Page 8 of Restrained

“I know you’re angry now, but please just call as often as you can. Come visit him and use this time to grow.”

His eyes seem to be looking beyond me, and I turn to look over my shoulder, seeing Viv poised at the closed glass patio door. “I’ll call Baz at the scheduled time. Make sure he answers and not her.”

My eyes squeeze shut from the intensity of his tone. Then I open them and nod. “You guys will get through this.”

“No. We won’t.”

He hangs up, and the screen goes black.

I can’t look back at Viv. Instead, I glance up at the night sky, hating how lonely and broken my brother is.

I hope with all my heart I don’t let him down this time.

4

HAYDEN

Istare at the antique clock ticking in my office, annoyance flooding my body as I rub my temples with my hand.

Ten after five.

Of course, Lola Sterling hasn’t arrived yet. She’s sending me a message.

One I don’t like.

I hadn’t expected her to be alone. She was supposed to be with her partner, Penelope. I also hadn’t expected for her to be so annoyingly strong and stubborn.

I’d seen her picture and had expected to run over her. Her delicate features give her a softer vibe with wispy blond hair to her shoulders and pretty bluish green eyes. Her mouth is heart-shaped with pink lips and sharp cheekbones. She’s beautiful, no doubt.

But she’s no pushover.

Still, she’ll bend to my will because she needs me whether she likes it or not. One look over her business financials told me that.

My lips curl into a satisfied smile when I hear the doorbell ring through my massive home.

I stand from my desk, fastening the buttons on my navy suit as I walk to the door and open it, seeing Lola first.

Her blond hair is down and straight. Her makeup is subtle, and she’s wearing a light pink sleeveless blouse paired with a knee-length floral skirt and beige heels.

Everything about her screams pampered, organized, and wealthy.

My body is tense with irritation as my eyes flash to the woman standing next to her. This one has more of an edge with black slacks and a green sleeveless blouse. Her brown hair is pulled into a tight bun, and her eyes are stormy, full of secrets and pain.

“You’re late.” My eyes lock with Lola’s. “Again.”

She doesn’t flinch, not even a little bit, and my skin prickles with frustration. “This is my partner, Penelope.”

The brunette looks to me, the right side of her mouth tilting with amusement. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. West.” She extends her hand out to me, and I take a deep breath, feeling my hand growing clammy before it meets hers.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Jones.”

She offers a smile and then releases my hand as I step out of the way and let them both in. Lola clings to a stack of papers pressed against her chest as I lead them to my office.

Neither of them seem particularly impressed by my massive estate. But then again, why should they?

Lola especially is accustomed to the finer things in life.

I gesture toward the two wooden chairs in front of my large oak desk. They both take a seat as I take my own behind the desk, across from the women.

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