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Chapter 17
I stand up from my chair and shake Nero's hand.
”Glad you had time to meet me, Nick."
"No problem. I'm glad you called."
I straighten the jacket of my black suit and enjoy the upbeat feeling that runs through me after this productive meeting with Nero—the owner of the luxurious, five-star Onasis Hotel. I met him about a year ago when I had business in New York, and we stayed in contact. Last week he called me and mentioned he had ideas that may interest me; I knew I had to go. Because when Nero Onasis has an idea, it's newsworthy. And my gut feeling was right. Nero has plans to expand his hotel business, and with my fair share of important connections, he wants us to work together. I'd be a fool if I let an opportunity like this pass me by. He's exactly the kind of person I love to work with.
Nero is a passionate man who took over the hotel from his father. In the first years, he worked his ass off to make it to his standards, and this year they rewarded his hard work with another star. This man sees things others miss, and he has a knack for seeing into the souls of people he deals with. So people think twice before going up against him or double-crossing him, because when you betray his trust, he's brutal.
"Let's meet up tomorrow and talk more," Nero says, gazing at his phone.
“Sure, no problem. I'll make calls to a few reliable connections.”
He nods and as he slides his phone back in his pocket, he looks up. "Are you satisfied with your suite?"
"Yes. This place is staying in a palace.
Nero's lips turn upwards. "You know me. I love unique things, and I only settle for the best. Anything below it isn't acceptable. It's what makes people come back. So if there is anything you need, call reception, and they will arrange it."
We walk out of the conference room and chat while making our way to the elevators when a man wearing an earpiece shows up.
"Sir, I need to talk with you," he notes.
Nero nods.
"Excuse me, Nick. It seems I'm needed somewhere else.”
"No problem. See you tomorrow."
He walks towards the man, and they both start speaking a foreign language. As I step into the elevator and lean against the golden baluster, as it takes me to the right floor, I can't help but feel admiration for Nero's dedication and leadership. Due to his hard work, he has this hotel running like a swiss watch.
I grab my phone out of my pocket and when the screen shows a missed message from Emma, my heart flutters. My lips can't help but go up when I stare at the picture she sent. The naughty twinkle in her green orbs as she smiles in the camera makes me want to pull her in for a long, deep kiss. God, she's stunning. When I read the message, a moan escapes me. Fuck, she's calling me Mister Brown again. I put the device away, because if I stare at her any longer, I'll be walking around with a boner.
Once I'm inside my suite, I sit down on the sofa and let my mind wander to my Emma. She's like a fine scotch with different layers. The first layer is vanilla with a hint of honey and a subtle trace of wood. The second layer reveals its maple-syrup sweetness that awakens and pulls you in, making you long for more. And when you think you've tasted everything, it surprises you with its warmth and spicy finish.
Then my lips curl when my attention drifts to Charlotte. Her wits and humor crack me up, and when she looks at me with her blazing blue eyes and calls me Giant, I feel privileged. This little girl has me wrapped around her finger, and I don't mind. Suddenly, I think of Emma with a pregnant belly and a flutter of excitement runs through me. She is an amazing mother, and I want her mom to be the mother of my future children. A stream of strong feelings fill me. I have to show her how I feel and how serious I am about us. With that idea in mind, I call the reception desk. Maybe they can answer my question and give me an address.
An hour later,I stare through the glass into different display cases, while the store manager waits. I point towards the item lying in the middle, and the man opens the case.
"You have great taste, sir," he says, holding the item in his hand.
"Could you add something to it?"
The brows of the man lift. "You name it, and I'll make it happen. Any friend of Mr. Onasis is a friend of ours," he notes.
I tell him my idea, and a subtle grin appears on his face.
"No problem. It will be ready in three hours."
"Perfect." I hand him my credit card, and after paying, I walk out with a broad smile plastered on my face. I can't wait to go home. Now let's take care of why I'm really here—business.
I sighin relief when I push my legs into a pair of comfortable sweatpants. After wearing a pressed suit all day, nothing is better than walking around naked or wearing loose-fitting pants. As I grab my phone and press my favorite speed dial button, I stop by the window and wait. "Come on, Em. Pick up." I stare at the screen as it goes to voicemail. Why isn't she picking up? When I try it again, she answers.
"Hello..."
I let out a sigh of contentment at the sound of her velvet voice.
