Chapter 2

MYKEL

She’s fucking hot!

Stunning. Exquisite.

Before the situation became awkward, I made my point and left the woman after our quick sex. I was a one-night kind of guy. Most people knew that. I was a busy person; making my own empire and relationship was not my priority for the next ten years or more. Of course, a man still had needs once and a while. I was still a human in need of a woman’s touch.

Then I saw someone walking out of Knox’s apartment. I was even shocked to discover that the woman I had with was living just next door, but I had no time to back out and change my mind. She made me hard, and she was a willing lay.

In the next second, I was following the woman. She was short to be my type, even if she wore fuck-me-high-heels, but damn. There was something about her that triggered something inside me. I couldn’t take a good look at her face, but I knew by heart she was stunning, like a million-dollar piece of art. The more it got old, the more the value became pricey.

My heart began racing as I joined her in the elevator. I was immediately hit with the scent of her. Her smell was like an expensive perfume, and I knew when I smelled one.

The fascinating woman looked delicate and classy in a red V-neck dress that hugged her curves in the right places. She may not have a body like a model, but for me, she was perfect. I knew a woman’s body pretty well. I had a pretty share of models and celebrities, but this one was different in so many ways, making her more intriguing, sophisticated, and remarkable.

But my mouth and my brain did not play along pretty well.

When she started talking, her voice was sexy as I had imagined, and it was too late to play nice. But the good part had yet to come—she didn’t have any idea who I was.

After she left in the cab, I took a photo of the license plate and sent it to Sax Ryder, my bodyguard.

My phone vibrated right away after the message was sent.

“What do you want me to do with this, boss?” he asked as a greeting.

“Ask for the last passenger’s address. A woman. Tell them you have to return something she left in your apartment.”

“Do I need to pick you up?”

“No. Find out who the woman is and report it to me as soon as you find something.” Because somehow, I felt like I knew her.

“Got it. Do you want me to return what she left?”

“No. She didn’t leave anything.”

There was a few seconds of silence before he replied, “I see. I’ll call you soon, boss.”

“Good. Thanks.”

As soon as I arrived at my penthouse, I received the info I was asking for. I didn’t know how Sax found out about her quickly. Needless to say, I was impressed with his resourcefulness.

“Adley Xael Kross.” Her name was as sweet as a vintage wine. “Kross, huh? What a small world.” A smirk spread across my lips.

I quickly searched her name on social media, where you could easily find everyone you wanted to look for. I found her right away. Her personal account was not yet verified, but her business account was.

I felt like I had just found the golden pot at the rainbow’s end.

I dialed my assistant. I didn’t usually barge her at this hour, but I needed a huge favor, and it couldn’t wait. It had been long overdue, and now it was a perfect time.

“Elise, I know I’m so sorry.” I made sure there was a lace of guilt in my voice.

“Do you want me to drive you home?” She sounded like she had just woken up, and I felt guilty even more. Elise was one of the first people I hired into my wing. She was like a sister I never had with whom I could share my secrets and heartaches, and she wouldn’t judge.

“No. I’m already home. But I want you to hire someone to design the office here in my loft.”

“I thought you don’t want an office and bring your work home.”

“I changed my mind. I know I mostly worked on my laptop when I was home, but I realize an office comes in handy, and it’s not such a bad idea, is it?” I didn’t know why I had to explain, maybe because I had something up on my sleeves.

“You came up with this idea just right now, at this time?” She groaned.

“I know we had an agreement. No late-night calls, but you can do this in the morning.”

“Then why can’t it wait until morning?”

“I’m sorry, Elise.”

“Save the guilt trip. It’s fine. Anyway, I know good interior designers. I’d been following them on their IG business account. Just tell me if you have any specific instructions, ideas, or price margin?”

“I’d be there to suggest.”

“Why? Since when do you have time, I’m-a-busy-capitalist-no-time-for-bs?”

I chucked. “It’s personal to me.”

“Whatever. Call you in the morning.”

“Don’t hire interior designers. I got it covered. Sending you the link.” I sent it to her email.

“Got it.”

Seconds later, she sounded surprised. “What the hell?”

“What’s wrong?”

“How did you find K&B Designs?”

“You know it?”

“Seriously, Creed. They’re the one I was talking about,” she said gleefully. “They work magic. And you’d love your new home office. Trust me.”

Well, what a coincidence, right? I might believe in destiny bullshit after all. “I guess we have the same taste then. See you later.”

“I’m getting paid on the weekend, Creed.”

“Fine, little bully.”

***

I had just received a message from Elise that she was on her way, and I couldn’t wait to see the reaction on Adley’s face upon seeing me after calling me names last night.

If I was being honest, I deserved it. I just thought Knox didn’t deserve her. So did I. And I was the last person she should think about sleeping with, but I was a greedy and selfish bastard. So either she had me, or she would remain single for the rest of her life. And this was just the beginning.

My doorbell just went off.