Page 2 of A Bossy Proposal

“What is it?” I ask Dom without my usual pleasantries.

“Felix is at Club Elysium. You asked me to call whenever he came in.”

“Who’s he with?” I ask, turning to look at Amelia. She turns her back to the event photographer. Not sure why? She’s the most beautiful girl here.

“Not Amelia. He’s with some girl,” Dom tells me.

“Amelia’s here.” My jaw clenches as I stare at her, watching her charm the room with that perfect smile. A smile that hides her brilliance. She deserves better than that cheating bastard.

“Convenient…”

“That’s what he thinks,” I interrupt Dom. “Do what needs to be done. What we planned,” I tell him. “It’s time.”

“Are you sure about this?” Dom asks.

I take another sip of scotch. “He had his chance. He blew it.”

I end the call; my decision made. Felix had too many chances with her. But I’ve watched him hurt her for the last time.

She deserves to know the truth about her boyfriend and how much he loves her—she deserves everything.

She deserves me.

And I want her.

“What happened?” I ask Dom as I sit in the VIP section of Club Elysium. It gives us a view of everyone in the club, dancing and at the bar. From our VIP perch, I take in the sea of masks below. Bodies writhe against each other, as silk and lace barely conceal what’s underneath.

A woman in a golden Venetian mask grinds against her partner. His hands slide under her dress as another masked figure joins them.

The heads of the security teams stand alert at strategic points in the club. Marco and his team are by the bar. Tony’s team hovers near the lower-level private rooms. Jake’s team watches the dance floor.

They’re here to ensure none of the women feel unsafe or pressured.

Sam drops into the leather seat beside me, loosening his tie. “I need a fucking vacation.”

“Be glad you’re not Henry. He’s going to need more than that,” Dom says, laughing. “Fiona’s pregnant. Again.”

“Seven?” I shake my head. “Someone needs to introduce that man to birth control.”

“Or tie his tubes already,” Sam laughs, checking his phone. “Speaking of siblings, I’m meeting East for drinks at Murphy’s.He’s freaking out about his date with that venture capitalist’s daughter.”

“It’s a date,” I tell Sam. “He’s not getting married.”

“She’s not the one, though…” Sam says. “And he’s sick of your father pushing dates on him.”

I laugh. “Ten years and he still isn’t over Sloane.”

“He told me he doesn’t want anyone.” Sam runs his hand through his hair.

“He’s a fucking liar.” I know my brother all too well. East will tell our father he is happy to date his friends’ daughters, but he’ll never commit.

“Maybe.” Sam checks his watch again, stands, and straightens his jacket. “I’ll see you guys this weekend.”

I watch as he leaves the upper level and heads to the elevator. He weaves through the crowd below. Women’s heads turn as he passes. Same old Sam - leaving a trail of broken hearts wherever he goes. But I know better. All those meaningless hookups are his way of running from what happened with Varna years ago.

After Sam leaves, I turn to Dom. “Tell me about Felix.”

Dom’s jaw tightens. “He showed up with some woman and asked for a private room.”

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