by Suzie Nelson
“Yes, I love you.”
***
“SeñorRamsey, it is so good to see you!” María rushed over to Blake as soon as he walked through the doors of the youth center with her arms open wide for a hug. She smothered him with her presence and he felt her genuine concern for him.
“María, I have told you to just call me Blake.” He smiled at her and remembered how she came to his hospital bedside regularly with food and updates on the center. Unfortunately, they had to delay the grand opening because of the shooting but a month later, they were now back on track and today was the big day. Reporters were scheduled to arrive in an hour along with a few local politicians and celebrities that had endorsed the project.
“Have you seen my brother?” Blake looked around the entrance hall but couldn’t see any sign of Jordan or Danica.
“Sí, he is in the main hall setting up for the press conference.” María grabbed Blake’s hand and led him up the stairs to the main hall where Jordan was giving some last minute instructions and Danica was setting up a microphone.
“Blake, what time do you call this? I thought you would have been here hours ago.” Jordan looked across the room at his younger brother but he didn’t seem annoyed at his delayed entrance. Blake smirked knowing that Jordan would have everything under control and he had a very good reason for being late.
“I thought that you and Danica would be fine without me and look, you seem to have everything under control.” Blake and Jordan both laughed as they walked toward each other.
Danica also followed them over to the center of the room as she eyed up Blake’s outfit. “A suit? You’re wearing a black suit and tie for the grand opening? I thought you would be wearing something a bit more casual to fit in with the kids.” Danica continued to eye him up as Blake loosened his tie.
“Oh, I’m not wearing this. I had a meeting first thing but I’m going to change before everyone arrives.” Blake tried to quickly shift the subject as he didn’t want to give away his big news quite yet. “You guys have done a great job, the place looks amazing.” Blake looked around the main hall which had been painted a vibrant blue since he had last been there.
“Yeah well, we thought the place could do with some color since Shelby went all out with her fashion floor. You should see her studio, it looks amazing. The kids are going to love it up there.” Jordan winked at María as he knew that she was still feeling a little unhappy about the graffiti but even she had to admit that Shelby’s studio looked like a creative and inspiring space.
“Sí, señorita Perez has made the room look very colorful. It is not my taste but I can see that the children will like it.” They all smiled at María as she admitted defeat and then simultaneously wondered where Shelby was.
“Where is Shelby anyway?” Danica looked at Blake for an answer as they were all now aware that the two of them were in a relationship.
“Oh, she’s coming. She went to get her grandmother but they should be here any minute.” Just as Blake was answering, the doors opened and Shelby entered with her grandmother by her side. Shelby was dressed in a simple white silk dress that let out at the back and flowed gracefully down to her feet. Her long dark curls hung down by her shoulders but she had small pink blossoms crowning her head which made her look angelic. Shelby’s grandmother was also dressed in a smart dark green dress and jacket which confused everyone in the room.
Danica and Jordan looked at each other puzzled and then back over to Blake who was just staring contently at Shelby as she headed toward them.
“Um, Blake, what is going on?” Jordan stepped up beside Blake as Shelby looked at him with a secret smile.
“Well, I would like to introduce everyone to some new members of the family. This is my wife, Mrs. Shelby Ramsey and her grandmother.” Blake and Shelby beamed with joy as both Jordan and Danica’s face’s dropped in complete shock.
“You got married?” Danica jumped forward and grabbed Shelby by the arm as María also stood by in complete amazement.
“Yes, we just went this morning with my grandmother. We didn’t want a big fuss, it was just about the two of us.” Shelby smiled hoping that they would understand but she was so overjoyed to be Blake’s wife that she didn’t really care if anyone was upset.
“Seriously, Blake, you got hitched without us?” Jordan was still in shock but he wasn’t too disappointed by the surprise announcement.
Blake slapped Jordan playfully across the shoulder and brought him in for a side hug. “Well, if the events of the past few weeks have taught us anything, it’s that life is short. I proposed to Shelby while I was still laid up in the hospital and we just wanted to make it official as soon as possible. Neither of us wanted a big white wedding with all the press and that palaver, we can leave that to you guys. We just wanted it to be about us and Shelby invited her grandmother as a witness. But don’t worry, we will have some sort of celebration or party when we get back to New York.”
“Oh, it was lovely. Just them two making their vows – it was very special.” Shelby’s grandmother stroked the side of Shelby’s cheek as she recalled their nuptials and she was beyond thankful to have been included.
“I can’t believe you got married before me!” Danica prodded Shelby in the side as she looked at the pretty pink flowers that sat in Shelby’s hair. “You certainly make a beautiful bride, Shelby, I’m so happy for you guys.” Danica wrapped her arms around Shelby and hugged her tightly, happy that she would have a sister-in-law that she genuinely cared for. “We are going to be sisters. I just can’t believe this!”
“Don’t worry, I will still finish your wedding dress and you will also be a stunning bride.” Shelby and Danica smiled at each other as María stepped forward to offer her congratulations.
“Oh, señor Ramsey, congratulations! It is a wonderful thing to be married, now you can have babies of your own and when señor Jordan is married you will also have babies. Oh, it is a wonderful thing.” María looked up at both brothers with a glimmer in her eye as she envisioned the bouncing babies that would come out of these unions.
“Haha! Calm down there, María. There is plenty of time for all that but we have to get this youth center opened first!” Blake affectionately put his arm around María’s shoulder as they all laughed about the mention of children so soon after the wedding.
“Sí, sí! There is still lots to do before the doors open!” María clapped her hands and switched her mind back into preparation mode. She waddled away over to the office as she ranted to herself about all the things that she had to finish.
Both Shelby and Blake changed out of their wedding outfits and within an hour everyone was ready and eager to finally open the doors of the youth center. It had been a long journey of planning and preparation for this day and although there had been some unexpected trials and dramas along the way, no one regretted the amazing day they had officially opened the center and welcomed the local youth into their program.
After only a couple of months, the center became an established safe haven for troubled youngsters that were able to come and learn new skills that meant they could avoid getting involved with the local gangs. And for as long as Blake and Shelby remained married, they fondly remembered their wedding day as the start of new beginnings both for them and the children of Mexico City.
THE END
Comply To Be Mine
Ramsey Billionaire Brothers Series Book 3
Chapter 1
“So you have the dinner with the Bothams coming up and then the Plaza Ball. Has a designer sent a suit over for that yet?” Barrack Amara looked over at Edward Ramsey and waited for his response. Edward kept his eyes focused on his computer screen as he watched the various stock prices scroll in neon green.
“I don’t know.” Edward didn’t even look over at Barrack, the PR guru for the Ramsey Empire, who was sitting crossed-legged in one of the leather chairs opposite Edward’s marble desk. Edward didn’t have a typical executive offic
e like all the other rich bankers that walked the halls on Wall Street, his office was pretty much an entire floor of the Ramsey building, divided up into different personal spaces and a few rooms for his closest staff.
The main office area, where Barrack and Edward were currently located, had a whole wall covered in plasma screens that played endless financial news. A well-stocked bar with a mirrored back wall was just off to the right and a plush gray sofa with a black and white animal print rug provided extra comfort and extravagance.
“Well, I can check that.” Barrack was used to Edward’s blunt and nonchalant ways so he just carried on typing away on his tablet. “Now, I have you scheduled for a research trip to China in three weeks are you sure you are available then? I think we might be forgetting something?” Barrack dipped his glasses down to the end of his nose hoping that Edward would get the hint without causing an argument.
“I don’t think so.” Edward wrinkled his eyebrow and looked over at Barrack knowing too well what he wasn’t saying.
Barrack felt uneasy as Edward glared at him with his dark blue eyes that showed no emotion. “So would you like me to confirm the China trip?” It wasn’t Barrack’s place to argue with Edward but having been a family friend to all the Ramsey brothers, he felt that he couldn’t let Edward skip out on his brotherly duties.
Edward turned away from his computer screen and rested both hands on the desk. Except for the computer and phone, there was nothing else on the desk; no pens or paper, no personal items or family photographs; it was empty, clean and minimalist just like Edward.
“If you think that I have forgotten something, Barrack, just say.” Edward put the ball back in Barrack’s court and waited to see if the flamboyant man would have the guts to say his piece.
“You know, just as well as I do, that it’s Jordan’s wedding in three weeks.” Barrack felt quite uncomfortable as he confronted Edward but he couldn’t, in good conscience, sit silent without at least trying. “I simply want to make sure that you would rather go to China on a research trip than attending your brother’s wedding.”
Edward was a little surprised that Barrack had the courage to raise the subject with him, but after all, Barrack and Jordan Ramsey were very close friends. “I don’t think it’s a matter of what I want to do. The China trip is very important and as far as I am aware, I have not received an invitation to Jordan’s wedding.” Edward spoke calmly as he explained logically why he would not be going to his own brother’s wedding.
Sweat beads formed on Barrack’s forehead as he felt the tension and wondered how far he would push the subject. Edward Ramsey was not the type of man that you argued with and won, especially not when it involved his family. “I’m sure that if you wanted to go, an invitation would be extended to you. It’s just a matter of apologizing and moving on. Surely, you want to be there when Jordan and Danica get married?”
Edward was getting tired of the conversation and he gave Barrack a sharp look which implied he had no reason to apologize. “Blake managed to get married without me holding his hand, I’m sure Jordan can do the same.”
Barrack was about to say something back when a heavy knock pounded on the office door.
“Come in,” Edward welcomed the interruption and hoped that Barrack would sense his anger and leave.
“Mr. Ramsey, Miss Fabrice is here to see you.” Edward’s personal assistant, Tim, stood at the door like a short greasy hobbit dressed in a slightly oversized suit.
“Thank you, Tim. You can show her in.” Edward stood up from his desk completely unaware of who Miss Fabrice was or why she was there but he used the opportunity to get Barrack out. “Barrack, you can confirm the China trip. Good day.”
Barrack stood up from his place clearly frustrated but unable to do anything as he was being ushered out of the room by Tim. “Just think about it, Edward. That’s all I ask.” He threw out his last remark as he passed by a tall and slim brunette dressed in a pale pink Channel suit that slipped by and into the office. Tim closed the door behind Barrack while Miss Fabrice made her way to Edward’s desk.
“Miss Fabrice I believe?” Edward switched from irritated into immediate charm as he took in the beautiful woman in front of him. She was exactly his type, slender but still with noticeable athletic curves, feminine in her facial features but with a boldness about her, that implied she wasn’t a pushover.
“Yes. Miss Alexia Camilla Fabrice.” Alexia’s green eyes sparkled as she took Edward’s hand. “Thank you for seeing me at such short notice, Mr. Ramsey. I know that you are a very busy man but I knew that you were the only person I could trust with my money.” Alexia took an empty seat opposite Edward as he leaned back into his leather armchair. She crossed her toned tanned legs and noticed that Edward took a quick glimpse as she adjusted her skirt.
“Forgive me, Miss Fabrice, but I don’t believe we have had any dealings before and my assistant neglected to inform me about the purpose of your visit. What is it exactly that I can help you with?” Edward watched as Alexia flicked back her long brown wavy hair that fell perfectly on her shoulders.
“Well, I would like to invest but, embarrassingly, I know very little about stocks and bonds, and all that.” Alexia leaned forward in her chair and unbuttoned her jacket to reveal a sheer cream silk shirt. “I come from a well-off family in Italy and have spent most of my life traveling Europe and Asia, therefore, I don’t have a full understanding of how the American market works. I recently came into a rather large inheritance and everyone is telling me that the best thing to do is invest so that I can continue to live off the interest and maintain my current lifestyle.”
Although Edward appreciated Miss Fabrice’s colorful life story he wasn’t prepared to waste his time doing something that any of his lower-level employees could easily manage. In fact, Edward was now getting angry at Tim for not delegating Alexia’s request to private banking department. “I see. I think I can easily find one of my associates for you that would happily be able to suggest some investment options.” Edward was about to lean over and call for his assistant when Miss Fabrice reached over the table and touched his hand.
“It must be you, Mr. Ramsey.”
Edward couldn’t deny that he felt an attraction for the stunning brunette that was still holding his hand and purely out of interest he let her come closer whereby he caught a glimpse of her décolletage. “I have been told that you are the man to see about making a wise investment. I couldn’t possibly risk my future by placing my trust in the hands of just any banker. No, it has to be you.”
Occasionally, Edward had received similar pleas from friends or investors trying to make a quick buck using his knowledge and they had all received the same advice, that Edward was no one’s personal banker. He was tempted into helping Miss Fabrice purely because he hoped to get closer to her but he didn’t want to waste his precious time making insignificant trades when he had bigger things to think about.
“Although I appreciate the confidence you are placing on my investing decisions, Miss Fabrice, I am not the man to help you. I oversee the holdings for the entire Ramsey Empire along with mergers and acquisitions… I simply don’t have time to handle your personal finances.”
Miss Fabrice stood up from her chair and casually looked over Edward and out of the huge glass wall that was behind him. Then she placed both of her palms on his desk and looked down at him as he shifted in the armchair. Her plump lips were only inches from his and Edward could feel her warm breaths tickling his face. He wouldn’t normally allow anyone to get so close to him, let alone touch his desk, however, he couldn’t help but admire Alexia’s beauty as she narrowed her eyes and focused on him.
“I completely understand that, Edward. Can I call you Edward?” She gave him a little side smile and then continued to talk without waiting for his response. “I know that you are the top dog around here and very busy. Why would you want to concern yourself with just one little investment when you have bigger fish to f
ry? But I would be extremely grateful for your help.” Alexia held her position and knowingly let Edward look down her top at her lace-trimmed bra.
Edward swallowed as he thought about touching Alexia’s soft skin and for a moment, he lost focus and just stared blankly until she turned and walked over to the window.
“Although my investment isn’t on the same level as what you are used to handling, it is still a considerable amount. I just can’t bear the thought of losing my inheritance because I invested it recklessly or with the wrong person – you know how it can be with financial advisors when they get a sniff of money. They descend like vultures promising unrealistic returns and I just don’t have the experience to tell them apart.” Alexia leaned up against the glass panel that was the full length of the room and basked herself in the sunlight that poured in.
“I completely understand what you are saying, Miss Fabrice, but why would you trust me with your money when you don’t know me from Adam?” Edward still had no intention of helping her but he was interested to know who had recommended him.
