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The Billionaire's Creed 9
MYKEL I received a call from Lex this morning. I knew it had nothing to do with me hitch-hiking his granddaughter’s ride. Now I wondered what this was all about. His office was classic and rich. He did not change anything since the last time I was his young protege. “Lex.” “Have a seat, Mykel. How have you been?” “Great. Thanks for asking.” I took a seat. “But this courtesy call has nothing to do with me, is it?” He gave me a shot of whiskey. “Thank you.” “I met your father yesterday. Imagine my surprise.” He sat back in his chair. I sipped the amber liquid before placing it on the coffee table. This old man knew his poison. “What did he say?” “That you and Adley are dating.” A smile spread across my lips. “And you don’t believe it?” In my twenty-seven years, even my father had never intimidated me, not in the case of Lex Kross, and I admired and respected the man sitting across me. “You don’t wanna double-cross me, Mykel. Don’t play with my granddaughter or with me. You’
The Billionaire's Creed 10
ADLEY “Let me see if I got it right.” Mykel seemed to understand more than I expected. Of course, he was brilliant. Apparently, he was top of the class and graduated with honor. “Lex wanted you to work at Kross Corp., but you refused. He gave you an ultimatum or what?” “He wanted me to make babies with Gary.” “Excuse me?” He cursed under his breath. His eyes flashed with anger before he blinked it away. “Not exactly the exact words. Gary came to my office two days ago. He convinced me to work with my grandfather, insulted my business, called it a home makeover, and said I could make more money than I’ve been doing for the past years. In short, I’m wasting my time. Apparently, Grandpa invited him and his father over dinner at the mansion.” “I’ve always hated men bullied women. I may be an asshole, but I’d never done that in my entire life. So, you got your trust funds when you turned twenty-one, right?” “Yeah.” “The only thing you’re worried about is your parents’ shares.” “Yes
The Billionaire's Creed 11
MYKEL “Mr. Creed?” I repeatedly blinked when my name was called. “Is there something you’d like to ask?” Reed asked. “That’s all. Let’s wrap it up. See you all again in three months for the quarterly report.” I stood from my chair. From the corner of my eye, Elise was eyeing me with knitted brows. I ignored her even though I could see a thousand questions written all over her face. She followed me into the office. “You okay? You’ve been distracted.” “I am if you stop asking questions.” “It’s not my business, but something is bothering you—” I went to my chair. “You what? Ask me to see a shrink?” Elise smiled as if I read her mind. “Is it something to do with me giving your number to Miss Kross?” “Actually, I should thank you for that.” “You’re welcome,” she replied. Just hearing Adley’s name felt like dread cutting through my chest. It had been two days, and she hadn’t called me or did anything people used to reach out to others these days. Nada! Zilch! Maybe she was will
The Billionaire's Creed 12
MYKEL “What?” “That’s the difference between you and Gary.” I sneered a mock. “I’m sure we have nothing in common. But what exactly did you notice?” “I ordered pasta, and you want to have the same.” “I would never forbid you to eat anything you want as long as it won’t poison you.” “But you only had hookups with sexiest women.” Okay, I knew where it was going. “When you don’t have to make an effort, Adley. Media people set that standard as sexy and beautiful. I don’t. Honestly, I find you more attractive and gorgeous. You don’t have to impress me. I already am.” She slightly gaped at what I had said. I couldn’t read her expression exactly, but I wanted her to believe in everything I said because it was true. “To be honest, the first time I saw in you was your pretty ass.” “So, it’s really my ass on the line here. Literally.” “But your ass didn’t do justice to the whole package, and you are also honest and hardworking despite the fact that you can spoil yourself, sit pretty
The Billionaire's Creed 13
ADLEY My first thought was to run away after seeing myself standing in front of a jewelry shop. But looking back at what was at stake, it was a one-way trip. I had to do this. “This one.” I showed Mykel the ring I chose. It had no center stone yet, but it was gorgeous. I imagined myself wearing an engagement ring one day, but never had I imagined it would be today and by the man sitting beside me, whom I despised for being so vocal about his opinion. He took it from me. “I like it. The wedding band, baby.” He kept calling me that, which might stick for another twelve months. Sometimes, I felt I was blushing, and he knew the effect of his endearment on me. I chose the eternity design, while he preferred pure platinum faceted squares around the band with a single stone in the center for himself. “I like that one.” “Really? I need your honest opinion since you’re a designer.” “Suits you perfectly.” His smile was contagious. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.” What I least expected wa
The Billionaire's Creed 14
MYKEL The ring I picked up earlier was still in my pocket—it was gorgeous after a bit of customization, and I was confident she would love it around her finger. As I began to get to know beneath the tough, beautiful woman beside me, she was penetrable, and I liked her even more. Even though my reputation preceded me, I was willing to throw away the title of the most sought-after billionaire bachelor in the city. The car was parked at the private airport. I also had a little surprise waiting for her on the jet. I helped her climb out. She drew a shaky breath and braced herself against the car. “You okay?” “Y-yeah.” “You’re not getting cold feet and planning on ditching me at the altar, are you?” I joked when I sensed her feeling sick, her fingers trembling. She shook her head. “No.” “Good to hear,” I said, though I wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on with her. Then she suddenly froze. Her face went pale. Her eyes flared wide as she stared at the jet. Then I realized so
The Billionaire's Creed 15
ADLEY I feel so embarrassed. I was aware of the fact that this day would come that I had to face and end this foolish, irrational fear of the unknown. Knowing that it was only in my head, I couldn’t let that trauma control my life. Mykel was right. And I’d been too caught up with the illusion that I could live with it. And I had been living with it for sixteen years. “Adley, I’m still waiting.” “Yes.” Mykel slipped the ring into my finger and kissed my hand. As soon as I said yes, I heard the applause behind us. I wasn’t aware that we had an audience. Then we were served two flutes. “To our future together.” He proposed a toast with a huge smile on his handsome face. I lifted and sipped the champagne. Mykel joined beside me again. “How long is the flight?” I completely forgot to ask. I was still pretty shaken until now, but I held on to his promise that he would not leave my side. “Five. Maybe less.” “Five?” I covered my mouth with my hand, and his gaze dropped to the en
The Billionaire's Creed 16
MYKEL “Is she okay?” I asked Blaze as he walked into my hotel room. “For a second, I thought you genuinely care.” He grumbled with narrowed eyes. “Cut the bullshit, Burns,” I snapped. “Don’t you know she dislikes that kind of words?” “I’m working on it.” Blaze finally noticed that I wasn’t alone in the room. “My friend Dash Chandler. Dash, this is Blaze, Adley’s best friend.” While they exchanged pleasantries, I dialed Adley. She picked up right away. “Can we talk?” “Bad idea,” the two assholes chorused, staring at me as if I went mad. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Dash added. I covered the mouthpiece. “It’s not that—” “What?” Blaze growled. “Real wedding or you two are in love? Are you fucking serious right now?” “Aren’t you both getting married like real fucking married?” Dash argued. “Of course, this is real.” “Then fucking stick to the plan.” I glared back at Blaze. “He’s right, man. Pull yourself together. Just talk to her over the phon
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