Chapter 5
Samuel
Tip #5: Keep your plans subtle. If your fake partner finds out you’re scheming on the side, they could label you a “villain in a suit.”
A smirk played on my lips as I swirled a glass of bourbon, the ice clinking with each movement. The rich aroma of the liquor wafted up as I leaned back into the comfortable embrace of my ergonomic computer chair and once again looked at the night sky out the giant windows in my office.
This. This is what victory tasted like.
“Still celebrating your victory with Natalie Mann’s fake relationship proposal?” Miguel’s voice cut through the silence as he sauntered into my office, his terra-cotta–colored skin a healthy tone despite the ghostly lighting of my office.
“You know me too well.” I lifted the glass to my lips and took a slow, deliberate sip. The smoky warmth of the bourbon slid down my throat, igniting a fire in my chest. “I do love to savor my successes.”
“Years of planning, and now everything is falling into place.” Miguel slid his hands into the pockets of his trousers. “She’s letting you get closer, which is exactly the chance you’ve needed.”
“Exactly.” I set my glass of bourbon down on the polished wooden surface of my desk. The thrill of anticipation coursed through me, mingling with the lingering warmth of the liquor, which felt almost as intoxicating as my growing satisfaction.
“Finally,” I said. “I have Natalie exactly where I’ve wanted her.”
Miguel furrowed his brow. “Although are you sure you’re not celebrating too early? You’ve had a breakthrough, and I don’t doubt your abilities, but you’re dealing with Natalie Mann .”
“Relax.” I stood up and prowled up to my executive assistant. “I know what’s at stake here, and I’ll do whatever it takes to come out on top.”
Miguel clenched his jaw. “Even if it means playing dirty?”
“Especially if it means playing dirty,” I said. It wasn’t like I hadn’t bent the rules before, although never quite like this.
Miguel smoothed out his suit jacket. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I grinned and clasped his shoulder. “Thanks for having my back.”
“Always.” Miguel nodded to me before he made his way to the hallway, closing the door to my office behind him.
I wandered back over to my desk and raised my drink. I studied the golden liquid, then raised the glass in a lone toast. “Here’s to you, Natalie. May the best man win—no matter what it takes.”