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8

Blaise

Iwake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep. Finding a spare sheet in the box Collins sent, I wrap it around me and pad to the living room.

My satin tank top and sleep shorts, along with the satin sheet, whispers over my skin, and exhaling a breath of contentment, I sit on the overstuffed chair and stare at the breathtaking view of the city skyline.

What about San Francisco appeals to Maddox?

I’m sure there’s a lot to like, and with time, I’ll come to love the city as much as Maddox does. For now, I miss stargazing from my bedroom through the skylight in the ceiling.

Dark of night doesn’t scare me or cramp up my stomach like seeing the color black. The stars dotting the sky bring me peace, much like water does. Maybe it’s because I was rescued and taken out of that coffin in the middle of the night. The first thing I saw when my vision adjusted were the twinkling stars.

Seeing the stars, taking my first shower, and washing rotting flesh from my body . . . Inhaling a deep breath, I return my attention to the city that will be my home for three months. Come morning, the streets will be bustling with traffic and people. I can observe them from my perch up high and wonder where they are headed, who they’ll be seeing, and what plans they have for their day.

There’s no need for me to go outside of the penthouse, not when I have the power of technology at my fingertips. I’ll use my laptop and cell phone to keep in contact with Granger, Collins, and my team. I’ll binge-watch movies and television shows on Maddox’s big screen TV. I’ll read books on my reading apps on my phone and tablet. And if I need anything else, I can order and have it delivered. On the drive here, there were no shortages of restaurants and shops within blocks of the building.

Any items I want, I’ll pay using whatever money I have left. This girl can stretch a dollar if push comes to shove, a lesson in thriftiness I learned from Granger. Another takeaway of his from growing up in the foster care system.

Missing Granger and my men, I turn away from the view and reach for my phone. I dial Collins’ number, and though it’s one in the morning, she answers right away, understanding me well. And I love her so much for being a great friend.

“Good morning, Blaise.”

“Ha-ha.” It’s the running joke between us. I’m an insomniac and was one before my kidnapping and subsequent nightmares amplified it more.

I wake up so often in the night, I’m tired by daylight and sleep best when natural light shines in through my windows. The worst time is when the days get shorter and darker sooner. I spend those days in more tropical places. Except the private resort on an island in the tropics isn’t available to me anymore.

Again, I’m not saddened by the changes in my life that Grandfather’s will is forcing on me. However, I have promises to keep, and I will keep them.

“Are you up for party planning, or do you have a hot guy in your bed?”

I promised my friend Syn and her boyfriend, Taron, I would throw Dumas University’s football team a big end-of-the-season party at my Montana estate. There’ll be an open bar, a five-course meal, and I’ll invite young socialites from every walk of life.

“I wish. Let’s party plan.”

I get straight to the point. “What costs can we cut?”

“In order of least importance? Booze, food, girls, flight.”

That won’t work. To college guys, food, alcohol, and girls are considered equally important.

“We can’t leave out any of those things.”

“Blaise, the team will understand if you tone down the party or cancel.”

“I made a promise. Let’s think on it some more.” We have two months.

“I did, but the idea is kind of crazy.”

“You are the very definition of crazy, so shoot.”

“Okay, here goes. Now remember, it’s just a plan. No need to panic or feel obligated to say yes.”

“Collins.”

She’s preempting for a reason. This plan of hers is so outside the box, I’ll most likely panic.

“As Blaise Lexington, you were in demand, your presence alone bringing in huge crowds of partygoers to parties no one would otherwise go to. As Blaise Stassi, you can command thousands of dollars just to show up.”