Page 1 of Untethered Heart
Chapter one
I push away the hand that snakes around my middle.
“No, I’ve been trying to get through to Mr Huxley all week. I’ll take any available time in his schedule.”
Unwanted lips press into the middle of my back.
Ugh, what is she still doing here?
I move further away, stalking into the kitchen to bring the coffee machine to life.
“I’m sorry, Mr Heart,” says the voice through the line, “Mr Huxley is in Royal Harbour for the rest of the month.”
“Come back to bed.” The whisper is unbidden against my ear.
I turn to glare at Sarah. Sienna? Whatever the fuck her name is, she’s overstayed her welcome.
“I’ll fly there if I need to. Please. Does he have any time available?” I’m begging at this point. I promised my brother I would get us an audience with one of the owners of the High Rollers Casino. It doesn’t help that the owner of the Heart City location hates me.
“Please hold, Mr Heart.” The even tone of the assistant on the other end remains calm, unlike my last nerve.
I recoil as more kisses trail a path over my bare back. Fuck. I make it a habit to never bring women back to my place for this reason. If I had just gone back to hers, I would have leftafter round one and my morning wouldn’t be this clusterfuck of interruptions.
“Thank you for holding, Mr Heart. Mr Huxley has two p.m. available the Friday after next.”
“I’ll take it.” My possessive words latch on with hope.
Whatever is on my schedule can be moved. This is more important.
“I’ve locked that in for you. You should receive email confirmation shortly.”
My shoulders drop, my breath unleashing the tension with it as I whisper my thanks and end the call. Now, to deal with the next issue.
I turn and step back to create distance between myself and Savannah. Sally?
“Last night was great, babe.” I pacify her with a feigned smile, hoping she can’t detect the condescension it’s coated in. “But it’s time for you to leave.”
I turn her around, marching us toward my bedroom to get her dressed and the fuck out of my penthouse. I was weak last night, too tired to stick to my usual routine of going back to their place. Or just fucking in the bathroom of wherever we met. I hate having people in my space. I hate people messing with my routine.
“W-well,” she stutters. “Can I see you later?”
I stalk into my wardrobe. I’m normally in the office by six, and it’s already five past. “No.”
I don’t do repeats. Repeats lead to expectations, and I have nothing to offer anyone, not now, at least. Sure, I have my billions, but my family’s business is my main priority. When I find someone to share that with, it won’t be someone I meet at a bar, looking for a quick fuck.
The one time I tried dating, before I took over my grandfather’s investment company, I was taken for a ride. One that mygrandparents had to swoop in and fix. I’ve refused to let anyone get close to me since.
“Seriously?” Sabrina tugs on her dress—if we’re calling it that, it just grazes the tops of her thighs—as the frown sets in on her face.
“Yep.” I finish buttoning my shirt and decide on a black tie. “Made it clear last night I was only interested in a one-time thing.”
I hear an exasperated grunt behind me, then heels digging into my floorboards one by one as Serena stamps her feet into her shoes.
“Thanks for the orgasms then, arsehole.” Oh good, she’s seeing herself out.
I pull a navy vest from its coat hanger, matching the inky blue of my suit trousers, then sit on the ottoman in my oversized dressing room.
I’m lacing up my shoes when I hear the front door slam shut, and it’s like a trigger, signalling my heart to relax.
