Page 38 of How to Break My Heart

Our legal team scrambled to resolve the problem before we hit the headlines. All the while this was happening, time was lost on me, and I completely forgot about the breakfast meeting with Everleigh.

Until she stormed into my bedroom, a force of pure determination.

Her cheeks were crimson, her eyes glaring at me, ready tobattle over my lack of consideration of her time. The moment I hung up the business call, Everleigh didn’t hold back.

Her incessant nagging was the last thing I need.

Frankly, I am exhausted.

I need a shower and sleep.

But Everleigh disregarded my need for peace.

The woman is relentless.

She did, however, strike a nerve with her sharp, unfiltered words, each one landing like a calculated blow. Everleigh has no idea what I have sacrificed for Madelina, and I’ve been doing it my whole damn life.

My head swells, tension building as my chest tightens beneath yesterday’s clothes. It’s been a clusterfuck of a day, and if I survive it without a migraine, I’ll be astonished. They have hit me more lately, no doubt induced by the pressure of running this company under my father’s watch.

But if only she knew the truth.

How much I sacrifice for my own blood.

My sister.The only person I would take a bullet in the head for.

My mind rushes back to our interaction, replaying how she stormed out of my room, the fire in her eyes unmistakable. I can’t help but relish her reaction, savoring the satisfaction of finally setting the record straight and watching as my words landed precisely where they were meant to.

It left me hard as a fucking rock.

In desperate need of release, I step into the shower, turning the water to nearly scalding, letting the heat wash over me and melt away the tension. I battle with myself as to whether I should give in to my urges. Closing my eyes, I convince my hand to move away and turn the faucet off.

Then, I pictureherfor the first time. She’s so fucking sexy when she’s angry at me.

And it’s a record finish.

So much so that I go for round two without a second thought.

The day didn’t improve, even after I slept for two hours and my release in the shower. Madelina is in the city for something urgent, leaving me alone with nothing but a questionable box of take-out Chinese in the refrigerator.

All the food Hilda supposedly left behind has been eaten. I can only assume it was my father, and despite him staying in the same house, our paths haven’t crossed. Thank fucking God for that.

My mother landed at JFK but chose to stay in the city for the next few days before traveling out here. Honestly, I don’t blame her. I know I’m not the only one avoiding my father at all costs.

After his golf game, he calls to lecture me on how I handledhis mess. His voice carries the husky edge of too much Macallan, laced with his usual condescension. Even though I’m his son, he treats me with zero respect. However, the message is painfully clear—I’m nothing but a disappointment to him.

So, I put the phone down and let him rant while I answer emails.

Tomorrow, he’ll be sober and won’t remember a thing.

It’s early evening when darkness fills the house. I stretch my arms and crack my neck to alleviate the stress of staring at my screen for most of the day. The only light in the room comes from my laptop and my phone, which pings continuously with messages.

Little Brat

I’m stuck in the city, there’s been an accident on the interstate. Can I crash at your place?

I let out a huff. My sister knows I don’t like anyone staying at my penthouse—not even her. It’s my sanctuary, the one space I keep solely for myself. No matter how many women I’ve been with, none have been allowed to stay the night. I am quick toset boundaries, drawing a firm line in the sand.Fuck me all you want, but you better be gone before the sun rises.

Me