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“Madison,” I hear Raymond’s voice behind me.
He’s standing a few yards away and gestures for me to come closer. I get up on my feet, send a quick nod to the guy I just spared with, and walk over to Raymond.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice gentle but probing.
His expression is a mix of concern and understanding. It’s like he can read my thoughts, sense the turmoil beneath my exterior.
I take a moment to gather myself, the intensity of the training session has stirred something within me. “Yeah, just blowing off steam.”
Raymond nods, his gaze unwavering. “That’s what I feared. You know this isn’t the place for that, Madison. I’ve seen you go at it before, but today was different. Something’s bothering you.”
I hesitate, the weight of his words settling on my shoulders. He’s right, of course. Chase’s presence and his proposition have shaken me more than I’m willing to admit.
“It’s just work stuff,” I reply, trying to play it off as nonchalantly as I could. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t let it out on the mat.”
It’s not just work, though. It’s so much more than that. My father’s legacy, my dangerously stubborn uncle, our third shareholder, Mr. Wahlon, and his vague interests—and Chase. The man who gave me more than one reason to not stop thinking about him.
“No, you shouldn’t. Not like that.” Raymond studies me for a moment, his eyes somehow filled with wisdom beyond his years. “Sometimes, physical exertion can help clear the mind. But other times, it’s a mask, a way to avoid facing what’s really bothering you.”
He places his hand on my shoulder, but luckily doesn’t seem to expect me to say anything to that. An encouraging smile is all that follows before he lets me be.
I sigh, as my tired gaze travels through the room. The class is still going, but I no longer feel the need to exert myself like I did before. It feels like that desire has been muted and pushed aside by shame about being scolded—and rightfully so. I could have hurt someone, and I don’t want to gain the reputation of being the crazy bitch who breaks people’s bones when she’s in a bad mood. I’m already dancing close enough to that reputation as it is.
Maybe Max is right, and I just need to find other ways to relax and let off steam. Easier said than done, though.
Especially as long as this Chase guy keeps haunting my mind.
Chapter 10
Chase
Three days have passed since that failed meeting, and I haven’t heard a single word from Medinex Solutions—or Madison.
I expected to hear from Mr. Hailey, as he’s the person I’ve been communicating with for weeks now, trying to get this deal gone. He was so persistent before, and he said he would call me again, but he hasn’t. If I don’t hear from him today, I’m going to take matters into my own hands. He still has a few hours to call before the day is over.
Did Madison really talk him out of it? After all, she’s the one who holds the reins in that company.
I bet she hasn’t even looked at the offer. She has no idea how rich this would make her. Why is she fighting me so stubbornly if she doesn’t even know what’s on the table? Why does she have to be so difficult?
I can’t suppress a deep groan as I ponder the implications of the silence while my fingers tighten around the whiskey tumbler. Why is it so hard for me to get her out of my head? The plan was to come out here and have a drink and relax while I watch the sun set on the horizon.
I’m sitting out on the patio of my house, facing the ocean, and watching the waves crash as they meet the land. Venice Beach has been my home since I left college more than seven years ago. Living here was something I’d dreamed of ever since I could remember—but no one believed it was in the stars for me.
I wasn’t as lucky as my peers, especially the three other Plutus boys. I grew up poor, without a father—he was a drunk who was in and out of my life for years until one day he disappeared completely—but with a devoted mother who more than made up for it. I wasn’t the only one who worked his ass off to get here, she did, too.
She did everything for me, and sometimes more than needed. Worked several jobs, helped me with my studies and did everything that she could to get me into the best schools. Without her, I never would have gotten that much-needed scholarship to an Ivy League university. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
My mother was the first person who benefitted from my growing success because I bought her a house as soon as I could. A nice cozy house in Newport, Rhode Island, where I grew up. My mother is still as modest and frugal as she was when she had to be, despite having all the money in the world now.
I fly over to the East Coast as often as I can and just came back from another visit with her and her boyfriend a couple of weeks ago. It was a little nauseating to see how fucking adorable they are together, I’ll admit. And she threw me that look again. That ‘do you really want to die alone?’ look, that’s nothing but a question about my ‘disappointing’—as she put it—personal life.
It’s true that I’ve never had a real girlfriend, even though I have dated and fucked my fair share of beautiful women. I’m fine with that. Always have been, always will be. A relationship would take away too much of my time, and women never understand my drive for success. All they want is to ‘hang out’ and chill. That kind of life would drive me crazy. It would feel like being put in a cage, a way too small cage for a predator like me.
I jerk up in surprise when my phone yanks me out of my solitary musings with an incoming call. It’s not Mr. Hailey, but my old college friend Gabe, a Plutus boy.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Boulder,” I greet him.
“How’s it going, Chase?” he asks.
