Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Clayton was willing to chase down every lead, contact, connection, and resource he needed to complete his goal and he excelled at it. He lives for the chase. Being the middle child, Clayton has always sought to control his environment.
Then there’s his secret. The one thing that almost destroyed his youth. It could have ruined his life. My brother has been cautious of the company he keeps since.
It totally makes sense. I haven’t seen him date without a contract in place. Again, bringing me back to the fact that this happens to be the largest compensation I’ve ever seen him offer.
He doesn’t intend to fail. Yes, I get him. This is about more than my father for him. He’s just using his resources.
Clayton lifts a brow at me and shrugs. “I have my reasons, just as you have yours. It’s not the money that will make this work, it’s the circumstances. It will work.”
“But why her? Why do you think it will work with her?” He nods at the folder on his desk.
I saw the curiosity in his eyes when he looked at Chloe’s picture. I always date redheads, I have ever since the first time I lost Chloe. I’ve just never dated a Black redhead outside of her.
Chloe will forever be the goddess of my life. Staring at another who reflects her beauty and all the traits that draw me to her would cripple me.
I hadn’t planned to go about things this way. It was my intention to leave her alone. However, if I’m going to be forced to marry. Chloe is the one. Deal or no deal, she’s it.
A few months back when I saw Chloe in one of the images my brother had been staring at, I started to demand answers. I wasn’t that surprised by what Clayton revealed. However, my interest was piqued by the mention of the love of my life’s best friend being the source of his obsession.
“It won’t, but I owe her so much. As you said, the circumstances will bring her to me. If you’re right about Sidney’s pending problem and your involvement, this will line things up.
“In addition, Dad has our backs against the wall in the midst of all of this, but I will have to put in a lot of work to get her to stay,” I huff.
Clayton studies me. “Who is she to you?”
“We both know you already know the answer to that,” I grumble underneath my breath.
When I don’t respond further to appease his curiosity, Clayton releases a low whistle. His eyes light with recognition. “Are you sure you want to do this with her? Is this—”
“You know nothing about it, Clay. Just have the damn contract drawn. If we’re going to beat the old man at his game, let’s do that. My patience has run out. It’s time. If we’re going to do this, let’s do it,” I snap and stand to leave the room.
Chapter 4
The Envelope
Gregor
A year and six months later…
I wake to my phone ringing by my head. Placing a hand on my head, I groan. I didn’t get any sleep last night.
For hours, I turned over what Clay and I plan to finally set in motion. After a year and a half, the time is right. Opportunity is in our favor.
I’ve had more than enough time to back out, but with each day that passes, I know I won’t. Time is running out and I’m anxious to finally have Cee in my arms. Once those invitations go out today, there’s no turning back.
However, it’s been eighteen months since Dad started this shit and we still have no other solutions. It makes the most sense to do this Clay’s way. Not to mention my life has gotten more complicated. I only want to deal with people I can trust.
“Hello,” I breathe into the phone after a deep inhale.
“Good morning, sir. Have you checked your email this morning?”
“Good morning, Eric. No, I haven’t,” I say to my assistant.
“I think you might want to. I know you’re in New York, but this is going to need your attention.”
I sit up and place the phone on speaker as I go through my emails. I furrow my brows. Of all the times, this would happen now. I worked on this deal for months. All they had to do was sign the paperwork today.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“I don’t know, sir, and they won’t talk to anyone but you.”
“Fuck, fine. I’ll call and see what I can do.”
I don’t have time for this. I wasn’t expecting Clay’s call last night to tell me he was setting things in motion now, but he doesn’t know about the shit I have going on. I’m supposed to be on my way to Dubai.
It was a trip I had planned to get some answers and to see to my responsibilities there. I don’t plan to be gone long.