Chapter One

Everett

I am heading up to my brother’s office on the top floor. I came reluctantly because he had paperwork for me to review. We get along fine, but we aren’t as close as most brothers are. Most of our dealings with each other revolve around business. His wife and three children keep him very busy. Hugo and I couldn’t be more different. Business and money are the only common ground we have. He disapproves of my lifestyle choices. It doesn’t matter to me what he thinks. I am who I am.

Stepping out of the elevator, I make a beeline for his office. I ignore the eyes on me and the women whispering and giggling. I consistently have an impact on women, but none of them interests me. If I used one of my brother’s employees as my toy, he would be furious.

He is seated at his desk, speaking on the phone. I walk straight in and impatiently wait for him to get off the call. I can’t wait around for him all day. I have my own responsibilities to attend to. I tap my foot on the floor while crossing my arms over my chest.

Hugo looks up at me and shakes his head. “I will call you back soon. My very impatient big brother is here.”

“Finally!” I say when he hangs up.

“You have been waiting for two minutes. Don’t be so dramatic.” He chuckles.

“I have a lot to do.”

He expresses his annoyance by rolling his eyes. We can’t all have the patience of a saint like he has.

“Take a seat, and I will grab what you need. I will be back in five minutes. Can you wait five minutes?”

“Yes.”

I let out a sigh and settle down in a chair. I use my phone to keep myself entertained while waiting for his return. He should have had it looked out for me coming. He’s had enough time. I received a message from him last night, asking me to come in this afternoon. My attention is caught by the sound of heels on my brother’s tiled floor.

When I look over, the first thing I notice are legs that seem to go on forever, smooth and tanned. Who do those belong to? I run my eyes upwards. The person is wearing a black dress.

“Pardon me, but I’m trying to find Mr. Amery.”

My head shoots up in response to the soft, gentle voice. I smirk when I see the pretty face that matches everything else. She has flowing, brunette hair cascading over her shoulders and a twinkle in her stunning, ocean-green eyes. A light red lipstick graces her lips, which are shaped like hearts. Damn, who the fuck is this woman?

I rise and position myself before her. I see a collection of freckles on her left cheek. When our eyes lock, she immediately averts her gaze and gulps nervously.

“I am Mr Amery.”

“I’m referring to the other one,” she whispers.

“Please make eye contact when speaking to me. It is rude not to.” I demand.

A soft whimper escapes her kissable lips, but she does I tell her.

“Sorry, sir.”

I step in closer to her, keeping only mere inches between us. “Much better. Who are you? This is the first time I’ve seen you here.”

“I am Aubrey, Mr Amery’s new executive assistant. It is nice to meet you. I assume you are Everett?” she smiles shyly, extending her hand to me.

I grasp it firmly, eliminating any distance between us. She gasps at the closeness between us. “Yes, that is me. It is nice to meet you, Aubrey.” I smirk and lick my lips.

Her hand starts to feel warm, and her breath appears to quicken. Despite her efforts to break free, I refuse to release my hold. I stare at her, not saying a word. She quickly shifts her gaze from side to side before looking away from me once more.

“Everett, do not even think about it.” My brother’s voice warns from behind Aubrey.

I release her hand and retreat a few steps. I smirk over her shoulder at him. “I am not doing anything.”

Hugo positions himself between us and asks Aubrey, “Is there something you need?”

“I came by to tell you that your meeting for tomorrow morning has been moved to the afternoon.” She replies.

“Okay, thank you. I apologise for my brother. You are dismissed.”

Nodding, she quickly departs. Hugo directs his attention towards me.

“Stay away from here, Everett.” He snaps.

“Why? Are you screwing her or something?”

“What? No, of course not. I am happily married. I am not you. She is Erica’s cousin. She has had a hard time recently; she doesn’t need you in her life to make things worse for her.”

“Maybe a little fun would do her the world of good.” I shrug.

“I swear to God, stay the fuck away from here. She just got away from one asshole. She doesn’t need to get involved with another one. If you go near her at all, I will make you regret it,” he threatens.

By now, my little brother should have a better understanding of me. The stronger his refusal, the greater my desire. Being told what to do is something I don’t enjoy.

“God, you are no fun. I will stay away from her.”

I can’t make him any promises because it would be a lie. I won’t stay away.

He handed me the paperwork. “You are free to go now.”

“See you this weekend for your birthday dinner?”

“Yes. Let me know when you have read it over and give me your thoughts.”

We are expanding our business; this is the paperwork needed to get that sorted. I nodded and headed out. I pass by Aubrey on my way out. She watches me intently with her eyes. I wink at her before disappearing into the elevator.

If she’s Erica’s cousin, does that mean she’ll also be at Hugo’s birthday dinner? It seems likely. It just got more interesting. I really dislike celebrations such as birthdays and holidays. I could manage without them. Erica will also warn me to stay away from Aubrey. She has been with my brother for ten years; she knows me well.

Despite knowing I should stay away, I won’t. Everything I touch becomes ruined or broken, but that doesn’t stop me. I am a grown-ass man. I can do as I please. I don’t owe the world anything.

I will need to play nice. If she recently ended things with a jerk, she won’t be seeking another one. I can play the good guy. I have done it before until I get what I want. I never fail to obtain what I desire. I smirk as I head back to my car. I need to return to the office for a couple of hours.

How long has Aubrey been in town? Why didn’t Hugo mention he has a new assistant? Did he hire her solely because she is family, or does she actually have experience? It makes no difference to me either way. I want her. I will get her, end of story.