Lose My Mind | Dean Lewis
PROLOGUE
Logan
I couldn't seem to keep my focus as I looked down from our spot in VIP, noticing a woman dancing down below. I was with my two brothers; Christian, my younger brother, and Jordan, my twin. We were supposed to be taking advantage of our seclusion at Illusion, a club that Christian owned in downtown Atlanta, to talk business; the seedy kind. It was about the business that kept the Steele name synonymous with power and money, and it was my job to keep it that way, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with the way my father had set it up for me.
But down below us was a woman I knew nothing about but knew that I needed to. She was thin, but not the kind that made you worry about her eating habits. Her hair was light blonde, falling down in loose waves that framed her face in just the right way. I kept willing her to look up and see me for some reason. It was like I expected a connection with a total stranger. It wasn’t like me, but she didn’t look like just anyone else either.
"You know we are going to have to take the damn guns apart, separate the muzzle and the breech at the very least to get them to the Irish mob. They are coming to us from the suppliers fully locked and loaded, and I don’t think we are going to get them to where they need to go like that with all of the new security going on in Europe," Jordan announced. Though, I was only half listening. I was mesmerized by the angel on the dance floor, moving her body expertly to the beat of the music.
"The Irish mob is preparing for a war; gotta be the only reason they need all this ammunition so badly," Christian piped up in speculation.
"Shut up until we know anything definitive about that. I don’t want rumors flying form our mouth to make it worse," Jordan warned.
I saw the woman in the tight, black dress smile as she danced all her worries away with some other women. What was it that had made her smile? Then, my twin brother's voice cut through the trance he was in.
"See something you like down there, Lo?" he asked. I looked up to Jordan, and it was like looking into a mirror. His dark brown hair and eyes were the same as mine. It had always been that way. The only difference was how we dressed most of the time and that he preferred a clean-shaven existence while I liked to keep at least some stubble.
I nodded in the direction of the blonde for my answer. Jordan chuckled, turning his gaze on her as well. "She is a stunning piece. I think I am going to go down there to make a move on her." Jordan moved just one step before I put my hand out in front of him to stop him. I couldn’t let that happen.
"The girl is mine, whether she knows it or not." Both of my brothers were shooting me a curious look. It wasn't like me at all to call dibs, especially on some girl whose name and number I didn’t know. I knew nothing about her, and I wanted her. I had to have her. I wasn’t that type of man, never in my life, but I guessed with whoever she was, I was.
I turned to the man behind us who was sitting quietly. Reggie was my security detail, always just a step behind me to be sure I was safe, but he had become so much more than that. He was my right-hand man and best friend. He was an equal to Jordan and Christian in that regard. "Find out everything you can about that girl." I pointed down at her as Reggie came to see. He nodded and walked away, going to use whatever channels and connections he had to get me what I wanted. I knew he wouldn’t fail me.
I turned back to my brothers, noticing how there were a few women lingering in the VIP section as well; the kind that paid their way up there. They were not close enough to hear anything we said, but they kept looking us over. No, not us, Christian. Either they knew he owned the place, or they were more drawn to his buff look, blonde hair, and blue eyes. He was a good looking young man but did not look anything like Jordan and I, not in an obvious way. It was lucky, though, because things got complicated enough with Jordan and me. We didn’t need a third man looking like us.
"You know, there is a red head back there undressing you with her eyes," I told Christian, pointing my drink in the direction he needed to look. Christian turned to look for a moment, a sly smile coming across his face. He liked his women just as much as the rest of us. He hadn’t really been in love just yet, so there was no baggage or heartbreak to hold him back from anything. He would have his day, though, I knew it. Then, none of us would ever hear the end of his pining. My little brother was going to fall hard and not know what hit him. The thought made me wonder if I was about to do the same.
I looked down at the dance floor again and didn’t see her anymore. I doubted she had left so early. She had probably gone to get a drink, and I hated the idea that some other man may have been trying to buy one for her right at that moment. But it didn’t matter. Once I found her again, I would make sure she saw no one else.
When Reggie finally came back to me, I was all ears. My mind had been consumed by all thoughts involving that woman, and I couldn’t even focus on why I had come there. It was just as well, because my brothers had gone off to make the most of their time at the club, leaving him alone in his seat.
Reggie sat down next to me with a cool but smug smile on his face. "Her name is Brooklyn Harper. She has a younger brother, and her mother passed away. There are rumors that her father is-"
I put my hand up to cut him off. That’s not what this was about. "Tell me the good stuff."
Reggie nodded. "She's developed an all-natural makeup company and has been looking for investors for quite a while." I couldn’t help but feel an internal hilarity at this. The legitimate part of my business was being an investor. It was the front I used for all of the Steele family's success, even though, behind the scenes, the biggest reason had to do with the gunrunner dealings.
Christian came up behind me, clearly done with whatever woman he had been dancing with and slapped me on the back, playfully. "You sly dog! I know exactly what you have up your sleeve. You’re going to have a meeting with this girl, aren’t you, brother?"
That was a good idea. "Reggie, find out where Brooklyn likes to hang out."
CHAPTER 1
Brooklyn
“You’re meeting with the investor tomorrow morning at 10 AM. I’ll pick you up from your place and we’ll head over. Be ready at 8:30.”
Ashley, my business manager, and one of my closest friends, kept her message short and sweet, as she always did. I hardly ever answer my phone on my afternoon run. Actually, I never did. Running was like my church; it was my sanctuary where I wished to never be disturbed.
To Ashley:
How serious is this investor?
I tapped the send button, continuing to run through the tree-lined park in the miserable, Atlanta heat, wiping a line of sweat from above my brow. A moment later, I had a response.
From Ashley:
very
Well damn, it was about time. I mentally crossed my fingers. It had been weeks since I’d actually had a serious inquiry from an investor. I’d been working on my makeup line over a few years now, and 6 months ago, I finally had the prototypes and the formulas made up; ready to be shown to potential investors. Now, all I needed was an investor to back me so I could cover the shipment, the design of the packaging, and finally, the distribution process. Glancing once more at my phone to catch the time, which was 5:30pm, I sighed. I’d agreed to meet Elise at Mason’s bar, which was conveniently located in the middle of the city, right by my apartment.
Sliding into my Lexus GS F, I laid back against the seat, pressing my hands against the steering wheel. The run had really taken all of the energy out of me. Turning her on, I instantly began to blast the air conditioner, finally breathing a bit easier as the cool air started to dry my sweat-soaked skin.
I ran to escape the anxieties I experienced in my everyday life. It helped me so much with my nervousness, and also helped me stay focused, but, damn, I could really go without it being 95 degrees plus the sticky humidity in this Georgia weather.
I turned down into the city, focused on the road and heading straight for my apartment. The Bluetooth rang “
Alfred is calling, say yes, or no to answer or decline the call.” I glanced down at the dash with a puzzled look on my face. My father? Why would he be calling?
“Yes,” I told the robotic woman, “Alfred, what can I do for you today?”
“Just checking in on my little business woman. Do you want to grab dinner tonight?”
I’d promised Alfred two dinners a month since my mom had passed away two years ago from breast cancer, but up until that point, he wasn’t in my life…at all. I had no idea he was even my father, the great Alfred Hamilton. He’s comparable to the Hiltons, seeing as he owns a hotel line just like them. I remembered that day at my mom’s funeral like it was yesterday. He had shown up and burst out that he was my father, not even considering how insensitive it was at that moment. He put such stress and confusion on a young woman in mourning. I often wondered as a child how our life was so...plush. Mom had worked three jobs, and I assumed we had a comfortable lifestyle because of that. She did a good job providing for me, and my little brother, Sebastian.
I’d wondered about my father for years, but my mom had kept quiet and never given me any clues as to who he could be, so I gave up and stopped asking her about him. I figured it would just be something I’d never find out. After the altercation at the funeral we completed DNA testing, confirming that I was indeed his daughter. I even did a side test, trying to see if Sebastian was his child too. Seb wasn’t, and we don’t know who the hell his father is.
“I can’t tonight. I’m meeting an investor in the morning, and I already promised Elise drinks. Tomorrow?” I heard him sigh through the Bluetooth. I hated to disappoint him, but I couldn’t just drop all my plans for him.
“Sounds good, darling. I’ll have one of my drivers pick you up.”
“Okay.” My reply was stilted. I was more focused on driving than I was with the conversation.
“Brooklyn, you don’t have to meet with that investor. You know I’ll supply you with the funds you need to complete your project, and I won’t charge you interest. Think of it as a personal loan.”
I had thought about it. I did every single time he brought it up to me. But, I couldn’t. I couldn’t use his money. No matter how much he’d argue that it was as much mine as it was his. He’d gifted me my Lexus last year and even purchased an apartment for me, both of which I tried to return to him, as much as I could. He wouldn’t have any of it. Instead, he told me to save my money that I was using on my old piece of junk car and apartment and use it for my makeup line. That sealed the deal. I could tell myself he didn’t know me, but he knew parts of me, and that was enough. He knew enough about me that I would accept that.
“Alfred, you know I can’t do that.” I heard him chuckling in the background, his British accent becoming thicker.
“Yes darling, you can. You won’t because you’re as stubborn as your mum.”
Mom. Why did he have to bring her up? I missed her. These past couple of years had been pure torture. I went through so much in my personal life, both good and bad. I just wished I could call her. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I wasn’t grateful for Alfred. He was my father, but our relationship was cold; stagnant. It felt forced. It wasn’t like that with Mom. I could tell her whatever was on my mind without having to worry about the reaction she might have.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I jabbed the red button on my steering wheel, ending the call. I wasn’t in the mood for any more small talk. We’d have much more of that tomorrow anyway.
****
I pulled into the parking garage at my apartment building, parking in my reserved spot, greeting the concierge, Marco, as I made my way inside the lobby. The elevator ride was quiet, and I was okay with that. I didn’t feel like talking when I had so much going on in my head, preparing mentally for this meeting tomorrow. I had to convince someone who was most likely a multi-billionaire on why they should invest in my product; why they should bet on my horse. When I really thought about it, all I had was a load of passion and knowledge. I didn’t know if they’d bet on my horse, and that scared the daylights out of me.
The doors to the penthouse opened, perfectly lit, contemporary but comfortable furniture spread out all over. Alfred wanted to make sure I liked it there. He insisted I took the penthouse, and he furnished the entire thing. As much as I appreciated his kindness, money couldn’t buy me, not even his. He had to show me he cared with actions. He had to be there. He missed so much of my life, twenty-two years to be exact. I set my purse down on the table in the foyer, walking down the hall into the living room. I scanned over the area, assessing that everything was the same way that I left it. I’d done this every time I left, as a precaution.
I could never be too safe.
Turning the corner, I spotted a silhouette in my kitchen, flipping flapjacks on a pan. Cautiously, I made a few quiet steps closer. The figure’s back was facing me, so I walked a little further. It was Seb. Thank God!
“When did you get back?” I shrieked, causing him to drop the spatula.
“Just a couple hours ago. Where have you been?” I yanked at my sweaty attire, and he pulled me into a hug, my little but big brother.
He towered over me, I wasn’t short, maybe 5’7”, but he was a mystical fucking creature at 6’5”. Mom always joked that he’d make a great basketball player, until she made him try it. Let’s just say that basketball did not agree with Seb. He looked like a toddler when he tried to dribble the ball across the court, barely making any shots into the basket.
“What are you doing tonight?” I slid onto the barstool closest to Seb as he flipped the flapjacks, putting them on a plate.
“Nothing, why?” He cocked an eyebrow at me, reading my expression.
I smiled widely. “Why don’t you come out with Elise and I?”
He shook his head, “No, not gonna happen.”
“Seb, c’mon!” I walked over to him, pulling his shirt “Pleeeeassseeee!” I begged like a child. I hadn’t seen him in almost eight months. I missed him, and we had a lot of time to make up for.
“You’re no better than a child, whining and all.” He knew me all too well.
“I’m your elder, and you’re supposed to listen to me,” I laughed, half kidding but mostly serious.
“Fine. Mason’s?”
“How’d you know?” I joked, smacking him on the back. “I’m going to get showered. I’ll be ready in an hour.”
“Yeah right, more like two.”
I walked back towards my room. “You know me so well!” I shouted back, hearing his familiar laugh in the background.
CHAPTER 2
Brooklyn
I stared at my closet for about twenty minutes until I found something suitable to wear. I had plenty—more than plenty—of clothes to choose from. I would never admit it but I was kind of a clothes hoarder. But, I’m just horrible at making decisions. I yanked at a dark mustard colored dress. It was knitted with spaghetti straps, a V line coming down exposing enough cleavage to still classify as sexy, but not as slutty.
I wiggled a black thong on, then slid the dress over my head. I hated panty lines. Some dresses needed a bra; this one did not. I grabbed a pair of nude pumps, tied a gold choker around my neck, and put on a tad of makeup, all from my line that’s being developed. A soft plum matte lipstick, black eyeliner, dark brown eyeshadow, and a bit of bronzer, just to make my face pop. Looking at myself in the mirror, I looked hot. Yes! My straight blonde hair was falling over the right places, stopping just above the middle of my back. Sometimes I would curl it, but I didn’t really have the time or the patience for that tonight.
I walked out of the room, and Seb was already ready and waiting, his dark brown hair combed back, almost making him look like an Italian guy from the 1950’s. Sometimes, when he combed his hair back, he reminded me of Fonzie from Happy Days, which always managed to bring a smile to my face. He was in a dark purple fitted tee and dark wash jeans. He never had to do much, and I envied him for it. Being a man must be easy, they
don’t have to try as hard as we do.
We walked into Mason’s, my phone glued to my ear as Ashley was giving me an update on tomorrow morning’s meeting. I took in every single word she said, even as she continued to babble on and on, constantly stopping to ask “Did you get that, Brooklyn? Are you sure?” She reminded me to stun tomorrow, wear my product, have my speech ready. The list of things could go on, as did most things when Ashley was explaining them.
Elise was already on the dance floor, drink in hand, grinding up against some drunk schmuck, no doubt. “Sorry, Ash, I’ve got to go.” I stopped her mid rant and wiggled over to Elise, many different bodies rubbing against mine. Ew. The man rubbing up against Elise looked over in my direction as I approached, grinning from ear to ear.
I’ll give him something to smile about. I smirked to myself. “Thanks for keeping my girlfriend company.” I winked at him, pressing my lips to Elise’s. I heard an ‘Oh fuck’ as he walked away, pulling from hers.
“I can’t believe you, he was cute!”
“And married!” I scowled at her, pointing to the gold ring on his left finger. Her eyes drifted down towards the floor.
“Shit, I didn’t see that.” I laughed, and, of course, she didn’t. She is the nicest person on the planet, but also the most gullible, and naive.
“Seb’s in town!” I smiled, “He’s here, actually, not sure where he went, though.” I looked around the room, Elise turned a little pale and the smile she’d been wearing before dropped off her face, I cocked my head to the side in confusion.
“You okay?” I asked, grabbing her hand, leading us to a booth.
We both slid in. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry.” She gave me a forced smile in return.
I called bullshit. “No, you aren’t, what’s going on?” I pressed. She sighed, putting the palms of her hands to her forehead, grunting.
“I’m gonna need a drink for this discussion.” She walked over to the bar, grabbing us both two shots and two extra dirty martinis.
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