Page 81 of Broken Deal

I knew missing this meeting was going to be an issue. Every year, we look over applications together to accept new members. New billionaires are rising every day around the world, but not all of them are worthy of holding the 24K gold–plated Vortex card—their words, not mine. I’ve always believed we’re losing a lot of revenue opportunities by being so picky. But for them, it’s not about the money, it’s about the important connections we gain from accepting new members. It’s all bullshit and nepotism at its finest.

“Lorenzo,” He warns.

“Amos,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “I called youas a courtesy. I’m not asking. I’m telling you an emergency came up, and I won’t be assisting.”

“You and I are going to have a conversation about your future as part of this board when you get back.”

“Looking forward to it,” I reply with a sharp, humorless laugh and hang up, throwing my phone on the seat next to me. Have them kick me out of the board if they want. I’ll throw a fucking parade when they do.

“I’m sorry this whole thing is causing you so many issues,” she whispers. I hate the way she says it like everything is her fault.

I lean forward, placing my hands on her thighs and starting to caress them. “Hey, this isnotyour fault. If anything, can I thank you for getting me out of that meeting?” I joke, trying to ease the tension.

She laughs softly, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “You’re welcome, I guess.”

“Look at me.” She has been avoiding my eyes the whole ride here. While I miss her smile, I’m thankful she’s allowing herself to be vulnerable enough to show me this side of her. I know it must be killing her. But she should know by now I will never judge her.

“It’s already embarrassing enough you have to see me like this. But knowing I’m causing so many issues…” She sighs, contemplating her next words. “I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you.”

I stand from my seat and crouch in front of her. My hand reaches for a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear before caressing her cheek with my thumb. “Don’t you dare thank me. There is no other place I’d rather be.” I give her a soft quick kiss, and even though this is probably crossing the rules we’ve set, I can’t bring myself to care. I want to show her how much it means to me to be here for her.Supporting her however she needs. “Have you heard anything else?”

She shakes her head without a word.

The stewardess approaches. “Mr. Mancini, the plane is ready for take-off.”

I nod, getting back in my seat. “Can you bring a blanket, please? Thanks.”

I reach for Sophia’s seatbelt and put it on her. There’s something so simple yet rewarding about making sure she’s safe. Looking after her has become second nature for me, and I don’t know how to deal with it. How do you take care of a woman as strong as Sophia? A woman who is as stubborn as they come and determined to do everything alone? I’m not sure, but I’ll keep trying, even if she continues to push me away.

The stewardess comes back with the blanket, and I place it on top of Sophia, making sure she’s tucked and warm, then sit back down.

“Lorenzo, stop babying me. I’m not some doll that’s going to break.” She shoots me a glare.

“I’m not babying you,” I challenge. Leave it to her to fight me the whole time. “Now take a nap. The flight to Nashville should be an hour and a half.”

“I’m not tired.”

I give her a pointed look. “If you say so.”

It doesn’t take long after we take off for Sophia to fall asleep. And all I can manage to do for the duration of the flight is look at her. Her hair in a messy bun, the tiny wild strands that are always bothering her peeking through. Her soft, parted lips as she snores softly. The slight frown she has, even though she’s sleeping.

This girl makes my heart ache for something I’ve never thought possible. What should be the summer of our lives isbecoming something completely different. What started as a simple game to get closer to her to get my fix has become a lot more. There’s not enough time in the world for me to get her out of my system. Sophia has infiltrated my body and soul so deeply, I’m terrified for myself. For her. Because one thing is for certain—I don’t deserve this woman. She deserves someone who can be emotionally available and capable of loving. She needs someone who knows how to love, and that man is certainly not me. But I want to be selfish for a little while longer, hold her in my arms and give us the time of our lives before she can become another’s.

I don’t know how I’m going to let her go, but I will do it. Even if it kills me.

I may be a selfish motherfucker, but I will never stand in the way of the happiness she deserves. I would give Sophia the world, even if it meant not having her in mine.

Asterile, antiseptic scent fills my nostrils as soon as I peek into the hospital room where my mother is staying. She looks so peaceful in the white-lit room, with the only sound coming from the machines and her soft snores. After making sure she’s alright, I shut the door softly.

I feel like I can finally breathe again as my shoulders relax. What should have been a two-hour drive here turned into five due to a bad accident. Honestly, if it weren’t for Lorenzo keeping me company, I probably would’ve pulled over at a gas station and had a mental breakdown in a dirty bathroom stall before arriving. I’ve been trying my best to keep these emotions at bay, but I’m not sure how much longer I can hold on.

“Is she okay?” Lorenzo asks. He hasn’t left my side since we arrived, and I can’t deny it’s been nice. He brings some sort of… peace.

I nod. “She looks good. She’s sleeping.” Glancing over his shoulder, I spot the person I’ve been searching for since I got here and start walking toward her. “What happened?” Iask Bailey, my mom’s nurse, who’s been kind enough to stay until I arrived.

She sighs, fidgeting with her fingers. “I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone, but Amelia has been staying at your mom’s place.”

“What did you just say?” I snap.

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