A Dance with Obsession (The Scottish Billionaire #13)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Fury

The ballroom was packed, a sea of faces staring at me like I was about to drop the mic on the performance of a lifetime. Except I felt more like throwing up. The champagne in my hand was warm, the bubbles long gone. Just like my enthusiasm for this whole farewell party. The fake smiles and forced laughter grated on me. I was ready to get the hell out of there.

"Fury!" Cory's voice sliced through the noisy crowd. "Dude, where have you been? I've been searching everywhere for you."

I turned to see my best friend and business partner weaving through the crowd, Rylee in tow. Their idiotic grins made me smile.

“Jesus, Cory. You’d think I was dying, not moving to New York,” I said, gesturing at the extravagant decorations. “This is a bit much, don’t you think?”

Cory’s dimples deepened as he laughed. “Are you kidding? This is barely enough to celebrate the great Fury Gracen, co-founder of Gracen & McCrae, conqueror of Wall Street!”

I rolled my eyes. “I haven’t conquered shit yet, you moron.”

“Details, details,” Cory waved his hand dismissively. “You will, though. That’s what matters.”

Rylee elbowed him playfully. “Don’t let it go to his head, babe. His ego’s big enough as it is.”

I snorted. “Says the woman who once described me as ‘sex on legs’.”

“Hey!” Rylee’s cheeks flushed. “That was before I knew you. And I was drunk.”

“Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart.” I winked at her, and she stuck her tongue out at me.

Cory wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Alright, alright. Let’s not rehash ancient history. Tonight’s about looking forward, right?”

His words hit me. Forward. Right. To New York. To a whole new life. Suddenly, the room felt too small, too hot.

“You okay, man?” Cory’s brow furrowed. “You look a little pale.”

I forced a smile. “Yeah, just... it’s a lot, you know?”

“I get it,” he nodded, his eyes softening. “Listen, Fury. I know we’ve talked about this a million times, but I want you to know... I’m one hundred percent behind you. This is a big move, and I know it wasn’t an easy decision.”

I swallowed hard, fighting back the lump in my throat. “Thanks, Cory. That... that means a lot.”

He clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re gonna kill it in New York. And hey, if it all goes to shit, you can always come crawling back to sunny California.”

I barked out a laugh. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Anytime, buddy,” he grinned. “Now come on, it’s time for your big speech.”

My stomach dropped. “A speech. Really?”

Rylee snickered. “Sorry, big guy. Price of fame and all that.”

Before I could protest further, Cory was dragging me towards the makeshift stage. The room quieted as we approached, all eyes turning to me. Christ, I’d rather face down an angry mob than this adoring crowd.

Cory tapped the microphone, feedback screeching through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?” His voice boomed across the ballroom. “We’re here tonight to celebrate a man who needs no introduction. My best friend, my business partner, and the reason half of you have jobs - Fury Gracen!”

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. I plastered on my best smile and stepped up to the mic.

“Thank you, thank you,” I said, waiting for the noise to die down. “I gotta say, when Cory told me he was throwing a going-away party, I pictured lukewarm pizza and flat beer in the conference room. Guess I underestimated how much you all love me.” I paused, letting a self-deprecating chuckle escape. “Or maybe you're just happy to see me go.”

Laughter rippled through the audience. I took a deep breath, scanning the faces before me. Colleagues, friends, a few exes... six years of my life condensed into one room.

“Seriously, though,” I continued, my voice softening slightly, “I'm not great at these mushy speeches, but I do want to say thank you. To every single one of you. Gracen & McCrae wouldn't be what it is today without your hard work and dedication. And to Cory...” I turned to my friend, who was beaming at me from the side of the stage. “I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime. You've always had my back, even when I was being a stubborn ass. And hey, thanks for finally letting me ditch the tie.” I loosened the offending neckwear, earning a few appreciative whistles from the crowd.

“As most of you know, I'm heading to New York to oversee our expansion there. It's a big step, and if I'm being honest, it's a little terrifying. But I'm also excited. It's time for a new challenge, a new adventure.” I paused, my gaze sweeping across the familiar faces. “I'm leaving a piece of my heart here in California, but I know I'm leaving things in good hands.” I raised my glass. “To Gracen, McCrae & Palmer, to new beginnings, and to all of you. Cheers!”

The crowd echoed my toast, glasses clinking. I downed my champagne in one gulp, desperate to get off this stage and away from all these expectant faces.

As soon as I stepped down, I was mobbed. Handshakes, backslaps, tearful hugs from the secretaries. It was overwhelming, suffocating. I pasted on a smile and nodded along to their well-wishes, all the while searching for an escape route.

Finally, I spotted a gap in the crowd and made a beeline for the balcony. The cool night air hit me like a blessing, and I gulped it down greedily.

“Needed some air?” A familiar voice made me turn.

Natalie Bishop leaned against the railing, looking stunning in a slinky black dress. My breath caught in my throat.

“Nat,” I managed. “I didn’t know you were here.”

She shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “Rylee invited me. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course,” I nodded, moving to stand beside her. “It’s good to see you.”

We stood in silence for a moment, looking out over the twinkling lights of Palo Alto. It was a view I’d seen a thousand times, but tonight it felt different. Bittersweet.

“So,” Natalie said finally. “New York, huh? Big change.”

I chuckled humorlessly. “You could say that.”

She turned to face me, her hazel eyes searching mine. “Are you excited? Nervous?”

“Both,” I admitted. “Terrified, actually. But don’t tell anyone in there that.”

Natalie laughed softly. “Your secret’s safe with me, Fury Gracen.”

There was a warmth in her voice that made my chest ache. We’d had a brief thing last year, nothing serious. Just two lonely people finding comfort in each other. But standing here with her now, I wondered what might have been if I’d let myself fall.

I watched Natalie’s face in the moonlight, noticing a flicker of sadness in her eyes. It hit me then – she wasn’t just here as Rylee’s friend. She was here for me.

“Fury,” she said softly, her hand brushing against mine on the railing. “I know we said it was just casual, but...”

I tensed, knowing where this was headed. “Nat...”

She leaned in closer, her perfume enveloping me. “Maybe we were too quick to write it off. I’ve been thinking about you, about us.”

My heart raced, a mix of desire and panic. Part of me wanted to pull her close, to lose myself in her warmth one last time. But I knew better. I took a step back, putting some distance between us.

“Natalie, I can’t,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended. “I’m leaving for New York in two days. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us.”

She bit her lip, looking away. “Right. Of course. I just thought... never mind.”

The disappointment in her voice was like a punch to the gut. I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself and the situation.

“Look, Nat, what we had was great. But it was what it was. I’m not in a place for anything more, especially now.”

She nodded, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I get it. Really, I do. I guess I just wanted to see if there was still something there before you left.”

I sighed, leaning back against the railing. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”

“You didn’t,” she said quickly, then paused. “Well, maybe a little. But that’s on me, not you.”

We stood in awkward silence for a moment, the sounds of the party drifting out to us.

“Fury...” she started, but I was already backing away.

“I should get back inside,” I muttered. “Thanks for coming, Nat. Take care of yourself.”

I fled back into the noise and heat of the ballroom, my head spinning when Cory appeared at my elbow. “There you are! Come on, man. It’s time to cut the cake.”

I let him lead me towards a monstrosity of sugar and fondant, shaped like the New York skyline. It was ridiculous and over-the-top and so perfectly Cory.

“You’re insane,” I told him as he handed me a knife.

He grinned. “You love it.”

And damn it, I did. Despite everything, despite the fear and doubt gnawing at my gut, I loved this crazy bastard and the life we’d built together.

As I raised the knife to cut into Lady Liberty’s head, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I fished it out, frowning at the unknown number.

“Fury Gracen,” a smooth voice purred when I answered. “Gavin Manning here. Hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

I blinked, surprised. I’d heard of Gavin Manning, of course. The infamous owner of Club Privé. Who hadn’t? The man was a legend in certain circles. We even crossed paths once years ago.

“Mr. Manning,” I said, stepping away from the cake and the confused looks from Cory and Rylee. “No, not interrupting at all. What can I do for you?”

“Gavin, please,” he chuckled. “I hear you’re setting up shop in my city, Fury. I have a business proposition for you.”

My heart rate kicked up a notch. “I’m listening.”

“Not over the phone,” Gavin said. “But I’ll have a car waiting for you at JFK. The driver will bring you straight to me. What do you say? Interested in hearing me out?”

I hesitated for a split second, then grinned. “Mr. Manning - Gavin. You’ve got yourself a deal.”

As I hung up, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through my veins. This, right here, was why I was going to New York. For opportunities like this. For the chance to prove myself on a whole new playing field.

I turned back to the party, to Cory and Rylee and the ridiculous cake and all these people who believed in me. And for the first time that night, my smile was genuine.

“Alright, folks,” I announced, brandishing the knife. “Who wants a piece of the Big Apple?”

Laughter and cheers erupted around me, a familiar symphony that I knew I'd soon leave behind. I plunged the knife into the cake, severing the ties to my past and embracing the unknown future that awaited me.

New York, here I come.