Page 80 of Beauty & Chaos

Once Brooklyn returns my feelings, I’ll lose interest.

The past is a predictor of the future after all. So, if in the past thirty-something years I’ve never fallen in love, the chances of it happening are slim to none.

I’ve compiled a list of why I think it might be false love: her pussy, her sexy, smart brain, and the fact that I can’t— technically—have her.

All those delicious and forbidden ingredients stirred up in one stunningly beautiful package...I mean, I’m a red-blooded man. It was highly predictable in hindsight.

Yes.

This will pass.

I suppose I never put a risk assessment plan in place, but if I had, it would’ve listed my cock as being a weakness... and the mitigation for it would have been? Lots of masturbation.

Or sending someone else to do the job.

The thought has me lifting my whisky and taking a large gulp to stop the growl escaping my throat.

Nobody else is fucking my woman.

“You okay?” Brook asks, taking a mouthful of her thinly sliced smoked salmon.

“Yes. I am fine. But for someone who was just threatened by one of the most famous men on the planet and his powerful legal team,youare very calm.”

She lifts a shoulder and, with her mouth full, says, “Comes with the job.”

“But it’s not a job. It’s your business. I assume you don’t have millions of dollars tucked away for a lawsuit.” I snap.

Brook swallows this time and smiles. “No, but I have this billionaire friend...”

I take another smaller sip this time. “That’s your plan?”

She lowers her fork. “Relax, Travis. Of course, he was going to get his lawyers onto me. It’s called intimidation. I do have a legal budget, you know. I’m a journalist, so I have a clear understanding of the law and what I can and can’t say. We haven’t crossed any lines.”

My father doesn’t abide by the law. He doesn’t give a shit about lines and boundaries. He’s narcissistic and likely a psychopath—trust me, I’ve studied the personalities—and will do everything he can to silence Brook.

However, she is right about one thing: she has a billionaire on her side.

“Also, I’m not your friend.” I grunt out, irritated by the label.

“Well, that’s nice to know. You did offer.” She slides in another mouthful looking completely unperturbed.

I know why.

She doesn’t intend to take me up on the offer.

“I’m...your lover. Or whatever.” I wave out, drop my glass and start eating.

When she’s quiet, I glance up and find her staring out the window into the dark. It’s been snowing for a few hours. The candlelight flickers over her soft, feminine features, and all I want to do is get back up to the room so I can get her naked.

I don’t necessarily even want to fuck her.

I just want her to myself, for the world to disappear and have all her attention.

While I taste her pussy. I haven’t suddenly become a choirboy now I’mpotentiallyin love.

Reminding myself she’s not a woman I can keep, I shovel another mouthful of the salmon and pear salad into my mouth and continue watching her.

When Brook faces me again, I point my fork at her. “You’re right. You do have my backing. So, if you aren’t going to run scared, then it’s time to up the ante.”