1

ROME

Tonight is not a part of my plan. But talking about losses was tough shit to speak out. 

My friend once told me you couldn’t find an answer at the bottom of the bottle. But I’d rather drink myself into a stupor than open up about the things that hurt as fuck to even think about.

Sax Ryder, one of my best friends, whom I considered my brother cleared his throat. “She’s out of your league.”

“Who?” I looked down at the empty whiskey glass. I needed another shot.

“I was just making a point. You’re at this nightclub, but your mind is elsewhere.”

My eyes were on the brunette. She’d caught my attention since we arrived an hour ago. I just couldn’t stop. Whoever was this woman? She definitely would keep me awake tonight.

“But she’s pretty.”

I turned my head to Sax. “Really? Pretty?”

His dark eyes glimmered as he smirked. “Yeah, I know what’s in your mind. But you prefer blonde and petite.”

Chuckling, I focused my gaze on the woman dancing with her friend. Her long wavy hair shone against the laser lights. 

She was too tall for my type and still wearing high heels. Her body could pass as one of the lingerie models, and her long-toned legs were displayed in a black mini-dress.

“It was just one time. I mean twice, but those just a coincidence.”

He let out a hearty laugh and shook his head. “Then what are you still waiting for? Maybe, that woman is blonde, just dyed her hair.”

I signaled to one of the bartenders to refill our drinks. “I’m not ready for that.”

“I didn’t mean a relationship, man. You’ve been working your ass off since your dad died. You could use some fun, a break, and damn. You could use a month fucking vacation.”

The bartender brought our drinks. We were regulars, and I knew the owner, Pyke Hughes. 

“It’s not about work that cut me off the fun. I’m just not emotionally ready.” I was used to having a one-night stand, but right now, I had more pressing matters than satisfying my dick. “And sex is not a problem.” 

“A good massage, then.”

“A good sleep. At least three hours of sleep without interruption.”

“I heard about your father’s assistant. Have you found her replacement?”

“On Monday. I just hope she would be as efficient and reliable as Florian.” I sipped my drink. 

Since I took over the family business, I could barely breathe properly. The boards and investors had questioned my ability to run a multi-national billion-dollar company, Langston Realty Group, since I lacked experience. I wanted to prove them wrong. And I liked challenges. 

Unlike my father, I took a different path. I served my country, was honorably discharged, and went to help my old friend, Gabe Linden, to start his security firm. But the boards didn’t know I had my own company, Sevyn Hunter Global, and someone offered to buy it for 1.5B. I mean, that was huge money. But my company was not for sale, and if someone wanted to buy with that digits, I was sure as hell could double it in three years.

“Well, you can always find a new one. So, you’re not gonna make a move?” He tipped his head toward the brunette, who was now leaving.

“Nah. Pass.”

An hour later, we bid goodbye.

“Call me if you need anything.” He held my hand after a handshake. “Adley would be happy to see you this weekend.”

I smiled. “I’ll give her a call.”

Sax finally let go of my hand. He knew Adley meant a lot to me. 

Adley Kross - Creed helped me reconnect with my father. Dad and I were estranged for years since I didn’t turn out to be his protege, joining politics. To him, I was a huge disappointment. After he chose not to run again for the senate, he took over the company from Mom, allowing her to focus on what she loved—charities. That was how he became successful and well-connected.

“She would be happy to hear from you.”

“I miss her too.” I worked for her as her temporary bodyguard. We became close friends even after I resigned. Only lately, we’d been both busy running our family businesses.

“Take care of yourself, Rome.”

“You too, bro.”

I got in the car. My driver, Zee, shut the door close after me. I fished out my phone and dialed Adley’s number.

“I hope I’m not interrupting something.”

“I hate you.” Her greeting as she laughed.

“I love you too.”

“Mykel and I were just talking about you setting up a date.”

I groaned. “God, no.”

“But it’s already been settled. All you have to do is show your ass up this weekend.” I could see herself grinning at her husband beside her, waiting for my reply.

“Adley, I don’t have time to date right now.” I found myself wondering if my date would be as gorgeous as the brunette.

“Come on, this is just a meet and greet. If you don’t like her, then don’t ask her out.”

More curiosity sparked inside me. “Who’s the girl?”

“A woman, Romare. And it’s a blind date, so you don’t dare ask me.”

“I’ll think about it—”

“I know what’s that mean. You’re gonna bail on us again.”

“If you won’t set me up on a date, I’ll do my best to be there.”

She must be talking to her husband.

“And tell Mykel to stop helping you look for my date.”

She laughed from another line. “You’ve been single for almost four years, Romare. I’m worried about you.” It was actually more than four years, but who was counting?

“I happened to have no biological clock, Adley. And don’t be so surprised if I just bring my wife with me one day. I might just take a woman to Vegas like what you two did.”

“So, you’re dating someone then?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m married to my job, Adley, and I have no plan to divorce her right now.”

“But she can’t give your orgasms.”

My cheeks burned. I wondered what her husband’s reaction was, hearing his wife talk about orgasms with another man.

“I want you to be happy. And I know it’s been hard for you lately. I also know the feeling of losing someone you care about, Romare. It’s hard to get out of that deep sorrow, and work can’t help you if you think marrying your job will aid your grief. It’s only temporary relief. Trust me. Been there, done that. I just hope you come to me and talk about it.”

I shut my eyes, rested, and took a deep breath. “When I’m ready, Adley.”

“I’m hoping so soon.”

“Will you kiss my goddaughter for me?”

“She misses you, man,” it was Mykel.

“I miss her too.”

“Romare, this weekend, or I will come and drag you myself.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “See you, Adley.”

***

The files on my desk glared up at me. 

I had been here for two hours, and my new assistant had not shown her ass up. It made me mad, and I wanted to throw these files stuck on my desk when she arrived. 

I always hated tardiness. But it seemed that what I got was a complete disappointment. Shouldn’t she impress me on her first day?

I grabbed the first file on top. 

Behind my father, I convinced myself that I could make him proud someday. When we just started to catch up, I lost him, and it felt like I lost half of my heart when he was gone.

I picked up the phone to dial HR when the door to my office swung open. 

“Mr. Langston—”

“You’re fired.” I dialed the HR number.

“You can’t fire me—” 

What did she say? The audacity of this woman. And the first thing I noticed was the accent. It sounded like a British, but not quite. Not Australian or South African either. I must say her voice was sweet and strong, but right now, I disliked her tone. 

“And why not?” I dropped the phone and lifted my gaze at my ill-mannered new assistant. What the fuck? My eyes widened in shock.

“Well, I was just hired an hour ago when I got the call. The reason why I am late to report to you, Mr. Langston.” She didn’t so much as bat an eye. “Given that my reason for being an hour late is valid, it’s only fair that you give me a chance to prove myself that I’m capable of being your executive assistant.” Well, I just said three words, and she had like five sentences. But that was not why I wasn’t answering her right now.

I was occupied staring at her in her dark blue corporate dress. 

Fuck me. 

The brunette. 

First, I just saw her last night. Second, she appeared late. Third, she was ill-mannered, and lastly, she talked a lot. I wondered if this was my lucky day or if I should be pissed off. Was fate playing with me now? 

“I like my executive assistant to follow my orders, not reason out. I want her to talk less and work more, considering she has three times the salary than my other employees. You certainly don’t fit to be an assistant. You are still fired.”

She glared at me from across my desk. 

I realized she had viridian eyes and was exquisite up close. How in the hell did HR hire this woman? And of all the applicants, why did it have to be her?

“I passed the interview for a reason. Give me a week before canning me, sir.”

“No. Get out of my office, or I will call security to drag you out of my building.”

She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “I always thought you were an arsehole.”

“What did you say?” I was on my feet before realizing it, stalking toward her. She was really tall. Even with my six foot three inches height, she was almost at my eye level with her shoes on. 

I met her tantalizing viridian eyes. She was really a stunner. Her beauty was nothing like I’d ever seen before. She has a diamond-shaped face. Her nose was slightly raised, making her features strong and authoritative. Her bee-stung lips were painted red. She reminded me of a classic Hollywood actress.

“I came here to do my job with every bit of my capability. Because I was late, which is not my fault, you won’t know if I am good at—”

“What was your last job?”

“Executive assistant.”

“Were you fired?”

“Yes.”

I chuckled. Why was I not even surprised?

Her attitude wouldn’t make her the best assistant. I knew it the first time she waltzed in.

“I punched him because he insulted my best friend for wearing her head scarf at work.” Well, isn’t it getting more interesting?

“She wore hijab?”

“Yes,” she answered proudly, giving me the most confident smile.

“Are you planning on punching your boss again, Miss?”

“Carly Storm.”

“Storm?”

“Only if he misbehaves and disrespects me, sir.”

I studied her and looked for something in her eyes—a lie, but I found something else instead. “Fine. You have one week to prove yourself worthy of your position.”