Chasing Love: A Billionaire Love Triangle (Dark Love Series Book 1)

by Kat T. Masen

  I’m reading an article on the dos-and-don’ts of wedding planning when a loud sound startles me. The commotion comes from my doorway where Lex is standing tall, and an extremely panic-stricken Eric and Emma stand behind him trying to catch their breaths.

  “I’m sorry…” Eric gasps for air.

  “It’s okay, Eric.”

  Lex catches sight of the magazines, forcing Eric and Emma to scurry away like two timid dogs.

  “You have no right barging into my office like this,” I tell him, trying my best to speak in a flat monotone, but the anger is rearing to go, ready to bite his head off and give him an earful about workplace protocol.

  “What do you expect? You won’t talk to me, but you talk to everyone else. In fact, you forgive everyone else but not me. Why?” he asks, exasperated.

  What the hell is he talking about?

  “Excuse me?”

  “You easily play make-up with Adriana and Samantha, but with me, you shut me down every time I try to apologize.”

  “Please leave,” I warn him. “This is my place of business. I don’t bring my personal life to work.”

  He stands before me with flared eyes and unruly hair, his body language is enough for me to realize he’s deadly serious. His eyes dart to the magazines on my desk.

  “Answer me!”

  “I’ve nothing to say to you.”

  His lethal stare is painful and piercing with a purpose to tear me apart. Lex may be angry, striking at me fueled by the pain he’s feeling, but nothing and I mean nothing, can erase the pain that seeps into every part of me like poison.

  I crave his words, hurtful as they may be, they are his soul coming out in pieces for me to hear. But the deadliest sound of all—is silence.

  Turning his back, he leaves my office without a goodbye.

  I can’t cry, the tears long gone and dried up. Instead, I sit here dazed, unable to cope with the burst of anger I bestowed upon him. He deserved it. That was nothing compared to what I went through.

  He hasn’t won.

  I’m still standing here.

  This time, I am the one wearing the ring.

  And soon, I’ll become Mrs. Baker.

  ALEX

  Nine Years Ago

  Last night I had a dream, the kind of dream that when you woke up, you closed your eyes and tried to fall back into that blissful sleep praying that somehow the dream would continue.

  Charlotte was beside me wearing nothing but a sheet around her naked body. Her head rested on my shoulders as we sat for what felt like hours. My hands were positioned above the piano keys, but they were still. Faintly, I could hear a piano playing in the background. It was beautiful, and as much as I tried to move my hands to mirror the playing, they remained frozen.

  I realized when I woke up the next morning that it was my subconscious telling me to play again. Between work and studying, I never had time to sit and play anymore, so here I was in my parents’ living room attempting to play the piano. As a child, I had also learned to play the guitar, but playing the piano had come naturally.

  As I found the right keys, my fingers moved to the rhythm in my head. Sensing I was being watched, I stopped, surprised to see Charlotte standing at the door.

  “Please don’t stop, Alex.” She smiled.

  I motioned for her to sit next to me on the piano stool. She reluctantly did so but with a space between us. I ached for her to lean her head on my shoulder just like in my dream, but with Adriana home, I forced myself to ignore every voice which screamed in my head to reach out and touch her.

  “I didn’t know you played. Actually, I wasn’t sure why your parents had a piano at all because Adriana doesn’t have a musical bone in her body.”

  “I used to play,” I told her. “It’s been a while.”

  “Will you play that song for me again? I love that song.”

  “You knew what song it was?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Of course, I do. It’s ‘Right Here Waiting for You.’ Eighties music is my jam.”

  I started to play the notes again. Closing my eyes, I couldn’t help but sing along, remembering each line of the song, and because she was right beside me, I wanted to sing the words to her that I couldn’t say out loud.

  As the chorus began, Charlotte started to sing along with me. Her voice was amazing, so angelic and perfectly fitting for the song. I continued on, both of us in harmony and singing the entire song to each other.

  When the song ended, I tried my best not to look her way, but it was impossible. Almost shyly, she continued to stare at the keys. Her cheeks were flushed, and I wanted to place the palm of my hand on her face and feel the heat of her skin, knowing she was feeling it because of me. But the risk was too high with everyone inside the house.

  “Alex, your voice is amazing, and you play the piano…” she trailed off and paused for a few seconds then continued, “Why did you choose to study medicine?”

  “I play guitar, too.” I smirked, knocking her shoulder.

  “Anything else, Mr. Musical Prodigy?”

  “Does the triangle count?” I joked. “No, but I always wanted a drum kit. Mom and Dad refused, saying drums lead to rock ‘n’ roll which leads to drug addiction. Besides, Charlotte, look who’s talking. Your voice is just… wow.”

  “Maybe we should run off together and become a dynamic singing duo like Sonny and Cher.” She bowed her head, laughing

  “‘They say we’re young and we don’t know,’” I started to sing, trying not to laugh.

  She placed her hand on my shoulder as we laughed together until we heard a noise behind us. Both of us turned around. Samantha was standing under the arch. Fuck. I didn’t know how long she was standing there for, but I wasn’t doing anything wrong aside from loving the girl who sat beside me.

  “Hi, Charlie. It’s good to see you’ve managed to get Alex playing the piano again,” she said, with a slow, steady gait.

  “Not me, Sam. I just heard him. You’ve got yourself one talented man here,” Charlotte responded while sliding off the piano stool.

  Raising her chin, she crossed her arms with a knowing grin. “I do, don’t I?”

  “Well, I’m off. Nice jamming with you, Alex. Adriana is dragging me to a party across town. Apparently, she has someone she wants me to meet.”

  What the fuck?

  Was that supposed to make me feel better?

  Calm the fuck down, Alex.

  Charlotte just said that so Samantha wouldn’t be suspicious. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt me on purpose, especially with another guy.

  “Oh, that’s right. That friend of Elijah’s with the tattoo of a skull on his neck.” Samantha chuckles.

  “That’s the one. Sounds just like the man my daddy wants to kill. Anyway, have fun, guys.” She waved, avoiding my eyes and leaving us alone.

  Samantha sat beside me on the piano. She reached out for my hand and toyed with my wedding band. I pretended not to notice and attempted to play a tune with just my right hand.

  “A pretty girl, that one. Don’t you think?”

  Back the fuck up.

  Samantha is asking me if I think Charlotte is pretty?

  I was one-hundred percent sure this was woman code for testing the waters.

  Tread very carefully.

  “She’s okay, I guess. She’s Adriana’s best friend. Have you met my sister?”

  She moved closer to me on the piano, wrapping her arms around my torso. “Alex, take me home and fuck me the way you used to fuck me every night before we moved here.”

  “I didn’t fuck you every night, Sammy. You confusing me with someone else?”

  “Should I be asking the same thing?”

  There was a pause and pauses reflected guilt.

  “Samantha, I work fourteen-hour shifts and still have to study. I’m not only mentally but physically exhausted at the end of a long day.”

  “Well, how about now?”

  Confused, I looked at her as she clim
bed onto my lap.

  “Sammy, this is my parents’ house—”

  “Everyone’s left for the night, Alex. It’s just you and me. I’m your wife. Fuck me, please,” she begged.

  I didn’t know what to do at that point. If I gave in to her, would that shut her up? I closed my eyes as she unbuckled my belt. Maybe I could do this? Surely, Charlotte would understand that I’d have to do this to keep up the charade. If Samantha had no reason for concern, then Charlotte and I could continue seeing each other. Yes, this was exactly what I needed to do.

  I felt my hands moving involuntarily to her tits, squeezing them while trying my best to ignore the enormous amount of guilt I felt right now. She began grinding herself against my cock, moaning into my ear a high-pitched moan she made when she was aroused. My hands found their way to her ass until I moved them into her panties. She was fucking soaked.

  “That’s it, baby. I know you miss me,” she whispered in my ear.

  She pulled her skirt up, ready to sit on my cock when we heard a commotion at the door.

  “Oh my God!” Adriana shrieked.

  Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

  I pushed Samantha off me like I was caught red-handed doing something wrong.

  “Sorry, guys, I didn’t think… oh my eyes! Where’s the fucking bleach?” she complained, shaking her head.

  “Sorry, Adriana, we thought everyone had left.”

  “I left my phone inside. This is hilarious! Charlie would’ve pissed herself laughing at this. Okay, guess I’ll leave you to it. Bye.”

  She waved as she walked out of the room. Fuck, she was going to tell Charlotte. Poor Charlotte, hearing this and then having to meet that tattoo guy. I needed to do something and fast, ignoring the bile rising in my throat.

  “I forgot to ask Adriana something.” I rushed out, desperate to find them.

  Samantha wrapped her arms around my neck. “So just call her, Alex. Let’s get back to where we left off.”

  I yanked her off me, without another word, and ran outside as fast as I could.

  The car was already reversing down the driveway, and all I saw was Adriana laughing.

  And beside her, a very heartbroken Charlotte staring right back at me.

  CHARLIE

  Present

  Eric clutches my hand tight, rushing me along the busy streets attempting to reach the restaurant in record speed. Easy for him since he’s wearing flats. My new Jimmy Choo shoes are getting scuffed which doesn’t impress me one bit.

  “Eric, seriously, can you slow down,” I cry, struggling to keep up.

  “I just don’t want to be late. Tango will bump you off if you aren’t on time.”

  Tango is a very upbeat Spanish restaurant in Chelsea. As a treat for my birthday, Eric is taking me to dinner. I’m more than happy to stay at home and drown myself in my sorrows, but Eric suggests a day full of ‘us’ time—shopping, massages, pedis, and of course, dinner at the best restaurant to show off our newly dressed and pampered bodies.

  “Here we are!”

  We walk into the restaurant where crowds of people are standing in the bar area waiting to be served. All the tables are taken from what I can see, and guilty of slowing us down I’m praying our reservation still stands.

  “Sir, madam, please let me escort you to your table.”

  The waiter leads us through the crowd, passing the tables which are all occupied. I nudge Eric, shrugging my shoulders with a confused expression. I bet the table is somewhere at the back, next to the kitchen and restroom. Oh, well, at least they have karaoke after ten. The waiter pulls a large velvet maroon curtain aside, followed by a loud, “Surprise!”

  My hand clutches my chest as my mouth falls open in shock. Standing around a huge table is Nikki and Rocky, Adriana and Elijah, Emma, Becky, a new assistant in our office, Julian, and of course, Lex. My eyes dart back and forth, panic rising in my chest.

  Julian and Lex in the same room?

  I’m going to strangle the person who planned this.

  Eric.

  He’s dead to me.

  Forcing a smile and ignoring the knots forming inside my stomach, I push aside these thoughts for a moment. Aside from the confrontational aspect of Julian and Lex in the same room again, the way Lex and I left things off is unfinished. We haven’t spoken to each other since the fight in my office. He hasn’t tried to contact me, and I’m too damn stubborn to contact him.

  “Wow, you guys, this is… unbelievable.” I sigh, taking it all in. “You really shouldn’t have.”

  Time of death, Eric—after this party is over.

  My eyes scan the room, admiring the emerald green balloons covering the ceiling. It almost looks like St. Patrick’s Day if you didn’t know it’s my favorite color.

  “Isn’t it? Nikki came up with the idea and invited everyone,” Eric rushes, quick to point the finger at the child who deserves to be in the naughty corner.

  I glance at Nikki with dagger eyes. Her face contorts into a devious grin, knowing the game she’s playing with my so-called love life. I could strangle her with my bare hands. How on earth will I get through this night in once piece? I eye the bottles of sangria sitting on the table, calculating how many will it take before it all becomes one big blur. My momentary plan to escape is interrupted as one by one each of them comes up to wish me a happy birthday.

  “Happy birthday, hot stuff!” Rocky squeezes me tight, lifting me high. His hugs are suffocating only because of his large frame. He lets me go, allowing me to catch my breath.

  Adriana hugs me next. “Char, happy birthday! Seriously, you’re rocking this Dior dress.”

  “I know, right?” I beam, running my hands along the fabric. “I also bought it in blue.”

  “Don’t even think about borrowing it, Adriana. I called it first.” Nikki pulls up beside her. She leans in, hugs me tightly, whispering in my ear, “Surprise. Betcha didn’t see this coming.”

  “I’m so ready to kill you right now.” I grit my teeth. “Payback will be sweet, my friend.”

  “Let the games begin,” she continues with a smirk.

  It’s going to be one hell of a long night.

  I start getting fidgety knowing I’ll have to say hello to Lex sooner or later. It has only been three days, eighteen hours, and ten minutes since the last time he touched me. Shit, I need to put things in perspective. Since when does my vagina rule my life? Don’t answer that question.

  Julian is standing before me, breaking me from my sadistic thoughts about Lex. He looks so dashing in his dark jeans and black sweater.

  Can he see the guilt in my eyes?

  Can he feel the touch of another man lingering on my skin?

  Smile and just act normal.

  “Happy birthday, gorgeous.” He wraps his arms around me holding me close before slowly letting go to kiss my lips. All around us, eyes are watching, some with adoration, and others with contempt.

  “Thank you. You forgot the cape again?”

  “I’m saving that for the end of the night,” he whispers in my ear.

  My body flushes at the sound of his voice. I don’t know how this night will end, or who it will end with. I avoid eye contact with Lex because no doubt he’s pissed right now. To quote him, ‘he doesn’t share.’ Not that I am his, but try telling him that.

  I continue to receive hugs from the others, of course, the last being Lex. He stands in front of me wearing black jeans, a blazer, and a charcoal gray shirt. His mop of messy hair is gloriously styled, his chiseled jaw grinning at me, his eyes lighting up the whole room. He’s sex on legs, I can’t deny that. I try my best to keep my cool, worried Julian is watching us interact.

  Yet all I want to do is lay him on the table, pour sangria all over his cock while I suck him off nice and slow.

  You only want what you can’t have, Charlie.

  “I guess I better hug the birthday girl,” he says, leaning in to hug me.

  I wrap my arms around his neck, inhaling his scent, careful not to cl
ose my eyes. The eyes are always the giveaway.

  “That dress isn’t helping the fact that I want to fuck you right now,” he whispers.

  “Is that a challenge, Mr. Edwards?”

  I pull away from his embrace, trying not to linger while I leave him standing with a perplexed expression. I shouldn’t have said it, still angry at him for what he did, but my brain is all up in that sex cloud trying to climb its way out, and unfortunately, not in time for me to respond with something more appropriate.

  We all sit at the round table. Julian is seated on my left and Nikki on my right. Lex sits directly opposite me next to Adriana and Becky. Becky already looks like she’s hyperventilating. Why Nikki hired her is beyond me, or for that matter, even invited her. Yeah, she’s hot for a twenty-two-year-old. Damn, I feel old now. I try not to watch her interact with Lex, but I can’t stop myself. I pretend to be looking around at the restaurant and people, but when I make my way back to concentrating on the guests at my table, I glance at them again.

  The waiters rush to our table filling our glasses with sangria which prompts Nikki to tap her fork against her glass gaining everyone’s attention.

  “I’d like to propose a toast to the birthday girl, my best friend,” she announces. “You have given me eight wonderful years of friendship, and there’s no one else in the world who can put up with my shit like you do. Oh, except for you, babe.” Rocky raises his glass, proud of his pussy-whipped status. “For something fun, I want everyone around the table to tell their story of how they met Charlie. I’ll start with Rocky and me.”

  Oh God. Clumsy, awkward, Charlie stories aren’t on my list of things to reminisce about.

  “We met Charlie during our first year of college. She was to be my roommate. It was Friday afternoon, and she wasn’t supposed to arrive till Saturday morning.” She laughs, shaking her head. I join her, knowing exactly how this story will go. “Well, Rocky and I decided to take advantage of our last day alone together. It was also the first time we decided to, um, experiment with a few things.”