Page 108 of Arrogant Playboy

“I moved to fucking London for my woman,” Louis says.

“That’s a skip across the pond,” I say, shaking my head at him.

“Fine, die alone. I tried to help.”

“How did you help? You haven’t said anything,” I grumble. Louis flicks my ear. “Ouch, what the fuck!”

“You’re a dumbass. Why don’t you think about moving to Dubai, it’s not like it would be bad for business.”

“Move to Dubai?” I start to argue with my brother, but then I shut my mouth.

“See, I’m brilliant.”

“You’re fucking annoying is what you are.”

“Don’t get shitty with me, just thank me in your groom’s speech at your wedding.” He grins.

Fuck him. But also, he’s right. I choose to ignore him and brood for the rest of the journey.

I’m filled with trepidation as I drive into my home. The last time I was here was with Rosie, and we had fun by the pool. I thought I would get to do the same thing once it was completed, but now, I’m arriving with my brother when it should have been Rosie showing me around. I suck in a deep breath as I step out of my car, grab my bags, and then walk toward the door, whereI leave my bags to unlock the door. I step in, and I can smell the tiniest hint of her perfume through the house, and that damn ache in my chest comes back.

“This place is amazing,” Louis states in awe as we walk through the home. Everything that I asked for and more she has poured into this place. My eyes fall on individual items that we chose together, taking me back to a time when we were happy. “Are you okay?” my brother asks. I nod, unable to speak as I stare at every inch of my place that she has turned into a home. Everything is exactly what I wanted as if she was able to look into my mind and pull the images out of it. Fuck. “Let’s get a drink,” Louis says, clocking my inner turmoil as he heads over to the bar area. I see the pool table and dart boards, but not standard pub-style, they’re sophisticated and elegant, in dark tones to match the bar.

“I haven’t had time to stock the bar,” I say, realizing as I stare at the onyx space.

“It looks pretty full to me.” Louis grins. I walk over and see that it’s fully stocked with my favorite drinks. Each little thing Rosie has thought of is another arrow to my heart.

“I need to get messed up,” I tell my brother.

“Lucky, I know how to do that.” He grins, holding up the whiskey, and pours me a glass.

I’m not sure how long Louis and I have been drinking, but somehow, we have now ended up in the spa.

“Guess you guys got the party started early,” Alex says, walking in with Alistair, Jasper, Nate, and Sam.

“Brotherly bonding time,” I say.

“Lies, he’s drinking his heartbreak away,” Louis shouts out to them.

“Guess we better join him ‘cause we’ve all been there before,” Alex says, and next thing I know, the boys are in theirboardshorts and jumping into the spa with us. Alex switches our glasses from glass to plastic when he gets us all a drink.

“The place looks amazing,” Jasper says, sliding into the spa.

“Thanks.” I huff.

“We only got this far, and it was too much for him,” Louis adds. I punch him in the arm. “Ouch, fucker,” he curses.

“That games room with the bar is insane. I’m going to need to know the details,” Alistair adds.

“I’m sure Ivy can tell you,” I say, slurring my words. Alistair side-eyes me but I don’t care.

“Ignore him, he’s in his dick era.” Louis chuckles, and I flip my brother off. The boys drop the subject of Rosie for the moment.

It must be hours later and I’m a little hazy when dinner is delivered.

“I’m here. Sorry I’m late, the weather out of Paris was shit. Luckily Emily was able to arrive,” Matthieu says. Louis perks up. “Easy, tiger, she’s fine.” He looks my brother up and down, whips out his phone, starts filming us laughing, and then types away and clicks send. “Your woman is going to love that.” He chuckles as he says hi to the guys and he’s introduced to the others.

“Place is looking great, Daniel,” he says, piling his plate up with food. I ignore him. “It’s much bigger than I thought it would be,” Matthieu continues, yapping on.

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