oa

this building as Ms. Hart and not me, not the full fledged professional that was reduced to dust up there. "Ms. Hart" she continues, follow

ly." As she relays the end of her message she tugs at her blonde braid hanging over one shoulder "I'm really sorry about this ma'am" she stumbles- "I know you seem really ready to leave- but I really need this job. My family depends on it. Please don't let Mr. Whitmere or his colleagues find out I sleep on the job" she said with her eyes downcast, still fidgeting with her hair. "Fine." I say briskly but not without the fakest elegant smile I can obtain- I read her nametag briefly. "Maya" I say sweetly- "I forgo

nd all things perfect and powerful- here it's like an actual home. Rich wood and jewel tones surround me. Curated arts- for pleasure, not status. Green plants in various pots, small trinkets on shelves and tables that resemble real life. Maya's voice plays in my head but all I hear are snippets as I take in the beauty around me "special guests, important guests, friends of the family" I'm definitely none of these I smirk. Then she continues "to the west are all the family offices and suites. To the east is Mr. Whitmere's office and his private room

h

laces get after midnight. It's often my solitu

floors, and the hum of something always running beneath

yside beyond the windows. To some this would be the most beautiful place on earth. Stars as far as the eyes can see- green grass

at the front desk to make sure she remained- no matter what. A handsome bonus included. She seemed fright

I should have forced her to stay. I should have begged if that's what it took. I should have made the meeting last- for God's sake. I'm paying her firm over seven figures at minimum

ing me a chance to say no. "Co

shower then just dressed ready to see me- her silk dress traded for something softer- a cashmere sweater, black leggings

h her lashes. I nod once. Understanding. "Whiskey?" She he

fingers brush. Our touch is Electric. Immediate. Unforgiving. She takes a sip and winces. I smile despite myself. "You never liked it," I say. She hesitates for a moment "I liked the idea of liking it. It's for people like us - it's status. You don't see billionaires like you drinking vodka

"This beautiful place," she says quietly. "You built all of this.

" I af

ged with regret. "I built it because I didn't know what else to do with the anger," I say. Her gaze lifts to mine. I feel l

o settle. A decade even- and is it settled? Because

e it will implode at any second. Sloane sets her glass down on the

t all Rhett?" I step closer before I can stop myself. Close enough that her breath warms my chest

ine," she whispers, "there's no pretendin

e singular moment I think she's going to close the distan

chest. Right over my heart. Her hand is firm;

devas

ant to come back, I need to know I'm not doing it alone." I cover her hand with mine, holding it there, feeling the truth in my bones. "You never

ight,

ight,

emptier than it did before she walked in. But for

mething has fi