Billionaire Beast

“Olde House. You could lose it.” The words angered me more than they stung. He was telling me that someone was trying to take my home, and like anyone else defending their home, I saw it as a declaration of war. One I’d proudly fight to defend my castle.

I leaned forward and planted my palm on his desk. “Not going to happen. You better work some goddamned magic.”

“Their attorney says they aren’t budging. They say this new evidence of negligence is solid. They’re going for blood.” He got up and went to fix a drink. “We’re in a tight spot, Aiden. It only makes sense that you’d sell the house. You can downsize now that you’re the only one left, and you’ll still have your job to keep you on your feet.”

“That’s the only way you can see it, right? Me losing my home? You sound like you’re not even going to fight for me, Layne.” He placed a glass in front of me and turned up his own after giving me a blank look.

“So that’s it?” I continued. “You think you’re going to roll over on this and play fucking dead? Let me light a fire under that arrogant little ass of yours. If those people get one cent of my money, it will not come from Olde House.”

I suddenly had his attention, as his eyes met mine. “You better listen. Because the only thing getting sold is this office building. Did you forget I own it, too? And, don’t think for a moment I won’t put you out on your ass.”

“Your father would be ashamed to hear you talking this way. Have some common sense; this is your livelihood when you finally decide to stop slumming through life and actually earn a living. Your father-”

“Is dead. And since I didn’t give two fucks what he wanted when he was alive, do you really think I’d let him ruin me now? That home was my mother’s pride. I will not sacrifice it for you or anyone else. So you better get ready for battle, and losing isn’t a fucking option.” I picked up the drink and threw it at the wall where it shattered, leaving a stain of bourbon. As Layne stood in surprise, I strolled out into the lobby.

While I waited for the door to open, I glanced back across the staff who were all staring at me in shock. “Whoever’s in my parking space, next time I find you there, you’re fired.” None of those assholes better forget who was signing their checks.

I stepped into the elevator and checked my phone. Still no Lexa. I ground my teeth and knew I needed to work off some of my aggression. I opted for the gym and stayed there the rest of the afternoon.

On my way home, I pulled into Jay’s for a beer. The workout had taken care of my aggression, but my nerves were still shot. I needed to down a few and relax; and besides that, I missed Glen’s company.

“How’s it going, man?” Glen wiped down the bar and then extended his hand for a shake. “I told Smitty he’s going to have to start picking up the slack for you. He tells me he can’t drink that much.”

I glanced at the end of the bar where old Smitty was in his usual spot watching TV. I didn’t think he had one at home. On second thought, I wasn’t sure he had a home. He sure spent enough to pay rent somewhere. “How’s it going, Smitty?” I waved and pounded the bar to order my usual.

“So what’s been going on? You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind.” Glen could read people like a book, but then again, most bartenders could.

“I’m being sued over the accident. Apparently, what my insurance paid out wasn’t enough, and now the bloodsuckers want enough to ruin my life.”

“Damn, man, that’s rough. This one is on me.” He placed my glass in front of me on a paper coaster and then leaned against the bar waiting for his next task. The bar was slow, so it could be a while. “Are you still seeing that nurse?”

“I haven’t heard from her in a couple of days, but she works, so I’m not letting it get to me. She’s amazing, that one. Body that don’t quit — and it didn’t. I want to see her.” I wagged my brows, and he laughed.

“That’s new. What’s gotten into you, man? You usually never want to see them again. And if you do, it’s only because you didn’t remember doing them the first time.” He belted a laugh and Smitty joined in, even though he didn’t know what he was laughing about. Old Smitty never missed a cue.

“She’s different. She’s not like these girls around here. This one’s got money of her own, a career; she’s not wearing a headlamp and carrying a pickax, if you know what I mean.”

“I bet it’s terrible having all your money, a damned shame.” Glen shook his head and walked to the other side of the bar to take an order. As he poured the drink, he continued to laugh and shake his head. Then he walked back over. “I wish I had half of your money.”

“So do the bloodsucking Pattersons, apparently.”

“Sorry, man.” He fixed another order and then gave me some space while he refilled the napkin dispensers.

I glanced at my phone and wondered why I hadn’t heard from Lexa. I knew she led a busy life, but she couldn’t be too busy to respond to a simple text, and surely she didn’t work double shifts in the ER. Concern for her nagged at me, and I contemplated texting again. I opted not to because I didn’t want to come across as a loser, but damn. I needed to hear her voice. Maybe then I could get it out of my head.

“Need another?” Glen’s voice grabbed my attention, and I placed my phone face down on the bar.

“Sure, I’ll probably stop at a few tonight. I’m trying to behave.” I met his eyes, and he was staring at me with brotherly affection.

“I’m proud of you, man. I’ve seen a change in you. Wrecks have a way of waking us up to what’s important in life.” He stepped to the center island and pulled out some limes and began slicing them.

“I’m not sure if it was the wreck, the lawsuit, or Lexa. Maybe it was time for a change or another phase of my grief. People told me in the beginning I’d go through phases.”

“Yeah, well, whatever this one is, it looks good on you.” He finished cutting the limes as I glanced back down to my phone.

I finished my beer and then another and tried hard to keep from texting her again. I finally figured if she was interested, she’d call. If not, it wasn’t meant to be. It wasn’t like I wanted a deep relationship anyway. Did I? No, I was only looking for some fun and hot release, which she’d already given me.

And as I drove myself home, I tried real hard to make myself believe that.