Dear Ex, Your Billionaire Uncle Is Mine Free Preview

Sierra’s Pov

6:30 p.m.

Panic gripped my chest as I grabbed the pink dress from the counter and rushed into the changing room.

I caught a glimpse of Violet, my assistant, pacing the room in heels. Each sharp click was a sound of disapproval.

That was Violet’s silent language for: You're late again.

I got the message.

But I didn't need the reminder.

Brandon hadn't texted me all day, and the silence unsettled me more than I wanted to admit.

Only minutes ago, my stepmother had stood in the hallway, her back straightened and her red lips parted in a warning:

“Sierra, need I remind you for the umpteenth time that the progression of your relationship with the Carr heir is of immense importance to your father and myself?”

She’d opened a black lace fan and waved it with visible disgust.

“I paid good money for the scoop that Brandon bought an engagement ring yesterday. I expect perfection. Smile. Accept the ring. Don't mess this up. Nod if you understand.”

My throat burned but I nodded anyway. I wanted to tell her that I loved him, that this wasn't ambition. But the words wouldn't come. Maybe because deep down, I knew all it would do was make Rose furious.

“I won't let you down,” I whispered, despite my trembling hands. She’d turned to leave or so I thought.

I’d barely exhaled in relief when Rose stormed right back in, and circled the makeup artist.

“More blush on her cheeks, please? She’s as white as a day-old ghost!”

I was already thirty-one minutes late for the biggest night of my life, and Brandon Carr didn't tolerate delays.

He detested them.

We’d been dating for seven months, and he’d made his expectations painfully clear. He’d even had his secretary write them down and sent the list to the house on the very first day.

No lateness.

No wardrobe emergencies.

No last-minute changes.

He’d pick out whatever dress he wanted me to wear and have it delivered at least a week before the event. Any mistake on my part would result in him giving me the silent treatment for days… sometimes, weeks.

Back then I thought it was romantic, being wanted so precisely. But now I didn’t know anymore.

I could only hope that Brandon was too busy welcoming guests and making introductions to notice my absence.

It was a long shot… I knew. But I hoped.

“You look exquisite as always, Ma’am,” Violet said the instant I stepped out. “Now we only need to get you in the car and we'll be there in no time.”

My cheeks became warm at her compliment.

Violet always knew the right things to say, but I didn’t want her tagging along tonight. The poor girl already had dark circles underneath her eyes and her posture dropped beneath the weight of exhaustion.

“Thank you, Vee. But I mentioned earlier that you should go home. I'll handle the rest.”

Violet hesitated, adjusting her glasses.

And I sighed. She was impossible.

“What is it now?” I asked.

“I know you said to go home…but I stayed back just to go with you. I...”

I nodded as I made my way to the car. I didn't have the time for this.

“Fine, you should come.”

—

I should’ve known something was wrong when Brandon didn’t reach for my hand.

He never missed a chance to perform. Never let me forget that we were on display.

“Amazing, babe. Let them see those diamonds I just got you,” he’d say. “No, babe. Look right. Ah, perfect!”

Later he’d say:

“Good job tonight baby.”

And I’d smile. Always. Because he liked it that way. No questions asked. Tonight, he’d seen me come in and didn't even acknowledge me or reach for my hands to kiss them.

I guess I deserved it for being so late and so I sat in a corner with Violet and simply stared at my cocktail. But my hands wouldn't stop shaking.

The ballroom was filled to the brim, and I couldn't breathe. I detested the stares, the whispers, and the suffocating need to perform.

I stiffened, as I realized I needed air.

I ran my slender fingers through my dress, Brandon’s pick of course and stood up to go outside. Then I spotted him. Walking towards me.

Looking as dashing as always in his customized navy suit.

I smiled at him.

But he didn't return it.

Instead, he took my hand and, saying nothing, led me to the center of the room. His grip was unusually cold. Like I was walking toward an execution in heels.

Was this it? Was he about to propose? My chest began to heave but I forced myself to focus on him.

Focus, Sierra. Smile.

Someone handed him a microphone and my smile vanished as the ballroom grew quiet. All eyes were on us.

Brandon cleared his throat.

“May I have your attention, everyone?” He began, and I began to sweat.

This was it. My moment. Just like Rose always wanted, and I hoped she was watching.

Smile, Sierra, remember.

Brandon continued:

“I just wanted to say this and make it clear to everyone before it becomes misinterpreted. Sierra and I are no longer an item.”

The floor shifted and I couldn’t breathe. Someone laughed or maybe it was the sound of my heart, breaking.

Gasps, including mine filled the room.

And I stared at him in shock, too stunned to speak.

I blinked. Unsure I’d heard right.

“What?!”

He walked past me then, still holding the microphone.

“Sierra is beautiful and incredibly talented, but she’s not the right fit for the Carr legacy. I wish her all the best, moving forward.”

Then he turned and winked at me and I nearly choked.

“Brandon, what the hell is this?”

I demanded as I managed to reach for him.

“If this is one of your media stunts, you better stop...”

But he flung my hands and walked away. Flashlights caught my face, standing right where he’d placed me.

In disgrace. Abandoned in front of everyone who mattered.

Then I saw her… Vanessa Grant.

The Mayor’s daughter.

And my childhood best friend.

Standing across the room, smiling as Brandon took her hand.

Wearing the same dress I had on, but in red.

The same dress Brandon had picked out for me a week ago.

Vanessa was still smiling as she held onto his shoulder, whispering something I couldn’t hear. There and then, I staggered backwards as I realized that it wasn't just betrayal.

They’d planned this. Strategically.

With an audience.

And with me as the show.

Sierra’s Pov

I rolled my eyes.

Everyone drank alcohol like it was water here and the air reeked of perfume, sweat and delusion. The bass sounded against my pulse as bodies swayed.

I’d hesitated when my cousin, Juan, recommended the club over the phone.

The moment he heard what had happened, he insisted, “You need a distraction, Mi amor, and you won’t find it wailing at home.”

So I’d dismissed Violet and the chauffeur and ordered a cab instead. Whether it was smart or stupid, I didn't care.

All I knew was that this bar? It was better than going home.

I couldn't go there…not like this and certainly not after I’d failed Dad.

I’d pick being in a coma over seeing the disappointed look on Rose’s face.

“She’s not a fit for the Carr name.”

Brandon’s voice sounded in my head, and goose bumps rose on my arms.

They were the exact words he’d said in front of everyone, right before he’d discarded me like damaged goods.

I laughed, almost choking. Not a fit? More like I was a dress that wasn't his size anymore.

And Vanessa?

God. We’d been what? Best friends since the fifth grade. Was the engagement ring for Vanessa? Had Brandon ever intended to propose to me at all?

I nodded. No, I couldn't process all that had happened just yet.

Not the betrayal or the humiliation. I ran a hand through the ruffles in my dress, like it would somehow iron out the mess inside of me.

I downed a shot of tequila as I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill.

It burned, but it was just the thing I needed.

That's when I saw him.

A tall broad shouldered man in a black suit. His shirt was undone and he looked slightly older than my twenty-one years. I looked at his watch, a classic leather piece and sighed.

“Is this seat taken?” he asked, his voice low and rich. I blinked at him, at a loss for words.

Good thing the tequila made me numb. Maybe it was the dull ache in my chest that had followed me from the ballroom.

Damn it, I didn't know. But this man was fucking hot.

So hot that I could feel warmth creep into my cheeks.

Embarrassed that I was ogling him, I closed my eyes and peeked again, this time, very subtly. But he was still there.

Only now, he didn't ask again. He sat beside me like it was nothing, with a calmness that felt dangerous and powerful.

He slid a glass he’d just ordered my way.

Something red and really shiny.I shifted in my seat as I stared at him, confused.

Then he leaned in and I shivered slightly, but it was not from the cold.

“It's not tequila,” he whispered as his fingers grazed the table and without thinking, I reached for it.

My fingers brushed his slightly and I felt tingling in my chest. I paid it no mind and gulped it down in one clean move.

“Rough night?”

His voice was overly low and hot.

I burst out laughing. But he didn't interrupt me.

“You don't know the half of it, trust me. You see, I was supposed to be engaged tonight. Instead, I got dumped in front of my perfect step mother, a jazz band and loads of people that felt like the whole damn city.”

He shook his head slightly, and I wondered if he’d heard a word I’d said.

“I do hope you let the jerk go? You deserve better.” He returned and I blinked.

Perhaps he was right? Or not.

He hadn't even offered a “Sorry.”

He chuckled.

“Yup he doesn't deserve you,” He said, and raised his drink to his lips.

Taken aback, I smiled. My first, in ten hours. Just who was this man? He looked devilishly handsome and dangerous and I found myself leaning in closer.

His eyes scanned mine, so I lowered my head.

“Are you married?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“You first.” He said as he raised his glass.

“Nah.”

“Why not?”

“Because I won't come searching for you in weeks to come if I end up regretting this.”

“I’m not married. But I don't understand.” He said, his face a mask of confusion. “Regret what exactly?”

Maybe it was the shot. Or the fact that someone else looked at me like I meant something. Either way, it didn't matter.

“This.”

I leaned in and kissed him, just slightly.

He froze at first, then responded, parting his lips ever so slowly, I could taste chocolate and grapes on his soft lips.

Then he pulled away, like he’d just been burned by fire.

Without a word, he took off his jacket and placed it on my shoulders. Then slowly helped me up before calling for the bartender.

“The lady needs a room, she’s drunk.”

“Your suite is ready, sir. Should I take her?”

“No, I've got her. Thanks, Matt.”

I crossed my arms.

Looking every bit the child who’d been denied candy.

“I know you think I’m drunk, I'm not. Maybe a little tipsy, yes. But I assure you, I'm in the right frame of mind,” I tried my best to assure him.

“Right, the exact thing a drunk would say,” he muttered and I rolled my eyes.

Suddenly the idea of his suite seemed appealing. If anything, I dreaded going home tonight.

So I chuckled.

“Fine, lead the way to this suite of yours, kind sir!”

I followed him quietly, without complaint.

—

The suite was spacious and elegant. Like something out of a dream. Where money had no need to show off. Again, who the hell was this man?

I collapsed on the bed, the world was slightly shaky, but it felt safer here than anywhere else. My phone and Rose could wait.

As for my shame? I’d pick it up tomorrow.

“There’s a clean t-shirt on the bed, I will leave you to change,” he said, as he stepped back. “If you need me, I'll be in the opposite suite.”

But then, he was so close and that kiss had me heated up… Images of the kiss resurfaced, his warm but soft lips and his pinewood cologne enveloped my reasoning.

Suddenly I realized I didn't want the distance.I wondered what my mother would say if she could see me now.

I nodded.

She was dead. So it didn't matter.

Not anymore. I reached for his wrist, and drew him closer.

“Please… let’s have sex,” I whispered, surprising even myself.

He drew back, visibly startled by my bold words. His ashen eyes narrowed.

“You do not know what it is you’re saying. You’re drunk and can't…”

Was he saying that to himself or me?

“This isn't the drunk me talking, I promise,” I cut in, quickly. “ I just want this. To feel free, with you.”

And as I said the words I wondered if I knew what it was I was doing because I cannot seem to stop.

He took a step back like he was trying to hold back something, his voice low.

“Freedom can burn if you aren't careful,” he whispered and I rolled my eyes at him.

“I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you? I don't think you know what it is you’re asking for,” he repeated, his voice husky now and his gaze daring.

“And what if I do?” I leaned in even closer and traced my fingers over his wrist as he drew in a sharp breath.

He took a step closer, closing the distance between us as his eyes grew darker.

“Then I’d say…” he whispered. His eyes held mine like he was warning me, glowing with something dangerous.

“Be careful what you wish for.”

His voice was low and sinfully hot.

He said it like he knew exactly what happened to girls who got too close to fire.

Sierra’s Pov

“Not while I'm looking at what I want,” I whispered, my breath hot against his ear as I tightened my hold on him.

“And your name?”

God damn, why did the man ask so many questions? I wasn't broken, just tired. Tired of pretending. Tired of being a pushover.

I just wanted him to make me forget tonight, forget Brandon, forget the disappointed look on Rose’s face. Was that really too much to ask for?

“Does it matter? We both know it doesn't.”

“No names then?”

“Exactly. Less talk, more doing,” I replied, my voice surprisingly loud and firm.

I wanted this. I’d been prim and proper all my life. And where had that gotten me? Heartbroken and abandoned.

I’d have this night, at least… and this Zeus-looking man too.

He held on to my hips as his voice became seductively low against my neck.

“When I begin, Princess, there will be no going back.”

My breath caught as chills ran down my spine.

Good. I didn't want to go back either. I wanted all he had to offer, needed all of him. I licked his ear then, my voice hot and seductive.

“Then stop holding back. I want it all.”

He froze. Just for a moment, like my words had penetrated him in a way. Then he moved. He pulled off his jacket and shirt, and turned to help me out of the heavy pink dress, leaving me in just my bra and panties.

I didn't object when he lifted me into his arms and made for the bed. Instead, I closed my eyes.

In this moment, I felt unchained and free. Like I was floating on air.

It was only when my back hit the soft bed that I opened my eyes. He stood over me, simply watching.

“I…” I began, not sure of what I meant to say.

“Shhhh,” he whispered, his eyes dark with hunger as he reached for the waistband of my panties.

“I wanted to get this out of the way,” he whispered.

I nodded. He opened his arms and I went into them without hesitation, crashing my lips against his. He let go of his reservations and returned the kiss with equal valor.

Lips to tongue.

With equal need.

Then his hands roamed upwards as his lips trailed sloppy wet kisses through my neck, making me giggle. I loved every damn thing he was doing.

He reached behind me and unhooked my bra, letting it fall away. I let out a seductive moan as my breasts filled his large hands.

This was different. No one had ever made me feel like this. Not even Brandon, in all of our seven months together.

Brandon’s hands had always felt forced, like he wanted to just get things over with. But this man? His touch made my toes curl. His tongue was pure ecstasy.

It was like my body was coming alive, like it was answering a call it hadn't known it was waiting for, and he was just getting started.

His lips found my nipple, and he suckled on it gently, tongue swirling while he massaged the other with his thumb. Then he switched to my other breast, giving it equal attention as he worshipped me with his mouth.

I gasped, barely able to contain my excitement.

That was it. I needed him…and I needed him now.

I reached down and gripped him through his boxers. He was thick and long beneath the cotton material. He groaned and drew back, his breathing ragged.

Then like a storm, he was on me again. All muscle and heat.

“Not yet, Princess,” he whispered, and my eyes narrowed.

What was taking him so long? Before I could speak, he nudged my legs open, and positioned himself between my thighs.

“Finally,” he grinned, just as his manicured fingers found my clit.

I exhaled sharply… expecting him to slide them inside me but his head went down.

And when his lips encircled me, sucking greedily, my eyes flew open.

“Oh fuckkkk!” I cried out, grabbing the sheets with one hand, and his head with the other.

But he didn't stop. He moved sleekly, like my pleasure was his only mission. When he finally replaced his lips with his fingers, I began to shake.

But he held onto my hip, encircling my clit with a thumb as he worked his fingers deeper, one, then two. Slowly and deliberately.

Then he curled them.

And I saw stars.

“That's it,” he whispered into my ear. “Look how ready you are.”

I moaned loudly as my body began to tremble beneath him.

“Now, please!” I screamed, as my moaned in delicious pleasure.

“Here we go, Princess,” he said as he climbed my body and entered into my warm passage in one smooth thrust.

He filled me up like he belonged there… then he began to move, slowly… with intention.

Like he needed this too.

I wrapped her legs tightly round him, meeting every heated thrust.

“Harder,” I whispered, voice shaky.

He gave me harder.

And faster.

Until our bodies meshed into a breathless dance, heat and surrender.

“You feel like heaven,” he murmured against my lips right before he kissed me like he owned my soul.

I held onto him with all of my strength, like he was the air I needed desperately to breathe. I closed my eyes. Tonight, I didn't just feel alive.

I burned. And for the first time in the longest time.

I didn't want to forget.

I lay curled against his chest afterwards, feeling satisfied and at peace. My fingers lazily traced his large back, and caught something unexpected.

Something rough… I paused.

Then lifted myself a little to see what it was.

A scar, long and jagged slashed across his ribs, disappearing underneath his arms.

He didn't speak or move. Just stared at the ceiling. I didn't ask about it.

Didn't dare say a word.

Instead, I ran my fingers over it and went back into his arms, then turned to kiss him lightly on the cheek as my heart began to beat rapidly.

And suddenly, I wasn't so sure if I’d just had sex with a stranger…

Or the kind of storm mothers warned their daughters about.

Sierra’s Pov

I woke up with a start and ran a hand through my hair. My body ached and my head pounded wildly. I blinked, trying to recollect where I was, when my eyes landed on a naked man lying next to me, butt and all.

The events of last night came rushing back like a slap to my face.

It wasn't a dream. I’d really done it. And with a stranger?

Good God, I could smell his cologne on my skin.

Guilt started to creep in but a tiny voice in my head whispered:

“But you enjoyed it, didn't you?”

A small smile lit up my face.

He’d been gentle and rough at the same time and I’d loved every single bit of it.

I lifted myself from the bed, tiptoeing carefully so as not to wake him when I noticed that my clothes that had been scattered last night now sat cleanly folded on a nearby chair.

Thoughtful. That was unexpected.

He shifted slightly while I dressed, and I held my breath. When he didn't wake up, I exhaled in relief.

Grabbing my bag, I looked back at him once more, wondering what his name was. Then shook the thought from my head.

No attachments, Sierra!

At the front desk, I acted on impulse.

I asked for a clean notepad page and scribbled something quickly. Then asked that it be delivered to the gentleman upstairs.

Outside, I reached for my phone to order a cab, only then noticing the load of notifications on the screen.

Several calls from Rose, and Violet. I couldn't face them.

Not yet.

Then my cousin, Juan’s message lit up the screen:

“He kissed her last night, it's all over the news. I told you that bitch had her eyes on him, didn't I? And you said it was nothing!”

My heart sank. I’d been alone in that relationship the whole damn time. Tears filled my eyes as I closed the message and ordered a cab.

It arrived almost instantly.

The driver tried to be chatty but I wasn't in the mood to pretend. I plugged in my earphones and leaned my head against the window, hoping he got the hint.

And as we neared my home, my chest tightened.

I asked that the driver pull over a block away so I could put myself together before heading in.

Composed, I slid through the gates and sneaked into the house.

I was a few steps to my room when Rose’s voice cut through the air.

“What have you done?”

I froze.

Then turned slightly to see her at the top of the staircase, wrapped in a purple silk robe, a cream bonnet, and her lips still covered in dark red lipstick, despite the hour.

“I’ve received four calls this morning. Four.”

“Three from society women asking if you’ve gone mad. One from Brandon Carr’s mother graciously informing me that she supports her son’s decision. And several unanswered messages from the Ecstasy editor demanding a statement like I owe him something.”

I exhaled sharply.

“Rose, I…”

“Save it!” Her voice was without emotion as she descended the stairs slowly. “You were given one simple task, Sierra. One. And you managed to ruin it all in one night.”

I couldn't say a word and she continued.

“You embarrassed our family, Sierra. Brandon proposed to your best friend. I told you what was at stake!”

I swallowed hard, unable to take it anymore.

“He humiliated me in front of the whole world. Did you want me to smile while he pushed me away?”

“If that’s what it takes then yes,” She snapped, her voice high. “Because that is what we do. We smile and endure! That ring was your duty to our family and you failed miserably!”

My mouth dropped open.

“This is no love story,” she held up a hand. “We’re a family built on position, not affection.”

My fists tightened at my sides as I leaned closer to the wall.

Position? Was that what family was about?

Rose came closer and cupped my chin.

“I guess you cannot help it, can you? Ruining everything you touch.”

I gasped.

“Now that's enough Rose, let the girl be.”

My father stood beside the stairs, his glasses bent and Rose waved a hand as if to dismiss him.

“Oh please Colin, she doesn't understand the gravity of what she’s done. Someone needs to set her straight.”

His lips shifted, as if there was more he wanted to say, but not in her presence.

“To your room, Sierra. Now.”

I looked at him and muttered a quick “Thank you.”

He simply nodded and adjusted his glasses as I walked past him hurriedly but not before a tear slipped from the corner of my eye.

—

“But you did say he’s hot, Sierra!”

“My goodness, Violet! Is that the only takeaway you got from everything I've just said?”

Violet sighed and took my hands in hers.

“No. It takes great courage to do what it is that you’ve done. You went through what would break most people and somehow, still managed to land in a hot guy’s bed.”

I stared at her, wondering how much faith my assistant turned confidant really had in me. I’d basically told her all that had happened and Violet didn't move until she heard that the guy was hot.

“All I’m saying is do not beat yourself up. It happened just one time and it's understandable considering your state of mind at the time.”

A knock sounded on the door before I could react.

“Come in,” I called out and a maid entered.

“I’m sorry to interrupt Ma’am, but Vanessa Grant is here to see you.”

I gasped and Violet froze.

“What the hell does she want?” Violet shot back at the maid.

But I stood rooted to my seat, unable to move.

“I’d faced public humiliation, Rose’s fury, and my own shame. But nothing terrified me more facing Vanessa Grant.”

Xavier’s Pov

I woke slowly, my eyes half closed as the sunlight spilled through the curtains. It was quiet, as usual.

I rubbed my eyes slowly, awakening as memories of the previous night came rushing back.

“Let’s have sex…”

Wait… The girl.

I made for the other side of the bed and found it empty.

She’d left?

That was a first.

Her perfume lingered in the room, a sweet strawberry and honey smell as I remembered her hands on me, the heated kisses and the gentle rubbing on my scar.

We hadn't been able to get enough of each other.

I was usually up early but I’d been so tired that I hadn't heard her leave.

I sat up, and stretched.

The single act pulled at my side, my scar, reminding me of older memories.

But I shoved it aside and grabbed a black shirt from the chair. Slipped it on and made for the adjoining suite.

The one that was meant for me just me. No guests.

My phone buzzed as I poured my coffee. It was Leo, my best friend. I tapped answer.

“Not dead,” I said absentmindedly.

“Of course not. Dead men do not answer their cell phones,” Leo teased. “You left quite early, with the blonde-haired beauty.”

I sipped my coffee, letting the liquid settle in my chest.

“What, you think I wouldn't find out? I was right across!”

I didn't answer him because I didn't feel like speaking much.

“Was the sex that horrible? It strikes me. You know she didn't look as hideous as the last one you had over.”

“She left before sunrise, Leo.”

“Like a vampire,” Leo teased. “Wait what? Are you kidding?”

I gave a low. “No.”

“That's what you usually want. Shouldn't you hop on a leg in jubilation?”

I sighed. Leo was right, Departures always made me relieved. Like I had one less thing to worry about.

And now? I didn't understand what had happened.

“Not this time, no.”

Leo paused.

“I don't understand, Xavier.”

“She didn't want my name. Didn't ask any question. Just took what she wanted and disappeared.”

I felt discarded and I wondered if it was because of the scar? Was she irritated by it? Did it make her change her mind?

Perhaps prompted her to run as far away from me as possible?

“You mean she didn't accept payment for her services?”

Services? No Leo had it all wrong. And that was the problem. She looked well enough. From an average family.

“Damn it, Leo, she is not a call girl, I’d know if she was.”

Leo exhaled loudly.

“Well, sounds like she didn't want attachments. You should appreciate that.”

“I should.”

I hesitated. Then why did my chest heave so much at the thought that she’d just up and left.

“But?”

I didn't get the chance to answer. A soft knock at the door, brought me back to the present.

I opened it to find Amanda. The one woman who always seemed to find me, because she wouldn't take “No” for an answer.

Looking very polished in her designer suit and red pouted lips. Could the day get any worse?

“Amanda, I…” I began, but she drew the door more open, stopping me mid convo and walked in like she owned the suite.

“At least, let me in.”

I rolled my eyes as I followed behind her.

This wasn't exactly how I’d expected my morning to go. I had a meeting and Amanda was a distraction I’d long since let loose.

“Well, good morning to you too,” she said, trailing her fingers on a book on the desk. “You haven't been returning my calls.”

“Didn't feel the need to,” I said firmly, hoping she got the hint.

She turned to face me.

“You never do.” She tried to touch my chest, but I caught her hand, stopping her. “That's why I like you.”

“We’re not a thing Amanda. I’ve told you this several times.”

I sighed…tired of repeating myself. Over and over.

She folded her arms and smiled.

“Not after fucking me that hard, no?”

I frowned. Why did she feel the need to always make things difficult?

“That happened just once. And we agreed to move past it. Didn't we?”

“Not to my understanding. Perhaps…”

I needed her gone, and fast. I couldn't deal with her, not today.

“I’ve got work to do, Amanda.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Don't tell me it's because of that girl from last night?” she asked.

I exhaled. For fuck’s sake. Did everyone know?

“What? You’re stalking me now?”

Amanda laughed, but it didn't reach her eyes.

“I liked you better inside me,” she said, her eyes dilated.

Damn it. She needed to move on and let me be.

“I liked you better when you claimed you wanted to be friends, how the hell did I fall for that?”

Amanda’s smile vanished and she turned to leave. “I’ll see myself out.”

I simply nodded and turned as she walked out. Glad to be rid of her.

“Does she ever catch a break?”

Leo’s voice came through the phone again. Apparently, he’d been quiet the whole time. I ran a hand through my hair.

“She’s as persistent as the devil himself.”

“You should stop sleeping with women who don't believe in casual flings. Perhaps draw up paperwork or some sort of agreement next time, will you?”

“Hmmm,” I nodded, wondering if that would work with Amanda.

Leo chuckled. “Board meeting’s at 11.”

“I’ll dial in. Let Brandon shine.”

Leo exhaled.

“Still letting him play heir?”

I hesitated. I wasn't tired of being in the quiet, not yet.

And my nephew loved the limelight.

“For now.”

Another soft knock on the door interrupted me.

“Amanda’s back. I’ll talk to you later, man.”

I opened the door, prepared to give her a piece of my mind, but it was Matt, the bartender from last night.

I inhaled, relieved.

“Sir, the lady from the bar left you a note. Just this morning,” he said as he handed it to me.

Taken aback, I raised a brow.

Notes were another first. Women never left me notes.

Maybe panties and earrings they always claimed to forget so they could return, not notes.

I collected it and said a quick “Thanks,” to Matt.

And as he left, I shut the door and opened the note quickly, and scented strawberries hit my nostrils. A lipstick stain was on one side and written words on the other:

Don't worry. I’m not the clingy type.

_Baby.