by Kat T. Masen
There’s a band wearing black and white tuxedos, perfectly positioned on the stage playing soft swing music, their hums and beats drowning in the noise of the growing crowd.
We are shown to our seats, which, fortunately—is seated beside a relatively affluent couple. After a few introductions, it turns out Amelia had met them through her parents. They got to talking while I was pulled away to talk business, of course, until a seven-course meal was served.
I expected Amelia to stay by my side throughout the night, but she knew more people than she cared to admit. This is Lex’s circle, older gentlemen and women who were tied to him somehow. It began to bother me since I invited her here as my date even though I’d barely spent any time with her. When she managed to break free and find me at the bar, I’d already finished four bourbons and just ordered my fifth.
“How do you know these people?” I question, trying not to sound irritated.
“Unfortunately, I’m Lex Edwards’ daughter. Some lady, Carol, gave me a jewelry box when I was like six. Considering I hated wearing anything feminine, I have no recollection.”
I chuckle softly, feeling like an idiot for my behavior. “What did you say?”
“I said it was a lovely gesture, and I still have it back at my parent's place.”
“Do you?”
Amelia’s lips press into a hard line. “Sure, in the attic, if you search under Ava’s childhood memories.”
We both laugh until another couple walks past us. They recognize Amelia, once again, then drag her to their table to say hello to their own daughter, who apparently Amelia used to play with as a kid. As they walk off, Amelia turns around and shrugs her shoulders, having no recollection of any of these people.
My bourbon is served when Easton Parker Jnr, a well-known club owner, stands beside me. This guy is a fucking joke, funding his clubs on his parent’s money with his sole purpose to bring young women upstairs to his office so they can suck on his dick. At one point, he boasted about several of them waiting in line.
He is younger than me, maybe just shy of thirty. We went to the same school, and he earned himself a reputation. When it came to women, he is cunning in his pursuit. However, as an entrepreneur, the guy had no idea how to run a business.
“Romano,” he greets while extending his hand. “Long time no see.”
I reluctantly extend my hand to shake this. “It’s been a while.”
“Did you see Edward's daughter is here? It’s made my night all the more interesting. Wasn’t sure who I would try to fuck but ding ding ding.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“C’mon, Romano. Who can resist a sweet pussy like that? I bet she gives great head.”
My hands clutch into a fist; anger roaring through me like a vicious wave ready to crash on the shore.
“If you ever speak that way of her again, I swear to God I will end your fucking life,” I grit, ready to smack his face.
“Hey, what’s your problem?” The fucker laughs. “Oh, look, she must have sensed it. She’s walking over here.”
Amelia places her hand on my arm, instantly noticing my tensed muscles where her eyes fall upon. “Is everything okay?”
Parker extends his hand. “I haven’t introduced myself, Easton Parker, Jr. I’ve met your father before.”
“You and the whole world,” she mumbles, then smiles politely, shaking his hand.
Amelia moves closer to me, weary of his sleazy grin. Still trying to control my anger, I pull her into me, which Parker notices straight away.
“Right, so you and Romano are what, fucking? Bit of an age gap. Sure you don’t want someone your own age?”
My lips pull back, baring my teeth as my pulse begins to elevate. Every sense is heightened, increasing my strength as I prepare myself to knock him to the ground.
Amelia turns to me, placing her hands on my chest with a steady plea. “Let it go, walk away.”
I turn to look at her, confused. “Are you kidding me?”
She turns back around. “Listen, Easton, was it? If I wanted someone my own age, it sure as hell wouldn’t be you.”
Amelia grabs my hand, attempting to drag me away, but I stop just shy of Parker to lean into his ear. “You will pay the price for your careless comments. Watch your back. I will destroy you.”
I follow Amelia until we are out of the room. Angered by the whole night, I let go of her hand and begin walking away until I push open the door to an empty ballroom, needing to be alone.
“Why are you letting him get to you? He’s a jerk who gets off riling people up.”
I pace the area, wringing my hands. “It’s not just him, okay? People have an opinion of our age difference and think I’m fucking you to get Lex.”
“So, let them think that, who cares?”
“I care,” I shout, my voice echoing in the empty room.
“Well, you shouldn’t! What you should care about is what I think, the woman you’ve professed your love too. God, Will, all night, you’ve had this chip on your shoulder. You were the one who wanted to take me out in public for the first time, and now what, you’re regretting being seen with me?”
Amelia’s eyes widen with a pained stare.
“No, it’s not that, okay?” I take a deep breath, trying to control my anger. “Just before the Hamptons, I went to Hong Kong to close what will be the biggest takeover for Rockford Technology. I thought I had it in the bag. I got the call tonight of the final offer, and they will only sign over if Lexed is involved. I’m frustrated, Amelia. I didn’t work this hard to compete with Lexed. During the call in the car, I was told Lex is ready to sign.”
Amelia crosses her arms with a steady gait. “It sounds to me like my dad is extending an olive branch, but your pride is in the way.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Well, tell me, what will this takeover do for you and your company?”
“It will strengthen our position in the stock market and create thousands of jobs. We have big plans to shake up the industry, just like many platforms had years ago when social media wasn’t even a thing.
“Right, so all that is worth giving up because you won’t work with my father, is that what you’re saying?”
I bow my head until she closes the distance between us and raises my chin gently with her hand. As our eyes meet, something changes inside me, the anger slowly subsiding and replaced by the warmth of her deep stare.
“Will, it’s time to the let go of the past. I know it still hurts, but we’re together now.”
“You’re right.” I sigh, placing my hands around her waist and drawing her body in flush with mine. “But I have the right mind to go punch that fucker’s lights out. He cannot talk that way about you or us.”
“Hey,” she murmurs, stroking my cheek. “This jealousy thing, we need to control it, okay? This isn’t the first time, and it probably won’t be the last. But none of it matters. I’m with you, and it’ll only ever be you.”
“You promise that?”
She places her lips on mine, kissing me at a teasingly slow pace. Fuck, how does she make me hard this quick?
“I promise you that,” she murmurs, moving her hands toward my belt. “And I’ll even show you…”
“Here?”
With a naughty grin, she whispers, “Why, are you scared?”
My lips fall onto hers, tasting her tongue with a sense of urgency.
“Always the daredevil,” I tease, lifting her dress and pushing her against the wall. I clutch her panties into my fist, sliding it aside while she unbuckles my belt and pulls my boxers and pants down. Without any hesitation, I slide myself in, groaning at the warm sensations wrapping my cock.
“It’s why you’ve always loved me,” she moans, her body begging for more.
I still my movements, catching my breath while I stare deeply into her eyes. Slowly, I ease my mouth onto hers without the rush. As I come up for air, I run my thumb along her bottom lip.
“And I will
always love you. This is what I want…” I trail off, pumping into her, watching her crumble beneath my touch. “No one else will ever make me feel the way you do.”
“Then own me,” she begs, moving faster. “Own all of me because I’m all yours, Will. I always have been.”
And as our bodies become one, we both come together.
A beautiful finish with the woman who owns me.
Amelia Edwards.
Soon to be Romano if everything goes to plan.
27
WILL
The last time I visited LA was the weekend when everything changed between Amelia and me.
A moment engrained in my memory when I realized I’d fallen too deep to the point it terrified me.
We’re standing outside the Edwards’ family home. It brings back not only the memory of that time but of my childhood, young adult years—so many times I’d visited and felt like this was my second home.
A lot of that was because of Charlie. She’d always welcomed me with open arms; however, this trip is different.
Amelia squeezes my hand as we both stand outside the door.
“It’s going to be okay,” she assures me.
I nod, not sure what to say. Did I think it would be okay? I had no idea what to expect. Just because Lex agreed to the takeover doesn’t mean it was the so-called olive branch Amelia mentioned last night.
Amelia opens the door and calls out. Charlie comes down the stairs, excited to see us with a welcoming smile on her face. She hugs her daughter, then turns to me, caressing my cheek before we embrace.
“Where are Addy and Alexa?”
“Addy is at a friend’s house, and Alexa went on a last-minute trip to Palm Springs with her best friend and her family.”
Amelia’s lips press into a grimace. “Well, that’s a shame I don’t get to spend time with her.”
“I know, honey. I’m sure you’ll feel better once you see what I baked.”
“And your fancy new coffee machine?” Amelia claps her hands with excitement. She turns to face me. “You have to try the coffee. Best I’ve ever had.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” I grin, then glance at Charlie with knowing eyes, unable to ask the question but knew she could read my mind.
“He’s in his office.”
Amelia places her hand on my arm. “I’m proud of you.”
The two of them disappear to the kitchen but not before Amelia turns back to give me a reassuring smile. I take the steps down the long hallway, admiring the familiarity of the artwork and photographs hung on the wall.
There is one long wall with photos of the Edwards’ girls. I stop to look at each image but am drawn to Amelia’s smile, which graces every photo she is in. The moments captured remind me of a time when life was less complicated.
Charlie’s touch is everywhere in this house, the life she built with Lex while raising their four daughters. As someone who was born and raised in the city, this world feels entirely different though not in an unusual way. Home is home—no matter what city or town you’re from. The longer I gaze upon these photos on the wall, the more I want to start my life with Amelia. Marriage, family—I want it all with her.
However, my biggest hurdle is behind the closed door at the end of the hallway.
I am not sure how to even start. There is so much history behind us. This is a man who I always looked up to as a child. He is Charlie’s husband, a second father to me. He introduced me to a world my father could never have; a role I was destined to fulfill. In return, I broke his trust even though I knew how important Amelia is to him and how protective he was over his eldest daughter.
As a confidant, a friend, and business partner, I broke the rules and used that against him.
But it was done in the name of love, not to hurt him intentionally.
My knuckles gently tap on the door, and a few seconds later, I hear, “Come in.”
I take a deep breath, entering the room to see him lift his head to meet my gaze. There isn’t any anger, nor a pleasing expression, just your typical poker face, one I had learned to master over the years thanks to him.
“May I take a seat?”
He gestures without saying a word.
“I got the call yesterday you agreed to Lau.”
“I got the call this morning you also agreed to Lau,” he counters.
I lower my eyes, wringing my hands, unsure where to begin. “I shouldn’t have gone behind your back. I knew how important Amelia is to you, and while there is nothing I can say to change the past, I need you to know I love her. I’ve always loved her. We weren’t thinking all those years ago, and it wasn’t our intention to hurt either you or Charlie. And you were right. When that person walks into your life, nothing else matters. You warned me. I didn’t listen. I never expected it to be her.”
“Why go to London then?” he begs the question with a blank expression. “If you claim to have loved her, you could have defied me?”
“Because I didn’t think I was good enough for her. Amelia is beautiful and incredibly smart. She just began college. I didn’t want to ruin her life. I wanted her to thrive, become the person she was destined to be. And without the love and support of her father, that wouldn’t have been possible.”
Lex resigns, letting out a sigh. “You’re not the only one to blame. I pushed you into her life because of my own insecurities as a father. Charlotte warned me to let her live her life, but I was terrified of letting her go. And when she started to pull away from Charlotte, and her grades begin to slip, it only confirmed my fears.”
We both sit in silence while reflecting. It may have been years ago, but the emotions were still raw.
“I wanted what was best for her. I had no idea about the car accident nor the struggles afterward. I had my own struggles in London and did things I am not proud of.”
Lex nods his head with his lips pressed into a hard line. “I would be a hypocrite to say I hadn’t faced the same battle. I knew none of the pain Charlotte went through after I left because I was on a path of self-destruction. Don’t think I don’t know what it’s like to make mistakes with the person you love.”
“I know,” I say quietly. “I just didn’t expect any of this. I’m still trying to adjust, especially after what happened with Ashley and the baby.”
“Quite a shock to hear of Stewart Knight being the father. I somewhat understand why Ashley chose to hide the truth. Once this leaks out and he confesses to his wife, his entire empire will crumble. A marriage with no pre-nuptial agreement. Angelina Knight will technically be entitled to half his fortune.”
“It’ll be disastrous. At the least, his son will be taken care of. That’s all that should matter.”
We both nod in agreeance. The last I’d heard from Mom, Stewart was confirmed the paternal father of the little boy. Aside from that, there had been no other news aside from one of the nurses letting Mom know the baby was progressing and growing stronger. They anticipated he would be able to go home in a few weeks.
“And now, what are your intentions with my daughter?”
“Marriage, children, creating a life of memories,” I tell him with ease.
There is a gleam in his eye with a slight smile lingering. “Quite some aspirations. You may want to save that speech for your proposal.”
I raise my eyes to meet his. “I’m sorry, Lex.”
“You did what you did for love,” he concurs, taking a cleansing breath. “I have just one request of you.”
“What is it?”
“If you love Amelia like you say you do, it’s for life. There is no turning back. My daughter deserves the best.”
Unable to hide my smirk, I challenge him. “And you think I am best?”
“According to Lau, you are,” Lex informs me confidently, then rises from his chair. I stand up as he walks around. Extending my hand as I’d always done, he pulls me in for a hug, patting me on the back.
“I’m proud of you, Will,” he confesses. “In my thi
rty-odd years of being in this business, no one has ever challenged or gone against me as you have. In return, you are on the way to surpassing my place in the market. Despite everything which went on over the years, I’ve watched your every move and admired you.”
To hear Lex’s admission is the ultimate compliment a man like myself can receive.
“I’ve learned from the best.”
“Speaking of which, we have a lot ahead of us with the takeover. Lau presented your ideas, and I’m impressed. You’re an innovator, and this platform is going to change society.”
“It’s been stressful the last few weeks. My personal life didn’t help.”
I retake a seat as he sits on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms.
“That was a giant curveball. How are you holding up?”
“Trying to juggle it all. Having a girlfriend who lives outside the city and still studying isn’t logistically easy. I’m living at the Four Seasons because there has been no time to find a place. I don’t know the answer to anything right now. All I know is that Amelia’s degree takes precedence, and so if I have to travel every night, then so be it.”
“Perhaps there is a compromise. At least she will be in the city for the summer?”
“I know, but with the takeover, it means a lot of traveling.”
“You’re in charge here. You send your execs to do the job.”
“It’s not that easy to relinquish control,” I admit.
Lex nods his head knowingly. “Story of my life. Well, there is no better time than the present to get to work.”
“Hey, I have no issue if you can convince Charlie and Amelia.” I chuckle.
“You leave my wife and my daughter for me to handle. Hopefully, I’ll come out alive.”
We walk outside to the kitchen, chatting about Lau’s chief executive, who we think is involved in insider trading.
“Uh oh, looks like the face of someone who means business.” Charlie eyes us, yet behind her concern, she appears relieved.
“We have a few things to take care of today,” Lex informs them. “But how about dinner in Malibu tonight?”
Amelia is unable to hide the grin on her face. “Wait, does that mean the two of you have kissed and made up?”
