Chapter 14
DANIELLE
Sleeping with Issac was a mistake, in hindsight. He’s like a lovesick puppy, something I don’t find attractive at all. I was feeling low and needy, and I lost myself for a night.
Now?
I’m not being a bitch, but he’s bombarding me with text messages telling me how beautiful I am, how much he feels for me, and what wallpaper he wants in our future home.
Alright, the last bit is a lie, but sheesh.
If only I felt something more for him.
I sigh heavily, staring at the beautiful view from my new bedroom window.
I say window, but it’s French doors that open up onto a quaint balcony, complete with an iron table and chairs.
The view is my favorite thing so far, views of rolling hills and nothing but blue skies above me.
There’s a swimming pool, which is simply stunning.
It’s not just a square swimming pool; oh no.
It’s a walk-in swimming pool, a sloping white entrance surrounded by rockery and plants at one end, a waterfall on the back wall, and what looks like a hidden cavern at the other end.
I can see myself there.
Otherwise, the house is like a museum.
There’s no sound, no life. Inside it’s bare; of course, the lounge has a TV the size of my old bedroom and a sofa that looks like it doubles as a bed, but otherwise, it’s clinical.
I’m surprised there’s nothing personal here. If this was a game show where you had to guess the owner, you’d not have a clue.
No images on the walls.
Nothing.
It even smells bare. Like a show home destined to never be lived in.
It’s…sad.
My phone beeps again, and I groan inwardly.
I know it’s Issac, but I check it to make sure it’s nothing business-related.
ISSAC: Hey, gorgeous ;) Just a heads up that BJ is in a foul mood. Skies The Limit have gone under, taking 100 mil of our money with them. Yikes! Can’t wait to see you.
My mind flips like pages of a catalogue, my brain sifting for the information I know is valid.
Skies The Limit is owned by an ex-colleague’s father; a family man with nothing but genuine love and passion for his company.
Shit.
What happened?
We can’t afford to lose 100 million, that’s for sure.
Tearing my eyes from the view, I head downstairs to see if I can get to the office to help Blake.
Maybe I can call someone, see if I can salvage this somehow. Deep voices from the kitchen make me stop in my tracks.
“No, Issac. I’m not saving him from bankruptcy for fuck’s sake. This isn’t a charity—it’s a business.”
Blake sure is pissed, but I know I can help. I groan internally when Issac's eyes light up at the sight of me, instead focusing on Blake, who’s scowling from behind a beer bottle.
I’m temporarily blinded by his presence; the pissed off expression he’s wearing somehow suits him better than any smile I’ve seen on anyone else. His eyes close, and he leans his head against the fridge, sucking on his beer bottle as I stare, riveted.
“Danni.” Issac brushes his lips on my cheek, dropping his hand to my waist as Blake frowns.
Yeah. It’s intimate as fuck, and I’m not sure how to deal with it myself.
“Hey.” I smile, moving away from Issac’s embrace before clearing my throat.
Blake stares between us, and I ignore Issac’s confused expression.
I’m not doing this with him right now.
“Skies The Limit, right? Issac told me they fell through.”
Blake is glaring at Issac already, but now it’s even more loaded.
“Yup.” Blake pops the P, draining the rest of his beer.
“I know the owner.”
Blake lifts his eyes to mine, arching a brow curiously. “Oh?”
“He’s a nice guy. He loved that company; something bad must’ve happened. Shall I talk to him?”
Blake looks at me blankly. “What for?”
I glance at Issac before continuing, noting the subtle shake of his head warning me from pissing Blake off any further. “To see if we can help. We’ve already invested so much money—”
Blake slams his beer bottle on the table, looming over me as he bows his head, exhaling heavily. “What is it with you two and being fucking heroes?”
“Soulmates,” Issac quips, winking at me.
Blake snaps his head in his direction, the smile on Issac’s lips fading beneath his steely glare. “Hilarious.”
“It’s not about being heroic, Blake,” I say, pushing my hair behind my ear.
I have to be brave—if nothing else—I need to be his partner in the business. He has to respect that.
“It’s about business sense.”
Blake stares at me, a bitter chuckle leaving his mouth. “Is it, my darling wife? How, please tell, is this business sense? Giving more money to a dying company that’s sinking with enough of our money?” His nostrils flare, his eyes wide with fury.
Why is he so beautiful when he’s being an arrogant prick?
“Because, Blake,” I start calmly, placing my hands on my hips, making sure I’m standing tall. This fucker will not make me feel like I’m anything other than his equal. “We can offer them more to help them out, and then when they’re back on their feet, we can withdraw.”
“Callous,” Blake drawls.
This time it’s my turn to frown.
What the fuck did he say?
“What?” I demand, stepping closer to him.
“I said that’s callous, sweetheart. Hardly the reputation you want in business.”
Blake drags his eyes over my body, not a flicker of emotion on his face.
“I thought I was the savage.”
Pursing my lips together, I narrow my eyes at him. “It wouldn’t cost one hundred million.”
“No, it’d be more. As I said, sinking ship,” Blake snaps, throwing an exasperated look my way. “Just leave it to me, will you?”
“But I’m your partner!”
Blake pinches the bridge of his nose, waving a hand at me dismissively. “Excuse me. I need some air,” Blake grits out, storming out of the kitchen.
I’m trembling from our dispute, and when Issac touches my shoulder, I jump a mile.
“Hey, it’s me. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. He’ll never see me as his partner,” I reply, watching Blake fall onto one of the loungers by the pool. He tugs off his cufflinks, throwing them onto the table beside him.
“He will. You’re good at what you do, Danni.” Issac smiles, wrapping his arms around my waist.
Oh God. I wish he’d stop calling me that.
I relax into his arms without meaning to, and his lips dance down the side of my cheek, inching closer to my lips.
“Issac, I don’t want to lead you on any more than I already have…” I whisper, my eyes meeting his apologetically.
Issac doesn’t respond; instead he drops his mouth to my lips, wrapping his arms around me.
“Can you try?” Issac mumbles, stroking my face.
“I don’t think so,” I admit, pulling away. The devastation on his face breaking me. “I’m just…”
“Married.” The voice behind me is bitter and cold. “But don’t mind me. Use whichever bedroom you want to fuck my wife.”
I whirl around to see Blake lifting more beer bottles from the fridge.
“Blake,” Issac starts, but Blake cuts him off.
“I’m serious.” Blake’s eyes meet mine, and there are silent words spoken that I can’t hear.
What are you saying, Blake?
His expression softens for a brief second, but then his shoulders shrug. “Do what you like, just not in public. I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”
With that, he leaves the room.
Great.