call me childish for not being able to move on completely from my ex and give what I was feeling a chance. But I had resigned to the life of a bachelor, I wasn't even sure I could give myself completely to River not now or even ever.I know she was probably playing me but something tells me, her emotions had gotten the best of her and she was fully involved now.It was best I hurt her now than later where it would ta