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Chapter 10 - Layla Prime
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Layla POV
It's almost eight o'clock when I finish everything I have to do at work. I had to stay a few extra hours to sort everything out and get all the paperwork into the appropriate folders on the iPad. I have a banging headache, and I am starving. I didn't have time to eat. The phone kept ringing non-stop with the people I canceled the meetings with complaining they waited months for the appointment. Well, they were lucky I managed to squeeze them where I did. Ricard will be finishing work later every day for the next three weeks. It was that or made everyone wait months again.
I sit back on my chair, stretching my arms above my head and moving my neck from side to side. I turn my iMac off, and as I place the iPad on the charge, the elevator door opens, and Richard walks in. He is holding his jacket in his hand, and on the other hand, he has his phone while he scrolls through.&nb
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The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 11 - Richard Ashford
Richard POV "How is Esther doing?" dad asks, and I put my fork down and look at him. He hasn't been to the hospital to see her yet. The man hates that place, and I can't really blame him. She worked for him for so many years that you would think he would have the consideration of going to visit her. But no, his fear of hospitals is more significant than his affection for Esther. "She's doing better, but she can't go home on her own, so I have my secretary looking at somewhere good for Esther to go live," I say, and dad nods. I can't have Esther struggling, and she will not be able to care for herself, so I am looking into an assisted living situation. Somewhere she can rest and enjoy painting as she loves. "She's a good woman," Mom says, and I agree with her. I grab my fork again and bring a piece of roast beef to my mouth. She really is, but at work, she was bec
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One chapter 12 - Richard Ashford
Richard POV I stop my car in front of the townhouse and take a deep breath as I grip the steering wheel. I get out of the car, and as I reach the door, it bursts open, and a man walks out of the house while he is shouting inside. “Get out,” I hear Pamela shouting from inside the house, and as soon as I reach the door, it flies open, and a man walks out shouting inside. I don’t think he saw me. “You are fucking crazy,” he shouts, and I raise an eyebrow trying to look inside, but he faces me, and then Pamela appears at the door. Her face is bright red, and her eyes are puffy. I might not get along with my ex-wife, but I sure as hell won’t allow a man to shout at her, especially in front of me or near my daughter. “She told you to leave,” I say, stepping between them, and I can hear the soft cry coming from Pamela’s mouth. I get really uncomfortable with women crying, especially if it is my child's mother, a woman I learned to hate.
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 13 - Layla Prime
Layla POV "Layla," I hear my name being called from inside the office. We are waiting for the IT people to fix the link of communication between his office and mine. Something happened overnight, and several lines have been disrupted. I walk into the office to find Richard without his jacket, his light blue shirt with the first button undone and the tie a little loose, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows as his hands move through his hair. Damn, this is a lovely image. "I need you to call Jude, get him through, and then I need you to go to IT to see why they are taking so much to connect the links," he says, and I type everything down on my iPad. "Anything else?" I ask, raising my eyes to his, and I realize his eyes are glued to my lips. That's when I realized I was biting my lips. His eyes dart to mine, an
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 14 - Layla Prime
Layla POV “I won’t be home for dinner,” I let out, and both Jo and Leo raise their heads from the couch to look at me. Jo stands up almost immediately and walks to me. “You’ve got a date?” she asks, raising her eyebrows at me, and I can’t help but laugh at Leo, that is behind her hugging himself with his back turned to me as if he is making out with someone. “Guys, come on, no, it’s a work dinner,” I say, and Jo nods with a smirk on her face. I don’t know if I am trying to convince them or myself. I thought I saw something yesterday. But I guess I was wrong because he kept me busy all day yesterday and barely spoke to me. I guess I thought wrong when I thought he was jealous. I bring the coffee to my lips and take a small sip. I still don’t have a dress. I am wearing a black pants suit with a jacket and a red blouse underneath. I look at my reflection in
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 15 - Richard Ashford
Richard POV “You should know better,” Dylan says as we exit the elevator. I can smell perfume in the air. It’s sweet and not overpowering. It’s just perfect. I realize that Layla always smells nice, but as I never leave the office while she is here, I never get a chance to experience her perfume like that. “Hello, beautiful,” Dylan says as he walks to Layla. She smiles at him, and I realize she is still wearing her suit. But I can see the bag hanging with her dress inside. I have to say I am curious about what she will be wearing. Hopefully something tasteful and sexy. After all, I didn’t really need her at the meeting, and I don’t even know why I am doing this. Maybe to keep her away from her boyfriend? “Dylan,” she says as he takes her hand to his lips and gives her a small kiss. Dylan is seriously starting to piss me off with all the flirting. I know this is who he is, but could he just leave my secretary al
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 16 - Richard Ashford
Richard POV "Dylan," I hear Pamela say as she approaches the table, and Dylan looks stunned, like he has seen a ghost. I have never seen him like this before. His eyes rise, and he smiles, standing up. "Pamela, lovely to see you," he says, kissing her cheek, and then she looks at me and smiles. Dylan looks like he is about to puke, and if the situation weren't fucked up already, this would be kind of funny. "Richard," she says, and I nod toward her when her eyes land on Layla. Her facial expression changes from a smile to a frown. "Who is this?" she asks, waving her hand in front of Layla. Rude much? How did I ever like this woman? "That's," Dylan says, and I rest one hand on Layla's leg smiling. "This is my date," I say without thinking twice. Layla's eyes go wide, and Dylan almost chokes on his drink. Pamela looks at me with the most shocked look ever, and I smile, "Pamela, this is Layla," I say, and Pamela s
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 17 - Layla Prime
Layla POV "We both know you wouldn't make it. You owe a lot of money to many people, and if you don't sell it to me, you will have to go public. You will lose so much money that you will never recover, so take the win, accept the money, and let me buy you out so I can save the jobs of the people who are trying to save your ass every day," Richard says. I can't help but feel impressed, and the man really knows what he is doing. He knows what to say to get the job done. I want to be like him when I grow up. I can feel Gustaf's eyes on me, and I shift in my seat. I pull my legs closer together as if he has all of sudden gained x-ray vision, and he can look at my legs through the table. I know it's impossible, but it's incredibly uncomfortable. "Who do you think you are? You can't talk to me like that", Gustaf says, and Dylan clears his throat as he leans forward on
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 18 - Layla Prime
Layla POV “I’m sorry, what?” I ask, and he gets even closer. The car stopped abruptly, and his arms wrapped around my body, keeping me in place, and I realized I didn’t put my seatbelt on. I am now almost lying on top of him while the driver shouts out of the window. All I can hear is noise, background noise, and it feels like the world has stopped moving, and there’s only me and this beautiful specimen of a man. My eyes are locked on his, and I lose my will to move. I stay still as his hands move slightly down, and he touches the bare skin on my back. I feel a chill down my spine, and the entire world disappears. All I see is the blue from his eyes, staring back at me as if he is reading my soul. With no warning, his mouth collapses on mine, and I let out a small moan. His hands move to my hair as he rests one hand on the back of my neck and the other one he places on my ass as he lays back down on the back se
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The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Epilogue
Richard POV“I can’t believe this is actually happening” I let out and Dylan smiles as he adjusts my butterfly tie. I take a deep breath and I have to say I am nervous as hell. The door opens and Fred walks through the door.“Hey, how are you feeling, old man?” He asks before he pours himself a glass of champagne. I shrug my shoulders and Dylan looks at Fred shaking his head.“He is nervous as fuck” he says and Fred laughs as he crosses his legs.“I bet you are, after all, it’s the second time you're doing this,” Fred says and I shake my head focusing on his face.“Third,” I say and his mouth opens wide and Dylan frowns looking at me.
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 104 - Layla Prime
Layla POV “What are you doing?” I ask as Richard blindfolds me and guides me to the car. I smile as he places one hand on my lower back while the other holds my hand. “Come on, where are we going?” I ask but again all I get is a small kiss on the lips after we are inside the car. The drive takes more than one hour. I have no clue where we are now. There are so many places that he could’ve taken me in one hour or so. When the car comes to a stop and Richard helps me out of the car I feel the cold wind blow and I realize we are somewhere open, without buildings or trees. My hair flies in every direction and I bet I will look like I have a helmet on my head. “Where are you taking me?” I ask at the same time he scoops me off the floor. I let out a small squeal as I feel him going upstairs. Where the hell are we? “Good evening Mr. Ashford” I hear someone say.
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 103 - Layla Prime
Layla POV“How is she? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I ask Dylan as he takes a deep breath after telling me that Jo spent Christmas in the hospital. We both had shit holidays.“You were recovering from brain surgery. Do you really think I was going to tell you that Jo had a panic attack and ended up hooked up to fluids in the hospital?” He asks as if I am the crazy one.“Yeah,” I say, grabbing my phone and dialing Jo’s number. She answers almost on the first ring.“I am sorry, I am so sorry, I really am sorry,” she says as she answers, and I feel my heart beating so fast I can’t even cope with it. I place one hand over my chest where my beating heart is and take a deep breath.“No,
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 102 - Layla Prime
Layla POV“I open my eyes, and I find my mom sitting on a chair next to me. I frown and look around, realizing I am in a hospital room. I blink several times until my vision focuses but no luck. I lick my lips, but my tongue is so dry it feels like I have sand in my mouth. Argh, my entire body hurts. I try to remember what happened, but I really can’t.The door opens, and Louise walks in, followed by Mia. When her eyes meet mine, the biggest smile appears on her face while my sister stays exactly the same way. “Layla, finally,” Mia says as she ruses to stand next to me. My mom hearing the voices opens her eyes and walks to me, holding my hand between hers.“Oh my God, how are you feeling?” My mom asks, but as I try to speak, it becomes a little difficult. I frown as my voice doesn’t sound the same. “Relax, baby, you ha
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 101 - Richard Ashford
Richard POVWe’ve been sitting in these uncomfortable chairs for hours. Mia is asleep with her head resting on my shoulder while my brothers are wide awake with me. I keep trying to push away the horrible feeling I have in the pit of my stomach. I take a deep breath, and Mia opens her eyes.“Is everything okay?” She asks. I offer her a small smile and stand up. My entire body is aching at this point. We have been here for hours without news because we are not related to Layla. Her mother is on the way, and even though I said I am her fiancé, the doctor, and not saying anything. This is ridiculous.I have tried to throw money around, I tried to offer a big donation to the hospital If they allowed me to go see her, but it didn’t work. My father kept asking me to stay calm. This is a hospital, people are sick, and at least we know she is
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 100 - Richard Ashford
Richard POVWhen we arrive at the house, I feel every hair in my body rises. I shake my head as I cross my arms in front of my chest. I am behind the police barrier, and they're not allowing me to go inside with them. This is ridiculous. He could be hurting Layla as we speak, and they are here playing police officers and trying to negotiate with him. Just fucking go inside and bring her out. Or even better, let me go inside, and I will bring her out after I knock him down.Jude is standing next to me, and he is keeping my father and my brothers updated while I walk around like a maniac trying to escape the torture I am being put through. “When are you going to invade the place?” I ask the detective, and he looks at me as if I have three heads. What the hell is wrong with people?“We need to make sure he is alone. I can’t just send my men blind,” he says, and I scoff as I shake my head
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 99 - Layla Prime
Layla POV“James, let me go,” I plea as he tightens the zip ties around my wrists. It hurts me, and I flinch as he stands in front of me, his nose almost touching me. I feel the tears rolling down my cheek while he smiles and rubs his nose over my cheek as he inhales deeply. I shut my eyes tightly, turning my head away from him.“You smell so good,” he finally says, and I feel my stomach turning. I have no clue where we are, it’s dark and there’s only a small light in the corner of the room. I can see windows, but it’s too dark outside to even know where we are.“James, please, let me go,” I cry but he doesn’t move. He stays in front of me, and slowly, he places both his hands on my legs I try to push him away but my ankles, but I can’t. I have zip ties around my ankles as well, holding me on the chai
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 98 - Richard Ashford
Richard POV“Pamela dear, there’s been a mistake. You are not sitting here. You’re on my table,” my mother says, and I swear I could just shout at her right now. This woman is infuriating. The way she tries to make Layla feel shit in front of her is crazy. I look at my mother with a smile, and I can tell by Dylan’s eyes he knows what I am about to do. “Excuse me, I need to freshen up,” Layla says, walking away before I even have a chance to do anything.“That was rude,” Pamela says, and I look at her as Mia rests one hand on my arm. “Dad, don’t,” she pleas with me, and I take a deep breath. I take one step closer to my mother, and between greeted teeth, I start talking. “Layla will sit next to me, whether you like it or not, she is my fiancé, and you better keep up with the program
The Big Shot - The Ashford Brothers - Book One Chapter 97 - Layla Prime
Layla POV After the silent auction, we are all taken to the dining area. This is an event like a wedding, with round tables with beautiful linen spread all around the room. Big vases with red and green flowers and ornaments. I have to say that Cruella can definitely put on a show. She really knows what she is doing. Kudos to her. Mia walks to her table, and she scrunches her nose when she notices who’s sitting next to her. Richard walks to her, checking on the sitting chart, and I can tell he is not happy either. I have no clue where we’re sitting, and when he offers me his hand, I take it, and he places a small kiss on my finger next to my beautiful diamond ring. I can feel my cheeks go warm. Damn, this man has the ability to leave me flushed. “I promise I will make this right,” he says, and I frown, looking at Mia and then at Richard, and that’s when I realize
