LAYLA MONDAY 23/60 "I'm interested. What do you mean?" I continue when she reveals nothing. Sitting across from me, Penelope uncrosses her legs, adjusts awkwardly, then crosses them back. "Pen?" "I assumed you knew. His PR must have done a superb job." "PR? Has Aiden been to Hawaii before?" She nodded in agreement. Maybe I should ask now. "Did he do anything while he was there?" She gave her head a brisk shake. I arch my back on the couch. "And what makes you think he wouldn't wish to return to Hawaii?" "I wouldn't go back there either if I were him." She argued. A foggy memory of the weekend creeps in. Aiden's not-so-cryptic message. Never, he said. Perhaps he just wanted to stay away. "What did he do?" Her eyes widen, and she clears her throat quickly. "I don't think I can or should tell you. I only know from Quentin. It happened in the past, not recently. Dredging it up won't do either of us any good." I scraped my teeth. "Penelope." "Just ask Aiden. It's his stor

AIDEN TUESDAY 24/60 "Why the hell are you in my apartment?" I questioned. Drew is grinning, but I'm too drained, so I grunt. "Woah, get whatever stick is up your ass out. You're usually not so dreadful in the morning." I grumble and step aside so Drew can come in fully. He's dressed coolly. A white shirt and black pants. I'd have to get through the day in insufferable suits. Some days, I wonder what life would be like if I wasn't the heir to a dynasty. I'd be an artist. I think. Now I understand I was tough because my father had raised me that way. When I sketched, it was my escape from his mad-house. Without the mad-house, I might not even like drawing in an alternate reality. It sucks. How pain molds us. "Aiden? Hello? Are you well?" "Yes, I am." If that translates to kissing Layla Dean, then confessing my unending craving to fuck her. Then I'm all set. I ruffle my hair with one hand. "Why are you here, Drew?" "Hostile. That's not how to treat a best friend." I crosse

AIDEN 24/60 TUESDAY Water splattered on my face, and my view became clearer as I blinked. I felt a tremor as I stuck my hand in the mirror. I breathed for the nth time, pressing my eyes shut, then stood up straight. I was in my private bathroom for roughly ten minutes. I've been counting. There's plenty of time for Layla to leave—I pray she's there when I come back. I took off. I told her the whole truth, then stepped out before she could react. Almost anyway. "Five people believe you now." I jerked my head, removing the obscure thought. That meant she was part of them. She added herself to the list. She believed me. "I hate you." Her preceding words sounded. Not possible. It changed nothing. She still hates me. Much more for a cause I have no clue about. At least now she knows the truth. And I'd be a liar to say I wasn't relieved when she regarded me. It would be an even bigger lie to say it wasn't tempting to run back and kiss her again. All banter aside, maybe a trip t

LAYLA 26/60 THURSDAY DEAN CONSTRUCTIONS Yesterday's actions are still sharp in my mind as I go examine the terms of trade for the three companies. I've probed it twice, and while everything appears in place, I have an aching feeling about this deal. Bella picked a vanilla cake with lemon curd filling and buttercream icing for the wedding cake. Whatever that was, it tasted heavenly. Everyone would like it. Drew's game is today, so I don't have to concern myself with Aiden's business. I have a day free from him. Then we will meet tomorrow and talk about this deal. Speaking of that, Tristan and I haven't seen each other either. Aside from bumping into him after Aiden kissed me, he's been challenging and difficult to reach. I flip through the pages again, then glance at my notebook. I'm supposed to take notes for tomorrow. Ask questions. That's exactly the problem. This deal is airtight. Not a single loophole. Confidentiality. Profit sharing. Getting out. They have dealt with i

LAYLA 27/60 FRIDAY "I guess we won't stop this." My voice was barely a whisper. As soon as I let go of the words, my mind processed their dual meanings. "No, we won't." His tone was gruff and raspy. My chin is dangerously close to his lips. It's so close. Wait, is that related to the head placement on his chest or Thompson Pharmaceutical's impending doom? If I was indirect, he'd be willing to play harder. "What are we going to do?" He took a breath and then lowered his hands in a circle by my side. Disappointment? I can't be mad at him for not putting them around my waist. "I don't know." He whispers back. I nod a bit, but he can't really see me. "Do you think it's wise to see Thompson?" I drifted backward, peeking inside my office to avoid eye contact with him. "It could backfire. Let's say he doesn't believe us. They bought shares. They signed the contract. There's nothing he could do." "At least he'd have a fighting chance?" I met his gaze for the second time. Green