Page 42 of Filthy Rich Temptation

‘It’s because you’ve never been able to picture anyone in your life long-term… except her. Even back then. Even when you knew you couldn’t have her.’

‘You’re reading too much into it,’ I lie. ‘Katie was nice, but it was never going to work. She didn’t get it. She didn’t getme. She never understood the meaning of space. And work – work always came first. It still does.’

‘Maybe. Or maybe it’s just easier to hide behind work than admit you’ve been stuck on the same girl for almost ten years.’

My gut rolls. Because no matter how ‘okay’ Axel makes it sound, it’s not. She was eighteen to my thirty.

She’s twenty-five now, though,the devil in me says.

And more vulnerable than ever, I push back.

I owe her stability and security. The kind of warmth and support she once gave me when I needed it most. When everything else went to shit, I let her see me at my worst – not Axel, not Taylor, not Mum. Just Sadie. And somehow, she managed to bring back the best.

Until that kiss.

There’s nothing good about the man I was then.

Or now. Wanting what I shouldn’t.

But what can I say to Axel that doesn’t sound like bullshit? He knows it. I know it. So I sit in the silence until he shrugs, his voice casual again.

‘Though what do I know?’ He slaps his finished pint down on the table. ‘Maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re just like me: not built for forever. Life’s easier when you only have yourself to think about…’

‘Yeah.’ I stare at his empty glass, feeling every bit as hollow. ‘Yeah, it is.’

Easier, sure.

But happier?

I thought I’d be happy when I made my first million. I was. For about five minutes. Then I wanted ten. Then a hundred. Then a billion.

I thought I was happy when I bought my first Lamborghini, my helicopter too.

I thought I was happy when I bought the penthouse in my building. The most exclusive, the most desired.

I thought I was happy when I bought my parents the holiday home we used to rent in Pembrokeshire every summer as a kid. When I paid off the mortgage on their chippy so they could run it the hours they wanted, rather thanallthe hours.

Every win, every milestone… all it ever did was make me look to the next thing.

But Sadie?

What could I ever want after her?

* * *

Sadie

I hear the soft ding of the private elevator arrive and snap my laptop shut. Don’t ask me why I chose to work in the open-plan living space instead of the bedroom tonight. Maybe after our day out, I just feel like I can. Like he’s truly okay with us being here. Like we’re welcome even.

And it’s… it’snice.

Being in his space. Reassuring, despite the cool, masculine tones and neat-freak vibe. I like his scent. I like his presence. I likehim.

And I’ve decided that’s no bad thing. So long as I keep it contained this time. No getting carried away. The fact of the matter is, I used to enjoy his company. He was as good a friend to me as he was to Taylor, before kiss-gate. Getting even a fraction of that friendship back…

Well, that’d be a win on this otherwise shitty path my life’s taken.

I tune into the rustle of him shrugging off his coat, the soft thud of shoes hitting the floor, then the quiet pad of footsteps coming down the hall. My pulse quickens and I pull my plait over one shoulder, smooth down my baby-pink PJs and?—