No, it’s not.
Xander
Elaborate.
William Stone left the chat.
I know it’s useless, because one of them will add me again immediately. My phone rings, and I’m about to turn it off, expecting that one of them is calling, when I see it’s a number from Arizona.
“Mr. McNaughton.”
“Mr. Stone, my apologies, but I’m calling to cancel our meeting.”
“Okay?”
“I’m really sorry, but a Mercedes Gullwing just became available. I wish I had the liquidity to afford both, but the Benz is a truly rare find.”
“Of course.”
I hang up and type furiously, hoping this is a coincidence. A quick search confirms the make and year of the car. The pictures are uncanny in their resemblance.
My gut goes tight. That curve. That color. That ridiculous chrome trim that only a collector would keep original.
I send the link to my agent. He’s been helping me with the sales of my cars, and there is nobody more connected.
I pace between the kitchen and the living room like a caged lion. My bare feet hit the wood floor too hard. Too fast.
No fucking way is she selling her cars.I’m going to miss them.Her slip-up in the garage becomes clear.
My phone rings, and I answer so quickly, I almost drop it.
“Since when are you interested in fixed cars?”
“Don’t fucking stall,” I snap at my agent. “Is it Roxy Lock who is selling?”
“Close. Roxy Moretti. Why are you?—”
I hang up. My hand is shaking. My chest feels too tight. I don’t bother with a shower.
I put on my clothes and leave so fast, I almost remove the door from its hinges.
Twenty minutes later, I’m in front of the Merged offices, barreling through the lobby like my feet are on fire. The air-conditioning hits my skin like a slap. The marble under my shoes echoes every step.
“Mr. Stone,” a familiar voice huffs behind me.
Not now. I turn. “Joey, how are you?”
“Nice to see you. Did you know Mrs. Moretti is now a bigwig? You should have heard her speech this morning at the staff meeting.” The respect in his eyes acts like a cold shower I didn’t realize I needed.
“Great,” I murmur, and leave him standing there.
Fuck. What am I doing?
She’s probably sourcing cash to pay for her partnership. Giving up on her most valued possessions.
It’s wrong. It doesn’t sit well. But barging in and demanding she keep her heritage would… well, it would prove to her I’m no better than any other men she’s come into contact with.
It would prove she was right to keep her walls up. It would prove that my love is just another kind of ownership.
