Page 61 of Hard Limits

“Yes, I know that already. So you’d pick her over everything you’ve worked to build? You’d write off a decade, just like that? What if the thing with Meera doesn’t work out?”

“It’s a gamble, true, but at least Carissa will be out of my life.”

“You should wait longer. She’s a sneaky bitch, but she’s gonna fuck up.”

“I’ve waited for years already, and I don’t want to lose my chance with Meera. This is a risk I have to take.”

“It’s a stupid move.”

“Are you telling me you’ve never done anything stupid?”

“I’ve never fucked my assistant or thrown my entire business away for a dumb crush.”

“I know that. Which is why Nolan’s running a winery in the Sierra Foothills and you’re sitting alone in a hotel room with a tub of caviar and a bunch of computers.”

“Fuck you.”

She hung up, and Brax sighed. He’d long suspected that Alexa had liked Nolan, but she’d always refused to admit it. Guess the secret was out now. Screw her too—just because she’d chosen money over love didn’t mean he had to do the same. He took the bottle of Scotch out of his desk drawer and poured the last remaining drops down his throat, then typed out an email to Meera.

I need another bottle of whisky and a driver. Please.

Fuck, let this be over soon.

CHAPTER 25

THE ASSISTANT

“Leon? How lovely to hear from you.”

I’d hoped it would be Meera. Our long-distance chats had been a lifeline over the past two weeks, but she hadn’t called yesterday. I hoped she was just busy moving into her new place.

“How are you, darling?”

Until we visited, I hadn’t realised Mr. Vale’s mom was English, although he’d told me his father was an American citizen but half-French by birth. Mr Vale’s parents had met in Paris while they were both working there.

“I’m okay.”

“Only okay? Is that son of mine giving you the runaround?”

“Oh, he’s keeping me busy with work.”

“I’m not talking about work.”

“I…I don’t understand.”

“If he hasn’t made his feelings clear already, I’m sure he will in time.”

Hell, what had he told his mom?

“Things are a little difficult right now.”

“Because of Carissa? I never did like that girl.”

“Me neither.” The words just popped out. “Sorry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t speak badly of people.”

“We’ll make an exception for her, my love. You have to trust that Braxton will resolve the issue. But enough of those problems—I’m calling to invite both of you to my birthday celebration.”

“B-both of us?”

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