ROME

Tonight is not a part of my plan. 

But talking about losses was tough shit to speak out. 

My friend once told me you couldn’t find an answer at the bottom of the bottle. But I’d rather drink myself into a stupor than open up about the things that hurt as fuck to even think about.

Sax Ryder, one of my best friends, whom I considered my brother cleared his throat. “She’s out of your league.”

“Who?” I looked down at the empty whiskey glass. I needed another shot.

“I was just making a point. You’re at this nightclub, but your mind is elsewhere.”

My eyes were on the brunette. She’d caught my attention since we arrived an hour ago. I just couldn’t stop. Whoever was this woman? She definitely would keep me awake tonight.

“But she’s pretty.”

I turned my head to Sax. “Really? Pretty?”

His dark eyes glimmered as he smirked. “Yeah, I know what’s in your mind. But you prefer blonde and petite.”

Chuckling, I focused my gaze on the woman dancing with her friend. Her long wavy hair shone against the laser lights. 

She was too tall for my type and still wearing high heels. Her body could pass as one of the lingerie models, and her long-toned legs were displayed in a black mini-dress.

“It was just one time. I mean twice, but those just a coincidence.”

He let out a hearty laugh and shook his head. “Then what are you still waiting for? Maybe, that woman is blonde, just dyed her hair.”

I signaled to one of the bartenders to refill our drinks. “I’m not ready for that.”

“I didn’t mean a relationship, man. You’ve been working your ass off since your dad died. You could use some fun, a break, and damn. You could use a month fucking vacation.”

The bartender brought our drinks. We were regulars, and I knew the owner, Pyke Hughes. 

“It’s not about work that cut me off the fun. I’m just not emotionally ready.” I was used to having a one-night stand, but right now, I had more pressing matters than satisfying my dick. “And sex is not a problem.” 

“A good massage, then.”

“A good sleep. At least three hours of sleep without interruption.”

“I heard about your father’s assistant. Have you found her replacement?”

“On Monday. I just hope she would be as efficient and reliable as Florian.” I sipped my drink. 

Since I took over the family business, I could barely breathe properly. The boards and investors had questioned my ability to run a multi-national billion-dollar company, Langston Realty Group, since I lacked experience. I wanted to prove them wrong. And I liked challenges. 

Unlike my father, I took a different path. I served my country, was honorably discharged, and went to help my old friend, Gabe Linden, to start his security firm. But the boards didn’t know I had my own company, Sevyn Hunter Global, and someone offered to buy it for 1.5B. I mean, that was huge money. But my company was not for sale, and if someone wanted to buy with that digits, I was sure as hell could double it in three years.

“Well, you can always find a new one. So, you’re not gonna make a move?” He tipped his head toward the brunette, who was now leaving.

“Nah. Pass.”

An hour later, we bid goodbye.

“Call me if you need anything.” He held my hand after a handshake. “Adley would be happy to see you this weekend.”

I smiled. “I’ll give her a call.”

Sax finally let go of my hand. He knew Adley meant a lot to me. 

Adley Kross - Creed helped me reconnect with my father. Dad and I were estranged for years since I didn’t turn out to be his protege, joining politics. To him, I was a huge disappointment. After he chose not to run again for the senate, he took over the company from Mom, allowing her to focus on what she loved—charities. That was how he became successful and well-connected.

“She would be happy to hear from you.”

“I miss her too.” I worked for her as her temporary bodyguard. We became close friends even after I resigned. Only lately, we’d been both busy running our family businesses.

“Take care of yourself, Rome.”

“You too, bro.”

I got in the car. My driver, Zee, shut the door close after me. I fished out my phone and dialed Adley’s number.

“I hope I’m not interrupting something.”

“I hate you.” Her greeting as she laughed.

“I love you too.”

“Mykel and I were just talking about you setting up a date.”

I groaned. “God, no.”

“But it’s already been settled. All you have to do is show your ass up this weekend.” I could see herself grinning at her husband beside her, waiting for my reply.

“Adley, I don’t have time to date right now.” I found myself wondering if my date would be as gorgeous as the brunette.