Rule of a Kingdom (Kingdom Duet 0)

Colour me surprised when he offered to pay for my coffee that morning.

Maybe I’m majorly underestimating myself? Who knows? No matter how tough it got, I’ve never reduced myself to playing these types of games before, so I have no past experience to compare to.

“Right.” He smiles. Or tries to, anyway. Agnus barely has any expression, like they were washed out at birth or something. When he speaks, there’s a hint of a refined Birmingham accent to his words. “Aurora, let me introduce you. This is Ethan Steel. Ethan, Aurora Harper.”

We exchange business cards and I try not to grin. Acquiring Ethan’s with his personal phone number on it is like hitting the jackpot.

“I told you about her,” Agnus adds.

He told him about me?

Yes!

My victory dance is halted when I perceive the pause in Ethan’s features. He’s the emperor of Steel Corporation, mid-forties, and has a presence so strong, you’re tempted to stop and look at him. It’s not the intrusive type, though. It’s more like the welcoming type where you just have to get in his vicinity.

That’s why he’s the most fitting candidate to help me out. He was in a coma for nine years, and since he returned almost three years ago, he’s been investing in small companies and building back his empire by using several investments in different fields.

The fact that he’s pausing isn’t good. Please don’t tell me he’ll act as if he’s seen a ghost like his daughter and Aiden did.

“Ms Harper.” He takes my hand a places a kiss at the back of it, never cutting eye contact. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Phew.

“The pleasure is all mine, and please, Aurora is fine. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding, Mr Steel.”

“Ethan is fine. Agnus tells me you sell watches?”

Thank you, Agnus. I throw him a grateful glance and focus back on Ethan. “Yes. In fact, it’s my passion.”

“How so?”

I motion at his wristwatch. “That must’ve cost a fortune, but do you know why?”

“The brand.”

“Yes, brand awareness. But also, the work the brand established to have said awareness. Your watch is custom-made to fit your wrist size and be comfortable, even if you spend twelve hours in the office and then a few more hours at dinners or parties. It’s there to help you get through your day, but it remains unnoticed. Almost like background motivation.”

“Impressive.” He glimpses at his right-hand man.

“I told you,” Agnus says with the same blank face.

“Let’s make a toast.” Ethan raises his glass. “To background motivation.”

“To background motivation.” I raise my flute in return, a wide grin on my face.

I did it.

I’m saving the company.

All I have to do is keep up with pleasantries, offer him another custom-made, and move on to business talk.

I have no time to waste. Countless people in H&H look up to me and I will not let them down.

“I’ll go get another drink.” Agnus nods at us before disappearing out of view.

That leaves only Ethan and me. I smile, even though I prefer having Agnus around. He’s a great backup, considering he did most of the work for me. I may not click with him emotionally, considering he doesn’t really have those types of connections with women – or any human being, but I’ll be forever grateful for the help he offered.

Ethan leans closer, his features welcoming but concentrated. “Tell me more about the business side.”