Chapter 1

Damn it, I shouldn't have gotten so drunk last night, knowing I'm in a meeting with my dad in less than two hours. Groaning, I turn off my alarm and drag myself into the shower. I don't usually mind getting up early, but I guess I had one too many whiskeys last night. If it hadn't been for my best friend Tyler's 50th birthday, I'd have controlled myself.

Well, now I have to get through the day with a throbbing headache, which will probably double as soon as I get to that meeting with my dad, damn it! My friends just have to make sure I lose it for once by telling me to relax. That's what I manage to do.

To avoid staining my pants and white shirt, I decide to have breakfast before getting dressed. Knowing I've somewhat derailed my workout plan this week with last night's burgers and drinks, I opt for decent nutrition this morning: a bowl of oatmeal with mixed fruit and some nuts. After work, I'm definitely hitting the gym tonight.

As I drink my coffee, my phone vibrates in front of me. Without even looking at it, I know it's either my dad or my secretary.

Dad: Don't forget the meeting, it's important! And don't be late!

Since when have I missed a meeting or been too late? I have no idea why this crap is bothering me. I've been running half of that damn company for almost two years. Before he calls, I decide to answer quickly; I don't need to hear his voice at 10:00 in the morning.

Me: I'll be there as always!

I grew up in this company; even in high school, I was already earning my place. As soon as I finished college, I joined the company and was already developing my own branches. Although my father and I share the same building, it's more like cooperating than running a single company. He has his departments and I've mine, most of which I even developed myself.

I quickly put on my gray trousers, white button-down shirt, and dark red tie. Knowing my tattoos show a little under the white shirt, I slip on my matching tailored jacket to conceal them. My father wouldn't appreciate them being on full display at a meeting, even if those tattoos do work beneath me.

A little while later I wonder if I should get another coffee for the commute, but no way am I risking spilling it on my Porsche. Navigating London traffic is a nightmare, and with my head already spinning, it certainly doesn't help, and I'm not exactly known for my patience.

I honk the horn angrily as a damn red Mustang cuts me off, making me run the next red light. Even though I still have time, people like that drive me crazy.

As I pull into the parking level of my main building, I couldn't believe my eyes. That damn red Mustang had just pulled into my parking space. Without turning off the engine, I yank open the door and stride toward the idiot who had just taken my spot. The door opened, and to my surprise, the idiot was a young woman about to get out of the car.

"Hey, it's bad enough that you don't know how to drive your car properly, but this is my damn parking lot, so move it!"My voice is stern and definitely lets him know how angry I'm right now.

Her head lifts, and for a second I see confusion cross her face before her eyes shift to my car.

She straightens up as she stands in front of me. My eyes begin to scan her, but her enormous coat gives nothing away, nothing to distract me from the fact that she's about to steal my parking spot.

"Get back in that car and move, damn it,"I say in my authoritative voice, letting her know I won't tolerate it.

Her face twists into an arrogant smile as she replies,"Hey, first of all, I didn't see any sign in this parking lot saying it belongs to anyone. And second, look who's talking about driving properly. You drive a damn Porsche, don't drive it like some grandma's car. That poor car needs to be treated right. I knew exactly what I was doing, or do you see any damage to any of our cars?"

Did he just say I drive like a granny? He can't have been serious.

There's no damage because I braked hard and I know how to drive. And there doesn't need to be a damn sign in that parking lot, because everyone here knows who I am and that it's mine.

I can't believe I'm arguing with this spoiled brat over a parking space. I bet her dad gave her the car for her birthday or something, and she's used to getting what she wants by pulling strings. Not with me.

"Well, as long as there's no sign, I don't care. There's a free parking space, just three cars further on. I suppose your spoiled brat can take those extra ten steps."

While my blood is boiling at this bitch's audacity, she just turns to walk away. No way! I grab her wrist and raise my voice.

"Do you have any idea who the hell you are talking to?"

She doesn't seem bothered at all; instead, she swats my hand away, keeps walking, and only turns her head toward me while huffing."I don't care who the hell you are, but touch me one more time and you'll know me. And now I've work waiting for me."

With that, she leaves, leaving me panting and furious, watching her long, red ponytail swing back and forth. Who does she think she is? No one has ever dared to speak to me like that. As I walk back to the car, I can't believe I'm actually getting it back and driving it to the free parking lot she mentioned.

It's not that walking those extra ten steps hurt, it's the fact that she took mine and had the audacity to stand still even after I demanded she move, that really angers me.

Knowing I'm not in a very good mood, I decide to stop by the coffee machine first, before going to my office to get my notebook and all the papers I need for the meeting. As always, Gina is already waiting in front of the machine, her eyes wide; she looks desperate. If she weren't such a good secretary, I'd have fired her a long time ago.

"Are you ready for the meeting, Mr. Samires?"she asks me in her high-pitched voice, giving me even more of a headache.

If my dad hasn't changed everything at the last minute again, then I should be fine. Just give me an aspirin, please. Oh, and Gina, please stop talking about Mr. Samires; I'm not my dad. How many times do I have to tell you?

"I'm sorry, Martin, it's just... you know...""Oh my God, please shut up!"I interrupted her, and I'm almost certain I saw her drooling as she said my name.