Page 64 of Beautiful Beast

Belle: I can’t believe you literally just sent a hitman to rescue me.

Adam: Briggs isn’t a hitman. He is an elite sniper though.

Belle: Either way, thank you.

Adam: You good, princess?

Belle: Yeah.

Adam: Call me later?

Belle: Only if you’ll take your clothes off.

Adam: You drive a hard bargain.

“Want to grab a drink and talk smack about Adam?” Eric asks.

My laugh is more of a giggle-snort, and I’m immediately comfortable being alone in the presence of a man who Adam trusts. Years of therapy have made me mostly functional after my childhood horror show, but I still don’t relish vulnerable positions.

But I’m safe with Eric.

“Hell yes,” I reply. “But only if we can go to my apartment because my dog is waiting for me. I don’t want to be around any more random people. I’ve had my fill.”

“Even better.”

Chapter 14

Adam

HongKongendedupbeing a sixty-two day adventure instead of thirty, and it’s almost July.

There’s been a sharp decline in Uncle Dennis’ condition, and I’m looking forward to getting stateside where he can take it easy. He still doesn’t want any of our colleagues or business partners to know anything is wrong, so he’s been putting on a show.

But it’s taking a toll.

It’s time for me to step up in a big way, and now that I’m immersing myself in the day-to-day operations, a strange thing is happening.

I’m getting excited.

What I said to Belle was true – I’m going to expand Townsend Enterprises and smash through the roadblocks preventing diseases from being cured. I’ve been forced to watch the two most important people in my life die from terrible illnesses, and I don’t want to go through it again.

I don’t wantanyoneto go through it.

But I’m also looking forward to my role overseeing every component of the company and helping to guide the strategic direction.

My life experience might be a little different than most suits – to say the least – but it’s applicable and they will learn to respect me or be shown the door.

“Would you like to join us for dinner?” Betty asks.

She’s the Vice President of marketing who has been making googly eyes at me despite the dressing on my face. It might be the power, the money, or wanting to get into the inner circle of her new boss, but I’m very slow to trust.

Except with Belle.

She crashed into my life like a beautiful tornado, and I can’t help wanting her. It’s as instinctive as breathing.

A cursory glance at the most important man in my life tells me that he’s fading – fast.

“I’m actually exhausted and just going to order room service tonight,” I lie. “We have an early flight in the morning.”

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