Chasing Love (Dark Love 1)

The constant meetings with Preston Enterprises are becoming a drag. When possible, I send my ex

ecutives over to do the dirty work, but Victoria being the bitch she is, will call me out on it. The so-called dinner work events irritate me, especially when we are having dinner with stakeholders, and Victoria acts like we are some goddamn couple always referring to we and us.

Get the fucking hint already.

She’s playing a nasty game, but I’m always one step ahead of her. You have to be when you’re dealing with a shrew with no fucking morals whatsoever.

A week later, I receive a call from Adriana.

“Well, well, well, and where have you been hiding, brother dearest?”

“Well, hello. Yes, I miss you, too, sister dearest.”

“I want to let you know that everything is in place. The date has been set. So make sure you get your arse, as you Brits say, back to the States for a fitting in early November.”

“November?” I let out an annoyed huff. “Adriana, the wedding isn’t until Valentine’s Day.”

“I kinda changed the date again. December 1st. I’ve waited nine years to marry the man I love, so why should I wait any longer?”

“Send Kate the details, and I’ll have her to schedule in all the dates.”

She rambles on for a bit longer about what they have planned, the honeymoon, and her dress. I was only half-listening until she mentions Charlotte as her maid of honor. Of course, she would be, I don’t know why it surprises me. My heart sinks for a moment.

Why can’t it be us up there at the altar?

Wait! Fuck! Is Lex Edwards talking marriage again?

“Lex, are you listening to me?”

“Sorry, what were you saying?”

“I was telling you that Elijah and I will be in The Hamptons next weekend. It’ll be us, Nikki, Rocky, Will, and Charlie. Eric has some festival, so he can’t make it.”

“Next weekend?”

Saturday is the annual golfing event which is being hosted by Lexed. I have to be there. Shit if that doesn’t sour my mood.

“Yes, we’re leaving Saturday night because it’s a long weekend, and Elijah has a martial arts tournament midday.”

“I’m sorry, it’s the company’s annual golfing event. We have clients and stakeholders there. I have to attend,” I answer, disappointed on missing out.

“I understand, Lex. What a shame.”

To say my mood went from ordinary to sour would be an understatement. Fucked off that I can’t go to The Hamptons, I stomp around the office slamming doors and barking orders at everyone. A few employees who were on my radar for dismissal were instantly terminated on the spot. Fuck patience and wasting my time.

I’m on the warpath, and anyone standing in my way is bound to get hurt.

***

We are standing on the lawns talking with Mr. Bolton from the Bolton Group, an especially important client of ours. Victoria, again, is going on about us, how lovely it will be if she and I can go out to dinner with him and his wife. I turn to look at her, irked by the fact that she’s acting so unprofessional. As I’m about to open my mouth to say something unpleasant, her heel gets caught in the grass, and she falls into me. I hold onto her, and in true Victoria style, she brushes her hand against my cock, excusing her embarrassing fall. Stupid bitch.

Kate interrupts us, asking if she can see me in private for a moment. Inside a closed meeting room she demands I listen, much to my annoyance.

“It’s quarter past midday now. In exactly fifteen minutes, you’ll spend thirty minutes greeting the rest of our shareholders. At exactly one, we’ll be unveiling the new business plan which, according to your speech, will take exactly twenty minutes.” She takes a deep breath, reading from her phone. “You have a further thirty minutes to walk around and arrange meetings with each person. I’ll assist you with this so the clients understand our commitment.”

“Kate, I’m not stupid, I know what I need—”

“At two o’clock on the dot, a car will be outside Reception and will take you to the airport. Your flight leaves at two forty-five. You don’t need to check anything in, your sister has organized all clothes and necessities for you in New York. The flight arrives just after seven, and your sister will be waiting for you in the terminal. From there, you’ll be traveling to The Hamptons, your sister has not confirmed how.”