Page 132 of Damaged Mogul

“Nads and I have it on our bucket list after we saw the photos of a celebrity we follow on social media. We launchedinto a furious online search because we were certain the photos were Photoshopped.”

“That’s how I felt when I saw the photos.”

“For good measure, we checked out videos of the venue. No Photoshop required.”

“I had the same reaction. Still, I wasn’t prepared. When I got there, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Or my luck.”

“Wow.” She says that with stars in her eyes.

Why do I have the urge to make it my mission in life to take her there?

“CÉ LA VI is an open-air restaurant perched on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands with one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city skyline and Singapore,” I say. “It’s mind-blowing—the best rooftop bars on the planet.”

“I believe you.”

“As if the setting wasn’t over the top, when I found out who the VIP clients were, I almost lost my shit.”

“I hear you.” Lily points a finger over her head. “That was me yesterday, when I met Keira Knightley. She’s a huge star.”

Never mind the rest of the star power at Rhys’s birthday party.

“Multiply the starstruck effect by four. It was the equivalent of DJing from heaven for gods,” I say. “It’s was an unforgettable experience. After that, Random Misconception requested I DJ several of their parties and even some personal and family events. That’s how we became close. When I needed funding for StreamCloud, my sisters helped me put together a kickass business plan, and I presented it to them. I had money, but not enough. The guys jumped onboard. I thought it was going to be a much harder sell, but I guess it’s true what they say. Timing is everything. I had a project that had legs, and these guys’ pockets were weighed down with money. It was a match madein heaven. When I wanted to take things to a grander scale with StreamTunes, they didn’t even bat an eyelash.”

“It must be amazing to have people who root for you.”

I stroke her cheek with the back of my hand. “You have those people in your life, angel. Your best friend Nadine, your self-appointed big sister Michaela, and yours truly.”

She responds with a shy smile. “So, you’re the guy responsible for turning rock stars into billionaires?” She veers the conversation away from her.

I see what she’s doing, but I let it slide. “Beckett is a self-made multibillionaire thanks to his partnership with Rhys. His shares in StreamTunes only served to make him obscenely rich. As for Rod, Holt, and Jace, you could say that. Jace’s older brother Jagger also invested. Same for Lochlan Berkshire––Rod’s business partner, the band’s former roadie, and Jace and Jagger’s cousin. So did Levi Aldridge, another buddy in the music industry. Their belief in my vision not only ensured my rapid success, it made them paperbillionaires in record time. When the valuation of my company hit twenty billion dollars a couple years ago, I purchased their shares, making them bona fide billionaires. Without those guys and the blind faith they had in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“The moral of the story is,notgetting the girl was the prize,” she says. “Blair must be slapping herself upside the head. Unless she ended up marrying a prize winner. Who knows? Her husband might hold the Guinness World Record for the most eggs smashed on your head in one minute while yodeling. Sure, you make it in the history books, but it’s not as sexy as being crowned a billionaire mogul. Don’t get me wrong, an honorable mention is an honorable mention. However, I doubt it affords you the luxury of riding in style. A chauffeured Rolls Royce Phantom, a Wiesmann GT MF4, and God knows how many other pricey vehicles? Take that, Bitch Blair!”

I bark out a laugh, my whole body shaking.

My laughter is so boisterous, I’m aware of people glancing our way.

When I regain my composure, Lily is staring at me, almost in awe.

“What?”

“Can I make a confession?”

“Shoot.”

“You’re fucking sexy when you laugh.”

The fact she swears when she says that, is such a turn on.

I’m fucking hard.

I’m on my feet. My need to corrupt her consumes me.

“Let’s go back to the hotel.” My voice is gravelly.

Her head jerks back. “But what about the ice cream?”

I extend a hand. “I intend on spreading it all over your heavenly body and licking every inch of you.”