Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
I have plans.
“When I look at this hotel, I’m amazed,” I admit wistfully.
“You should be proud.” Marcus smiles. “It’s exactly like your sketch. It’s stunning.”
“Yeah.” Honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve seen video during various phases of construction and been heavily involved in its completion, but this is the first time any of us will see the finished product in person. I can’t wait.
“Ribbon cutting in five minutes,” Savannah Force, six months pregnant with her and Chad’s second child, shouts as she circles around the group of Force Financial’s executives who have come to see our first property.
My tummy knots anxiously. I’ve obsessed over every detail of this place and felt incredibly guilty that I could never be here in person to oversee the project as the old structure was bulldozed and the new one took its place. My second pregnancy was a bit complicated and precluded me from traveling, but my right hand, Nathan, has ensured everything went off without a hitch. He got promoted for his Herculean efforts, too. I miss him on my team, but I know he’ll be brilliant in his new role…as soon as he hires some staff.
On the phone a few feet away, Nathan spots the three of us and meanders closer, speaking to whomever is on the other end of the line. “Yes, I’m sure.”
I hear the faint pushback of a man’s crisp argument through the device, though not the exact words.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion, and I don’t care if you think she’s not qualified. Hire Isabella Shay.”
Another argument on the other end. Apparently, Nathan’s caller doesn’t understand that my former teammate is ruthless enough to win pretty much every argument he starts. The HR rep he’s talking to will likely end up conceding soon.
Josh sends me a questioning stare, brow raised. I shrug. No, I don’t know Isabella Shay or why he’s so intent on hiring her…but her name sounds familiar. Has he talked about her before?
“According to Chad, I have complete control over my hiring decisions,” Nathan snaps. “Unless you want to take this matter up with him, I’d like Ms. Shay’s employment offer in my inbox by the time I wake up tomorrow morning.”
Then he hangs up and pockets his phone, his smile smug. He only looks like that when he knows he’s going to win.
Maleko Keona, the local jeweler who made my rings, approaches Josh and Marcus and introduces his grandmother. I give them a polite hello, welcome them to the property, then wander over to Nathan.
“What are you up to?” I ask him.
“Nothing.”
“This is me you’re talking to. Not only do I live with two of the most devious, ruthless men on the planet, I know you way too well to believe your innocent expression. Tell me what’s up…and how I can help.” I grin.
He sighs. “Fine. But only because I know you’ll understand. This is dome-of-silence shit here.”
We both take privacy and confidences very seriously. “Of course.”
“Isabella is Douglas Shay’s daughter.”
My eyes pop. “Your former business partner who made off with all your money? That asshole?”
“And forced me to shut down before I declared bankruptcy a decade ago? Yes. Now his daughter needs a job—and she came begging me.”
“Does she know you despise her father?”
He shrugs. “We haven’t spoken since she was thirteen. But the way she’s acting, I doubt it.”
“And you’re still insisting on hiring her?” Despite the fact HR thinks she’s not qualified.
I can only think of one reason why.
“Oh, yeah.” Nathan looks pleased with himself.
My jaw drops, along with my voice. “The office isn’t really the place for your vendetta.”
He raises a brow at me, arms crossed over his chest, reminding me that, despite looking evolved and professional in his gray suit, he’s a former special ops marine. When it comes to being subversive, determination and know-how are never a problem.
Isabella Shay doesn’t stand a chance.
“I’ll teach Bella everything she needs to know to thrive at Force. Inside a few months, she’ll be damn good at her job. I will ride her ass until she is.”
That’s probably true, but… “Why do I get the feeling that’s not the only reason you’ll ride her ass?”
A smile plays at his mouth. “Her father disappeared with every cent we’d earned years ago. She is the key to finding both him and my millions. Until I get it, I’m entitled to my pound of her flesh.”
And I’ve heard Nathan’s reputation via office gossip. He’ll have Bella Shay on her knees and begging in no time. I almost feel sorry for the woman. Then again, he’d never actually hurt her. She’ll gain valuable corporate skills from one of the best and a stint at a major financial organization that will look stellar on her résumé while she’s making great money. Bella will hardly be suffering—especially if Nathan heaps orgasms on her.