Page 79 of Beneficial Misfortune

I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one night. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid like open my mouth and demand he tell me if that’s what he meant or not.

That would be bad.

“I had it made just for you,” he says, as my fingers close around the doorknob, and I freeze.

This man is going to be the death of me.

I leave and hurry back to my room, not wanting to run into anyone else. I’ve had more than enough attention for the night. It’s not until I make it back into my room, the door closed and locked behind me, that I feel as though I can breathe again.

I told myself I would never be at the mercy of a man again after Carter, and while I still don’t want that, I can’t help but feel like this isn’t the same. But honestly, I’m not sure I can trust my judgment right now. Am I thinking with my brain, or is it clouded by their sexy as fuck bodies and the way they undo me?

No, that’s not fair.

I know they’re different. They’ve done nothing but prove that since I met them. Alex and Desmond were gentlemen at the club when we met, and they made sure I wanted them before we did anything. The misunderstanding the next morning was completely on me, and even that, they took in stride.

Nathan was a gentleman, too. He offered me a job and a place to stay because of my relationship with Addison, and while he didn’t have to, he came to my rescue when I had nobody else to call.

The box weighs heavily in my hand as I make my way back to my bed, and I realize I’ve yet to open it.

I have no idea what’s inside.

It’s a beautiful blue color with a white bow. With a simple tug, the ribbon comes free, and I pull the top from the bottom easily.

Oh my god…

I stand beside the bed with the box sitting on it as I stare at the piece of jewelry inside of it.

I shouldnothave taken this. His comment about having it custom-made was a red flag all by itself, but somehow, I hadn’t expected this. I don’t know a lot about jewelry. I’ve had a few expensive pieces from Carter that I was supposed to wear when we went out, but I’d left all that behind. I get the feeling I could have brought it all, and it wouldn’t be half the cost of this necklace because one thing I do know is Nathan doesn’t do anything in halves.

This most likely means that the red gems in this necklace are rubies, and I highly doubt they're fake.

It’s made of rose gold links, the rubies evenly spaced along and held in round rose gold settings.

I stare at it for way too long, debating bringing it back to him or not, but I know he won’t take it. Finally, I give in and accept that I’ve taken it, so now it’s mine, and make my way to the bathroom to admire it.

My fingers shake as I attempt to fasten the clasp, and after a few tries, I manage to get it on. The red gems catch the light beautifully. It’s elegant and eye-catching and takes my breath away.

Nathan’s words ring through my head as I let my fingers trail over the cool gems that rest on my throat.

‘When I own you, there will be no question of if you want it or not. You will be mine.’

If only he knew how much that was already true, and not just with him.

Chapter 24

I’ve been on cloud nine for the last few days, but after last night, I feel like I’m damn near untouchable.

I’d wanted to be upset about her disappearing act, but I couldn’t bring myself to be, especially not when she explained it. Hell, I couldn't even really be mad at Alex; it had just been shitty timing.

Besides, how could I be mad at him when he pushed Dad to close the deal faster than he planned? No, Alex might have been part of the mixup, but he fixed it, and now we have all the time in the world to make up for what we lost.

Last night had only been the beginning, but I need to have a conversation with good ol’ Dad about it. I know he’s a little more intimidating with everything, and he probably doesn’t want to scare her, but Kat isn’t stupid, and she’s noticed his absence.

It’s late, probably after midnight now. I’d made sure to wait so that I could get him alone, yet somehow when I walk into his office, he’s still not alone.

I swear this man is going to work himself into an early grave…or maybe not.

Vincent sits in the chair across from him. That doesn’t mean he’s not talking business, but more often than not when those two are together lately, it has something to do with a beautiful little redhead.

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