Page 1 of Resisting Your Love

Prologue

Wipinghis sweaty hands down his slacks, Owen Fox didn't know what he was doing there, but he knew that if he didn't show up, things wouldn't end well. Sweat glistened on his temples as he shook uncontrollably. It was just like him to get into some trouble and not know how to pull himself out of it. Oh, how he wished his wife were still alive. Maybe then he would have made good decisions. Since she died, he felt like his life had turned upside down. His wife had always been the one to keep him in line. Without her, Owen felt like a failure. He even failed his only child, his daughter. What was he going to do? What if he lost his life?

"I need a drink," Owen mumbled to himself, blowing air out of his mouth.

He ran a hand down his face, trying to get rid of some of the sweat that kept coming. He took a moment to observe his surroundings. A polished wooden desk with an office chair sat in the middle of the floor. Large painted pictures hung on white walls. The brown leather chair he sat on probably cost a fortune. There were potted plants that sat in the corner of each wall.

Hell, he sat on a couch that probably cost a fortune. That was expected with the Smiths.

He wished they'd hurry. He had to get back to his poker lounge. The one that had him in this situation right now. He refused to give it up or let it go under. He'd do whatever it took to make sure he didn't lose it.

He closed his eyes as he thought about the fact that he was behind on his payments. "Damn it. That's why I'm here."

The door to the office opened, and two well-built men in business suits stepped out. They wore scowls on their faces as they glared at him.

He stood up and gulped as he greeted the men.

"Gentlemen." He acknowledged with a nod that they didn't return.

"We don't have time for the chitchat. We are here for one reason only. Do you have our money?" Travis Smith asked Owen.

Owen's hands clammed up as his eyes bounced between each man. If either of them made a sudden movement, he was sure he'd shit himself. The Smith brothers, Travis and Theodore, built their empire from the ground up, making them one of the wealthiest families in Skyeville. They owned most of the neighborhoods around the city. Many people called them The Real Estate Moguls.

Owen, Travis, and Theodore had been close in college, with each man making something of themselves. Along the way, Owen secured several bad deals that landed him in debt. There were times he could pull himself out, but this time around, things were going from bad to worse. Owen shoved his hands in his pockets, knowing he had no choice but to tell them the truth.

"My lounge hasn't been doing too great lately. I don't have any of the money. I just need another mon?—"

"Another month?" Travis bellowed. "We haven't heard from you since we gave you the money, which was almost two years ago."

Owen dropped his head. "I know. I know. My lounge is failing and has been since my wife died."

"Sorry to that woman, but what does that have to do with you not paying the money you owe us?" Theo cocked his head to the side. If he had his way, he would have hired some goons to take Owen out a long time ago. Travis always had a soft spot, which was something Theo hated.

Owen glared at Theo. "You wouldn't be where you are today if it weren't for me. I gave you the money to start your business, making you who you are today. Just cut me some slack. We all make mis?—"

"Don't you dare say what you do are mistakes! You are a grown ass man and know what the hell you are doing!" Theo yelled. It took everything in him not to bash Owen's head in.

Travis had to get control of the situation. If he didn't, his brother would snap.

"Let's work out a deal," Travis interjected. Two sets of eyes met his. One glowered while the other pleaded. "We can work something out," he reiterated, eyes on his brother. "We're going to need something from you in return until you give us the money. Let's say we give you three more years."

Owen's eyebrow lifted. "Like an arrangement?"

Travis smiled, snapping his fingers. "Yes, it'll be something like that."

Owen sighed in relief. "Okay. I can work with that. What do you need?"

Travis smiled brightly, knowing things were finally about to go his way. He had a son that was wild and out of control. As much as he and his wife tried to get him counseling, it didn't work for Levi. His son was a party animal and was reckless. He cared nothing about the consequences of his actions. Travis could admit it was his and his wife Deborah's fault. They spoiled their son rotten and always had all his life. Now, it was time forthem to try a different approach. Something had to calm him down.

Now that he had Owen's attention, Travis pushed further. "Your daughter? Is she seeing anyone?"

Theo and Owen gave him a funny look, both probably wondering why he'd ask something like that.

"Yes, she is."

Travis shook his head. "Nah, not for long. I want her in return.."

"What?" Theo and Owen shouted at the same time.

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