“What a fucking jerk!” Ashley growled, grabbing one of the colorful vodka shots from the table and pouring it down her throat.
I had no strength left to support her rage. We were sitting by the kitchen table in her apartment, more than a dozen little glasses prepared to soothe our nerves in one of the least healthy ways possible. My fingers slid around the rim of the glass as I numbly stared down at my liquor. I wished the alcohol could solve my problems or at least dull my restlessness. It didn't. I had rarely drunk strong liquor, and by now, I should have been hiccupping and laughing like a happy idiot, but after emptying six shots, I remained irritatingly sober.
Our team had bravely accepted the CEO's challenge. We had tried, we truly had, and we failed… miserably. This was an impossible task, and we had known it from the beginning. The CEO must have known that too. He had never wanted to give us a chance. He taunted us…
“Arrogant bastard!” Ashley continued, reaching for another glass.
“And just who pissed you two off that much?” Aaron sauntered into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, facing us with one brow raised.
“Killian Blair,” we replied in unison. “The new CEO of Blair Digital Entertainment, the guy who fired us,” Ashley added.
“Do I want to meet him?” He gave us a saucy grin, exposing his perfectly white teeth. When we both glared at him, he just raised his hands in surrender and chuckled. “Oh, come on. Now I'm intrigued. Entertain me. Tell me about that guy. I bet he's a fine piece of ass… and a bad boy at that.”
“Well, he is exactly that,” I commented dryly, failing to notice the wicked curiosity forming on the twins' faces.
A giggle slipped through Ashley's throat. “Have you… seen his ass?”
Her brother's eyes zeroed in on me. “And how BAD in a scale are we talking about? A little kinky or fully-equipped sex dungeon kind of bad?” A wide grin appeared.
Ashely and Aaron… They were seriously more alike than they believed they were.
“Can you two just be normal for a day?” I was sure my face resembled a beetroot by now. “I've known this guy before. He... bullied me in high school.” I smiled wryly. “He was this guy whom every girl dreamed about. Of course, I had a crush on him too… until I caught him having sex in the classroom with one of the so-called popular girls.”
Aaron blinked, waving his fake lashes at me. “He had a tiny dick or something?”
I would have laughed at the comment, but there was nothing amusing in the memories I recalled. “Truthfully, I don't know what happened. Perhaps he was angry that I saw him, and it was enough for him to make me his target. Then he was hell-bent on making my life miserable.”
Aaron's expression cooled down, any traces of a smile disappearing in an instant. “Did you tell anyone about what you saw?”
A dry chuckle left my throat. “Why would I? I was too embarrassed about it.”
“I don't get it,” Ashley muttered, joining the conversation. “If you didn't tell anyone, what reason could he have to be pissed?”
I let out a long sigh. “I think this girl got scared that I might… ruin her reputation or something. She transferred to another school soon after that incident, and that was when Killian Blair decided to turn my life into a nightmare.”
Aaron frowned. “And now he fired you? Did he do that on purpose? Did he recognize you?”
Chills ran down my spine as I recalled the way he looked at me. “Truthfully… I have no idea.”
“What if he did? What if he fired all of us because of you?” Ashley mused, reaching for another shot.
That felt like a stab in the chest. I wished I could tell her he hadn't, but what if...
Ashley grabbed my hand and offered me a faint smile. “Then there's one good thing about him firing us... At least you won't be forced to face that hateful guy ever again.”
More bitterness pooled inside me. “There's nothing good about us losing our jobs, Ashley. You know that I don't have any savings, and I'm not even sure how I'm going to pay for my rent next month.”
“Then move out,” she said simply.
I blinked. “What?”
“Move in here with us.” She beamed at me, and my eyes filled with tears.
“Ashley's right. This apartment is far too large for just Ashley and me. I could use someone more reasonable to argue with my precious sis.” Aaron stepped toward me and placed his hand on my shoulder.
A thick knot formed in my throat as I stared at both of them. I knew that they inherited this apartment after their grandma died. Their grandma was a wealthy woman—a lucky lottery winner with great investing skills—and this apartment was indeed huge, but I just wasn't used to receiving help from others…
Swallowing hard, I shook my head. “I can't live here. I would be a—”
“If you try to suggest that you would be a burden, I'm going to smack you,” Aaron growled. “You're like family to us, and you fucking know it. Now, stop whining and just accept our offer.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks. “Thank you,” I choked out.
A heartbeat passed, and I was lifted from my seat straight into Aaron's embrace. Ashley joined the hug before I could draw another breath.
***
I couldn't believe that the first major thing I was doing after getting fired was going to my ex's wedding. I should have been staring at my laptop and looking for a job! I might have had a temporary apartment thanks to the twins, but it only solved a tiny part of my problems…
My hands fisted into tight balls as I strode through the pier in five-inch heels. Ungracefully quickening my steps, I lined up with Ashley and her boyfriend, Matteo. “Tell me again, why did I agree to wear these torture devices?” I pointed at the shoes, and Ashley snorted.
“Stop whining and think of it as therapy.”
My brows inched up. “What therapy?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “What you need is a victory to cheer you up! And I am quite sure this is the day of your triumph. Besides, you look gorgeous.”
“And sexy,” Matteo added, winking at me.
“Thank you,” I muttered, attempting to smile. I somehow managed to release a slow breath, forcing myself to calm down. Then I looked over my shoulder; Aaron still wasn't here.
“Relax. He'll get here soon,” Ashley assured me as if reading my mind.
I nodded, but at the same time, my gut told me otherwise. My gaze drifted to the huge yacht in front of us, where Dylan and Brianna's guests were already boarding. I saw all the fabulous designer gowns and then glanced at the red fitted dress I had gotten from Ashley. It might have been the best piece of clothing I had worn for years, but I still felt like Cinderella, who had forgotten to call her Fairy Grandmother before leaving for the ball.
My phone buzzed in my purse, and I jolted. Pulling it out, I saw a text from Aaron. A shudder rushed through me. Even without reading it, I knew that something was wrong…
“We had an accident at the bakery. Everyone's fine, but we have to redo three hundred muffins. I'm sorry. I won't be at the wedding.”
A thick lump formed in my throat. I looked at Ashley and gave her a crooked smile. “There was a problem at Aaron's bakery... He's not coming.”
Ashley stepped closer, studying me. She must have heard my thoughts because she pinned me with a glare. “Don't even think about it,” she snarled. “You are going on board, Josephine Clairmont. Even if I have to drag you there.”
I stiffened a chuckle, knowing she actually might drag me there if I refused. Putting the phone back in my purse, I rolled back my shoulders and mustered my best smile. “All right. Let's go.”
Ashley nodded, and the three of us restarted our steps. A moment later, we were on board the luxurious yacht and a waiter offered us a glass of champagne. I let myself enjoy the madly expensive bubbles, relaxing more with every sip. I turned around, admiring the highly overpriced decorations, until my gaze stopped at the dark-haired man standing on the other side of the deck.
Killian Blair
A thick knot rose in my throat. My ex-boss and ex-high school bully in one person stood on the opposite side of the deck, leaning one elbow against the railing. Despite the restlessness that pooled in my guts, I could not ignore how irresistible he looked with his hair combed up and his body packed into a black tuxedo.
Our eyes met and I froze. A smug smile tugged at his lips and then, he was striding through the deck, heading toward me. Blood drained from my face. Ashley… Only she could get me out of this mess. I turned around, searching for my friend, but suddenly, she and Matteo were nowhere to be found.
“Don't you think it's a little dangerous for someone like you to stand here alone?”
I spun around, facing the man from my nightmares. A shudder coursed through me as I stared into his blazing, green eyes. “Someone… like me?”
Fisting my hands, I braced myself to hear a long list of insults—
“If I were here with a beautiful woman like you, I would never leave her alone.” Killian's lips curved into a predatory smile. “I'd fear someone might steal her away.”
I blinked, dumbfounded. Was this supposed to be a joke? Was he taunting me? But wait… He didn't look at me the same way he had when I'd come to his office. Right now, in his eyes, I wasn't an annoying, meaningless, soon-to-be-fired employee but a woman…
What the heck? Was he… face blind?
“So, where is your highly irresponsible boyfriend?” Killian's gaze was intense enough to drill inside my head.I sucked in a sharp breath. “He couldn't make it.”“Such a shame.” Amusement danced on his lips as he stepped closer. “But are we truly talking about your boyfriend? Or a meaningless date?”What kind of a game was that? And what was he trying to achieve? I ground my teeth. “Does it matter?”He breathed out a chuckle. “I suppose it doesn't as long as he's not here.” I forced myself still as he studied me. “May I know your name?”Air escaped my lungs, but my mind warned me I shouldn't feel relieved. This might have been a trick. Still, just in case, it was safer to lie.“My name is—”“Josephine!”I cursed under my breath hearing Ashley's voice behind me.“There you are!”Shit. She must have noticed me but didn't realize who I was talking to. If I let her come here, things could only turn from bad to worse!“My friend is looking for me.” I gave Killian a nervous smile. “I need to
Two hours later, I still tried to process what had happened. Restlessness held me tightly in its clutches, and I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder as if expecting Killian to jump out and reveal his true, entirely wicked reason for helping me. His whispered words kept ringing in my mind, triggering icy shivers. What did he want from me? Did he know who I was?I shook my head, chasing away the horror-like scenarios my mind eagerly provided. I couldn't let myself drown in an unreasonable fear. I was sitting with my friends, sipping expensive wine, and enjoying delicious food. I could only taste these luxuries until the end of the cruise, and I promised myself not to spoil my time thinking about the nightmares from my past. Fortunately, Dylan decided to keep his distance from me just in case I truly turned out to be somehow involved with Killian Blair. Of course, he wouldn't be the only one wondering. From the moment Killian called me his “date,” I had been watched by count
I barely remember how I got through the day. A thick layer of anxiety coated every inch of my body as my mind eagerly provided thriller-movie-worthy scenarios. I was on the freaking tabloid cover. Fine, my face was barely recognizable, and my identity was still unknown to the reporters… but what if someone found out?“Why would anyone care about a nobody like me?” I laughed, trying to mock my restlessness. Unfortunately, my nerves didn't disappear even as the night came, forcing me to toss and turn for long hours before I finally drifted into blissful unawareness.The doorbell sound pierced through my sleep. I groaned and rolled to the other side of the bed, determined to ignore it, but it rang again and again, forcing me awake. Cursing under my breath, I willed my eyes open and dragged myself out of bed.“Someone's at the door!” I called out, hoping that one of the twins would open it.The bell rang again, and the banging on the door followed. Groaning, I stumbled out of my bedroom an
KILLIAN“It's open!” I called out through the corridor before entering my study.I heard the faint squeak as the door opened and closed, and I didn't have to look over my shoulder to know that Tony followed me, a bottle of scotch in hand. It was nearly our ritual to drink in my penthouse whenever things went bad, and tonight I had a perfect reason to drink.I stopped in front of my three-piece suite and gestured at him to sit on the sofa while I grabbed two glasses from the cabinet. When I returned, Tony had the bottle opened and ready to fill the glasses with amber liquor. I slumped onto the chair in front of him and pinched the bridge of my nose.“That bad?” Tony chuckled, handing me my glass.“My father is planning my slow and painful death as we speak,” I muttered before drawing a sip. “I promised him no more scandals.”Tony's lips formed a crooked smile. “Hugging a girl can hardly be called a scandal. I'd say it's your most decent picture I've seen in tabloids.”I gave him a look.
Josephine Clairmont. I should have never allowed myself to forget that name. I had never been the one who tormented the weak. I had made Josephine Clairmont my exception. Perhaps I should have been wiser, more mature, more lenient, but I just couldn't make myself forgive someone who had helped my mother get rid of my first love.If she hadn't turned out to be a greedy bitch and she had kept her mouth shut, maybe I would have grown up to be a different man. Not that cold and heartless. Would my relationship with Estelle have lasted? Well, that was something I would never be able to find out, and I had the innocent-looking Josie to blame for it.I still wondered how much my mother paid her for spying on me. Judging by her current financial situation, destroying my first relationship hadn't gotten her enough. The fact that she might have sold the information for a drastically low price infuriated me even more.As the years went by, I realized that the simple schoolgirl couldn't have know
JOSIE“He's a world-class jerk!” I roared before pouring the rest of the wine in my glass down my throat. It was my third glass, but I couldn't care less. I had no job interviews the next day, and I definitely shouldn't care whether I got drunk. Perhaps I even should get drunk. It might lessen the anger buzzing in my veins like a swarm of wasps. “Selfish, arrogant, bastard!”“Don't forget that he's a super-rich and hot as fuck bastard.” Aaron grinned, grabbing the bottle from the kitchen counter and refilling my glass.“Not funny.” Ashley shot her brother a meaningful glare.Aaron shrugged. “I'm only stating the facts. This guy IS rich and he IS hot.” He sat next to me by the kitchen table and fixed his eyes on me. “Frankly, if he wants to pay you for playing his girlfriend, I can't see the reason why you should refuse his offer.”I flipped him a bird, and Ashley snorted. “You so don't get it, brother. This guy thinks he can do whatever he wants, and Josie should just happily accept w
The van stopped in front of one of the high-end apartment buildings on Park Avenue. The door opened, and Mr. Colt extended his hand to help me out of the car. My heart thundered, and my body flooded with cold sweat, but I kept my expression blank. The last thing I wanted was for those men to know just how terrified I was.If Killian Blair wanted me to acknowledge just how powerful he was, he achieved it tenfold. I even began to debate whether I had made a mistake walking away from him last time. Certainly, that pondering lasted only until I recalled his words about my father. My resolution instantly formed in a blaze of rage. I would not let him threaten me and force me to do anything, and if he tried to… I would fight with all the skills I possessed.I was led through the elegant reception hall toward the elevators. “This way,” Mr. Colt said, gesturing at the one reserved for the penthouse. An apartment with a private elevator... How unsurprising.Grinding my teeth, I walked inside t
Was I doing the right thing? Probably not. Did the perspective of dealing with Killian Blair almost every day scare the holy crap out of me? Definitely yes. So why did I agree to all this? Well, I told myself that it was because I needed a job—and not just any job but a decent, well-paid one.I still had over fifty grand to pay to my father's creditors, and they were the people I certainly didn't want to mess with. I needed to keep my payments steady much more than I needed to eat three meals a day. In my situation, the director's salary was like a dream come true. Wouldn't I be an absolute fool to reject such an opportunity?The thoughts kept swirling in my head as I waited for Killian to finish talking with his lawyer over the phone. It was about the contract I was going to sign. Surely, it sounded more like I was about to sell my soul to the devil.“Patrick, my lawyer, will be here within an hour,” Killian informed me as he walked over to the sofa. He sat next to me, and I instantl