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“It sounds harsher than it was, my mother worked her ass off to get me where I wanted to be. And I didn’t really feel any lack, until I got to university, when I was surrounded by spoiled rich kids,” he answers. “That just shows how much my mother sacrificed for me. She raised me by herself, worked several jobs and gave up her whole life to me, after my asshole of a father left us when I was still a toddler. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I didn’t have to earn a living while studying two majors, thanks to her.”
“She sounds like an amazing woman,” I whisper.
“She is,” he ponders. “But man, does she hate this tattoo. She freaked out when she first saw it.”
We both laugh, and I can feel his arm strengthening around me, squeezing me even closer, as if he was afraid I would run away.
“Is that why you established that foundation?” I ask. “Because you want to help out kids in a similar position?”
He groans, as if answering that question caused him pain.
“There might be a correlation,” he says, and his embrace around me loosens. “Let’s get something to eat. I’m starving, aren’t you?”
He looks at me, obviously unwilling to continue our conversation.
I nod. “Yeah, sure.”
He smiles at me. “Good. I’ll order us some room service.”
“We’re not going outside?”
“No,” he says. “I want you naked for the rest of the day.”
Chapter 30
Chase
The gentle sound of the ocean provides a soothing backdrop, as the sun dips toward the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Madison and I are sitting on the restaurant’s patio, enjoying our last evening together. It’s our third—and final—dinner at this place, which has quickly become a favorite in the short time we spent here.
She looks radiant in a light summer dress, the setting sun casting a warm glow on her features. However, her unparalleled beauty is subdued by a somber mood tonight, mirrored by the wistful atmosphere of this farewell dinner.
“These past few days were like a dream,” she says, her voice carrying a gloomy undertone. Her eyes meet mine, and in that moment, I see the weight of impending reality in her gaze.
We both understand the truth—we must leave this idyllic paradise behind and return to the real world, where we are not vacationing lovers but business rivals.
Wait, did I just call her my lover? Is that what this is? Do I really want to attach myself to her like that? The past four days with her were incredible, and even more fun than expected. We didn’t leave our suite during the first full day, but spent that time rolling around in the sheets, on the beach, and on our private patio. Her body was constantly close to mine, her scent enveloping me, her voice in my ears and her beautiful face before my eyes. It’s only been three days, but the thought of not being close to her feels foreign—and a little daunting, to be honest.
Throughout our stay, we’ve purposefully avoided any mention of business, relishing the bliss of our joint vacation while momentarily blocking out the inevitable reality.
“A dream that had to end,” she adds now, after I left her hanging without a response.
Our eyes lock, and I hope she can see the sincerity in my gaze. Despite the challenges that await us, I can’t deny the bond we’ve formed.
“You won’t let it go, will you?” she asks now, and the pleading in her eyes almost makes me rethink my desire to buy her company. Almost.
“No, I won’t,” I tell her.
Our eyes remain fixated on each other, while we both bring a champagne flute to our lips, still observing as we each take a large swig. I can see the hurt in her eyes, and the pinch to my chest mirrors that pain. Just a few hours ago, we lay in a tight embrace in our private gazebo on the beach, the view shielded with bamboo panels, when another Jiu-Jitsu session had turned into fucking within seconds. I challenged her on the mat every single day, but we never made it to a point where one of us had to tap and surrender. It always turned passionate before that, and I don't regret a single minute spent this way. I've never met a person whose energy levels met mine as well as Madison's. She is a true powerhouse, the first woman who can not only keep up with me, but actually challenges me to better myself.
She is everything I could ever want in a partner. Thing is, I'm not looking for a partner. Not like this. Relationships demand too much, they are a distraction that I have no room for.
And with Madison, this distraction could actually be lethal for my business ambitions. I never allowed anyone to get in my way, and I can’t make an exception for her. I can’t lose sight of my goal because of her.
I managed to get close to her, just like I wanted—now I have to use that intimacy to my advantage.
But Madison is a tough nut to crack.
“Neither will I,” she lets me know, defiantly raising her chin in my direction. “How can you expect me to give up everything my father has built? It’s all I have left of him, and it’s mine. He left the company to me, and not to my uncle. My father trusted me, he helped me become the person I am, the person who is meant to continue his legacy. It’s my entire life, Chase.”
