Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

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L evon

I shuffled off the plane after a line of people, following the penguin-like motions of the other passengers. As I pulled my bag behind me, I listened to the cacophony of the airport: cell phones rang in every direction, conversations breezed past me, and announcements echoed in the crowded space. Once I was past the collection of people at the gate, I made my way toward the main area of the airport.

I wandered along the walkway leading me through pockets of people. I could smell the delightful food being cooked in every direction and became absorbed by the fact that my stomach hadn't had a good meal in a minute. The scent of freshly-cooked pizza caught my attention the most.

“Levon!”

I perked up to find my sister, Jen, waving excitedly across the food court. I picked up my speed and dropped my rolling bag's handle in favor of opening my arms. She fell into me immediately. “I can't believe you're back!”

I laughed. “Why's that so hard to believe?”

“Well, you are always traveling.”

“You're not wrong.”

I embraced her, inhaling the familiar scent of her vanilla shampoo. She sighed as she circled her arms around me and buried her face into my chest.

“Just like when you were a kid,” I commented. “You always do that hug.”

“It's because I've missed you!”

“I know, kiddo. How's everything going?”

She pulled back and smiled, looping her arm with mine. “Everything is going well. We're really gearing up for my wedding.”

“When is it again?”

“In about three weeks.”

I whistled. “I still can't believe my baby sister is getting married.”

“Hey, I'm not a baby anymore.”

I chuckled as I grabbed the arm of my rolling bag. “Clearly.”

“I'm looking forward to spending time with you— real time. You're always on the go and it's hard to catch you in between countries.”

“I have been busy lately. But I swear I'm here for a while. Checotah is no Paris, but it'll do for now.”

She giggled and punched my arm playfully. “You always did have expensive taste.”

“Hey, it's not every day you get to enjoy a croissant with a glass of wine next to the Eiffel Tower. There's no better view. Once you have it, you don't want anything else.”

“You're such a joker.”

I chuckled. “Didn't fall for it this time, did you?”

“I never do.”

“Let me know if you need any help with the wedding. I'm happy to be of service. It's been a while since I've been in one.”

“Well, the good news is that the traditional wedding hasn't changed much since you left.”

“Thank God for that.”

She laughed. “Although I would like to do things a certain way. You could help me with setting everything up and making sure everyone is on the same page.”

“I think I can handle that.”

“I figured my successful older brother who basically works for himself would be the perfect person to boss people around.”

I eyed her carefully. “Me? Bossy? You must be kidding.”

“You're the one who had the fortitude to go out into the world. I'm sure you can handle some groomsmen and bratty bridesmaids.”

“Ugh, not bratty .”

She laughed. “I promise it'll be a breeze!”

“You're really lucky you're my sister.”

“And why's that?”

“Because I would literally kill for you.”

She smiled warmly and tugged me closer as we leisurely walked toward the doors leading out into the town of Checotah, OK.

I sighed contentedly. “It's good to be home.”

“It's good to have you home.”

“How's everyone been holding up?”

She shrugged. “They're doing as well as they can. Everyone has been stressed out with the wedding and, honestly, same. I'm not really sure what I'm doing.”

“Well, I'm here and we'll figure it out together.”

She beamed. “Thanks, Levon.”

“Of course, little bean.”

“Ugh, that old nickname.”

I guffawed. “It's been a minute. Don't I get a free pass on the cutest nickname in the world?”

“Maybe only three times a week.”

“Wow, only three times? I must be lucky.”

She laughed. “You must be lucky to be my brother.”

“I feel pretty lucky to be your brother.”

“You'll feel even luckier when you get back to the house.”

“Is it all done up for the bridesmaids?”

She chuckled. “Not yet, silly. That's not for another few weeks. I think Mom is going to get things going soon, but I told her not to worry yet.”

“That's fair. You wouldn't want to overwhelm yourself.”

“Well, now that you're here, I feel less overwhelmed.”

I squeezed her arm lovingly. “Good. I just want to help and I'm glad I've already started!”

We walked through the automatic doors and I inhaled the fresh air of my hometown. A breeze greeted me as we made our way up the sidewalk to the parking garage. Jen led the way, seemingly happy that I was back. She even had a pep in her step. I glanced down at her legs.

“I've almost forgotten how short you are,” I teased. “Are you sure you've grown at all in the past five years?”

“You're such a joker.”

“I mean it! You look like you've even gotten shorter than before!”

She punched my arm again. “Don't start all that. You're in for it if you do!”

“Oh, no, I'm shaking!”

We fell into chuckles as we approached her red Honda. The car beeped as she unlocked the doors and popped the trunk, allowing me to toss my rolling bag and backpack inside. When she secured the trunk, we hopped into her car.

“Wow, you really never quit with the vanilla theme, eh?” I joked as I played with the air freshener dangling from the rear view mirror. It was in the shape of a heart. “Even your shampoo is the same.”

“It works for me. I figured I'd use it for everything.”

“And Ryan hasn't complained?”

She shook her head proudly. “In fact, he gets me the same bottle of perfume every year for the holidays.”

“Lucky you.”

“Lucky him to have found me, right? I'm the easiest person to shop for.”

I laughed. “You're not wrong.”

“So, do you want to stop for food on the way? There's half-priced burgers at Sonic until 4.”

“I could totally go for a burger.”

“Not on any fancy European diets?”

I chuckled as she maneuvered the car out of the parking space and made her way around the garage. She drove us to the exit, paid her ticket, and then took a right toward town. I listened to the hum of the vehicle as it picked up speed.

I smiled at the passing scenery. “Some things never change.”

“More has changed than you think. The town has been buzzing with conversation.”

“Oh, what about?”

“That high school sweetheart of yours.”

I frowned as I leaned against the palm of my head, focusing my eyes on the passing trees and shrubbery rather than looking at Jen. “I don't feel like talking about that.”

“I know, but it's the hot topic right now.”

“Then, I'll pass.”

“Aren't you the one who broke it off?”

I rolled my eyes. “No, it was my traveling that did that.”

“So, in the end, it was you.”

“Technically, it was her.”

“There's only so much people can handle, Levon. And she's part of my wedding whether you like it or not. We are friends, you know.”

“I know and I've always respected that.”

I turned to take a peek at her and she nodded, adding a smile as she said, “It'll be fine, okay? I promise. I won't say another word if you really don't want me to.”

“I don't want you to.”

“I respect that.”

I took her hand and squeezed it with all the brotherly love I could muster. “Thanks, little bean.”

“Of course, bro. We're getting close to the restaurant. Can I cover it this time?”

“No, it's my turn.”

She shook her head with a chuckle. “Last I checked, it was my turn.”

“No, last I was here, you paid for our tacos before I boarded my flight. Remember? The ones from the food court that had so little cheese that you complained?”

She hummed. “Well, I'll be. That memory was hidden away behind my hunger.”

“So, it's my turn.”

She laughed. “Alright, I know not to argue with my brother. Where were you in Europe? You smell like patchouli and stuff.”

“That must have been the guy next to me. He had an immaculate beard.”

“Oh, really? How immaculate?”

“Like it fell into his lap. That's how immaculate it was.”

She giggled as she pulled up to the drive-thru speaker. “Tell me what you want now or forever hold your peace.”

“Speaking of, do you have your vows ready?” I leaned over the center console to get a better view of the menu. Once I had my order in mind, I added. “I'll have a number one, add bacon, and a Dr. Pepper.”

“You got it.”

“So, your vows?”

She shrugged. “I've got a few lines written, but I haven't done anything fancy with them.”

“Do you need help with that?”

“I never took you for a poet,” she teased as she rolled down the window.

As she stated our order into the speaker, I leaned back in my seat, waiting for her to be finished.

“Anyway,” she said. “I guess I could use your help.”

“I was in Rome for a little while. I met a poet there. He helped me get some of the basics down.”

“What were you in Rome for?”

“The company sent me there to meet a few potential clients.”

“Yeah? How did it go?”

I laughed. “Well, we drank a good bit, but they liked us in the end.”

“I bet their wine is delicious.”

“Oh, beyond. Their dishes are incredible, too. I think I gained like ten pounds.”

She giggled. “You poor thing! I bet this burger won't help.”

“It won't, but I'm not too worried about it.”

“I bet gaining a little weight didn't stop you from meeting someone.”

I rolled my eyes. “Jen, I don't have time for a relationship.”

“That's because you still haven't gotten over Clara.”

“Hey, you can't prove that.”

She nodded her head knowingly while pulling up to the second window. I handed her my credit card which she passed to the drive-thru attendant. When she handed it back, it came with a long receipt. I shoved it into my wallet along with my card. She pulled up to the next window and we sat in silence for a moment as we waited for our food.

“No, I can't prove it,” she admitted. “But I know you. I know how you felt about her.”

“She was my high school sweetheart.”

“Exactly—that sort of feeling doesn't really go away.”

I ran my fingers through my short, dark hair. “It's been so long, Jen. I don't think there's anything left between us.”

“I mean, you might be right about that. I hear her boyfriend is about to propose.”

“I told you not to tell me anything.”

“Well, you were bound to hear it from someone, so it might as well be me, right?”

I shrugged. “I guess I'm happy for her.”

“You would be happy if you had someone.”

“I would be happy either way. I am happy. She deserves to be happy.”

She nodded. “I believe that, too. You really didn't meet anyone in Europe? It's been such a long time, Levon. Like since Clara, it's been . . .”

I sighed. “Yes, it's been a while.”

“Well, I hope that in these next few weeks you get to meet somebody just for you. Who knows? Maybe one of my bridesmaids will step up to the plate.”

I laughed heartily. “I don't think any of your bridesmaids will prefer a man who travels as much as I do.”

“Hey, some people don't mind all that!”

“I don't know. That's what broke up Clara and I. I figure there will be other women who will also mind my job.”

Jen shrugged as she accepted the bag and drinks from the drive-thru attendant. She handed it to me and took off, heading down the familiar main road toward town.

She smiled at me. “Well, there's someone for everyone. Heck, anything can happen when a wedding happens, right? Maybe there will be a spark.”

I sighed as I stared out the window. “Yeah, maybe . . .”