Page 25 of Lucas

“Right now, you. I’ll tell Dad about the agreement soon, minus a few details.” I bite my lower lip. “I’d tell Logan, too, if he bothered to spend some time at home. I expect you to keep this confidential, okay?”

He nods.

We make our way to the sunroom on the other side of the house. I love sitting here whenever I get the chance. The walls and ceiling of the room are made of glass, giving you the feeling of being in the middle of the forest. The trees surround it completely, and all you see is endless green. I take a deep breath, even though the windows are closed.

“I always forget how beautiful and pastoral it is here,” Liam says as we enter and sit at the set table. “I understand why you enjoy living here, away from everything.”

I look around. There are a few pleasures in this life. Women, food, nature and mountain biking. Cycling keeps me in good shape, and it combines nature. Two out of four in one hobby.

“How did you convince Ava to agree to the clause where you have decision-making power in her company? Doesn’t she understand what you’re trying to do?”

Hugo enters with plates in his hands. “Leaf salad with pomegranates in reduced balsamic dressing.”

I wait for him to leave the room before answering. “I explained to her that I’m not going to put in two hundred million without making sure the money is invested properly. She’s clearly not the brightest manager in the world. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.” I smirk. “Like taking candy from a baby.”

Liam laughs. “It’s a smart plan, taking the company from her in a completely legal way. When she realizes that she herself caused the destruction of her legacy, it will hurt more than if you had taken over by buying shares. That will be sweet revenge. Although you’re giving up two years of your life here.”

“Yes.” I nod. “It’s a heavy price, especially when she’s so annoying and intolerable. But not too heavy for victory in a twenty-year war. If I tried to take over from the outside, there’s a good chance they would have noticed the massive stock purchase. This way, they’ll have no idea what hit them.”

Ava and I go out on a date to the most prestigious restaurant in the city. Unlike last time, when I had no idea how the photographers knew we were there, this time, I leaked the date. I want all the pictures. And the best part is Ava gave me the idea to do it.

I approach the passenger door, open it for Ava, and help her out. She’s wearing a long, deep blue dress with an open back. The fabric starts right above her derriere, not an inchmore. It’s the boldest dress I’ve seen her in, and I did my research. Did she wear it for me?

I place my hand on her bare back, and she flinches.

“Relax, honeybee. We’re supposed to be in love,” I whisper.

“Don’t call me that.”

I keep my hand on her back, her soft skin scorching under my touch, and I take a deep breath. The fact that I hate her and the Gant family doesn’t diminish my attraction to her, and that irritates me.

I lead her inside, well aware of the flashing cameras. We sit at a central table where everyone can see us. The candle in the middle of the table flickers.

“You staged it all, huh?” Ava looks around, a fake smile plastered on her face. “We’re sitting in the easiest spot to photograph.”

“I need to make sure our relationship is well publicized before we announce the engagement. I don’t want it to look like it came out of nowhere. The marriage has to look real for my investors to buy the idea that I’ve changed.”

Ava smiles, and it appears genuine this time. “You’re a predator, just waiting for the right moment. If they think you’ll change, they’re idiots.”

“You’re comparing me to a wolf? I’m flattered.” I signal the server to come take our orders, and he immediately complies. “I’ll have the steak, and the lady will have the chicken. And for starters, we’ll take the beef carpaccio.” I hand him the menu. “Oh, and a bottle of 2009 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru.”

“No, I’ll also have the steak,” Ava says, her eyes smoldering. “Thank you.”

The server bows and leaves the table.

Ava leans back. “You’re used to making the decisions, right? Taking what you want by force?”

“I rarely need to make an effort to get things, and I don’t need to use force. People want to please me.”

The server reappears with the bottle and lets me taste it. I approve, and he pours into our glasses.

Ava takes her glass and sips. She tilts her head and swirls the glass. “This wine is excellent.”

“At thirty thousand per bottle, it better be.”

She swallows and fixes me with a stare. “You just spent thirty thousand on a bottle of wine? I can pay two salaries at that price.”

“So can I. And I can also buy a bottle of wine if I want to.” I gaze into her green eyes that look dark in the dim space. “I can be good to you. You don’t need to fight me.” It will be easier to win if she lowers her defenses.