Page 20 of You’re Mine

“Well, Chloe,” her eyes go wide when I say her name. Surprise, surprise, I’m not the total asshole she thinks I am, “I’m sorry you feel that way, but maybe you made a bit of a mistake sleeping with your friend’s sloppy seconds. Especially after she warned you.” The emotions that pass over the blonde woman’s face vary wildly, but it ends with inflamed anger.

“Ugh, you’re a piece of shit. I hope you like being alone because that’s what you deserve.” With a huff, she flounces into the elevator and then the doors slide closed. I rub my temples, upset with myself for making an error in judgment. It’s something I don’t do very often on the job, but my social life is another story. Instead of thinking about this mess, I call the concierge and let him know what’s coming.

“Mr. King, how may I help you?”

“Hi, Robert. A very angry blonde woman is about to be downstairs, leaving in a huff. She’s in a navy-blue dress and bright pink heels. Could you please make sure she gets a cab and that it’s charged to me? Her name is Chloe. Trust me, you’ll know her when you see her.”

“No problem, sir. Is that all?”

“It is. If she gives you any trouble, please don’t hesitate to call me. Thanks, Robert.”

“Of course. You’re welcome, sir.” I hang up and pour myself some whiskey. Maybe that burn in my throat will do… something. At dinner tonight, one of the partners made a comment about how all my dates look “different, and yet the same.” I know it was a joke, but still. Have I really been filling my time with vapid city girls to get my mind off the one that got away?

It’s a little sad, but after seven years of misery, I’ve summoned the courage to go and see Haley. The big bad billionaire is making his way home in order to check on the girl who left him. What am I expecting really? I know I want to show off a little. I want her to see what she missed, and to take in my obvious wealth. I want her to know I have a private plane, and that I live in a penthouse in the most expensive city in the world. That I, Jace King, could have given her all those things. Even more, I want her to know that I really am good enough.

My phone pings, and I pick it up to see a notification from my pilot. He says we can leave by eight tomorrow, which means I can get to the Jones Estate by noon. Good. This is really happening. In less than twenty-four hours, I’m going to be face-to-face with the girl who thought she was too good for me.

Too anxious to fall asleep, I stride into my private gym and hit the weights. It’s my go-to move whenever I’m stressed. The exercise helps me work off a lot of excess energy and tends to settle my nerves. Of course, it’s eleven p.m. right now, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Unfortunately, images of Haley’s beautiful face dance before my head, and I blink through the sweat, annoyed at myself. Why can’t I forget her? What’s driving me on this quest back to Lenville? All I know is that my adrenaline’s up and I desperately need to see her again.

7

Jace

I’m on the plane, getting some work done to keep myself occupied. Honestly, that’s what I’ve done for the past seven years. I distract myself from the memories of my past using women, work, and alcohol.

The two-hour ride goes by pretty quickly, and soon, we’ve touched down in Lenville. There’s a vehicle waiting for me in the hangar, and I slide behind the wheel of the luxury car. It’s so different from how I left this place – alone with a Greyhound ticket and just a single bag on my back, with no friends, family, or support.

The drive doesn’t take long and, soon I’m parked right outside the Jones mansion. There’s no sense in wasting time, and it looks exactly how I left it. The stone manor is imposing and huge, with the same bougainvillea vines creeping up its walls. There’s an air of Southern charm, but it’s also becoming a little bit decrepit with a haunted air. Bizarre. Why doesn’t Herb modernize this place?

Striding to the front porch, I knock on the huge wooden doors. It looks like none of the lights are on and all the curtains are closed. It’s kind of weird, but then, maybe no one’s home. Coming back later wouldn’t be too hard. I’m about to leave when the door opens and one of the Jones’s servants stands there.

“Good afternoon, sir. How may help you?” I get a glimpse behind him and weirdly, the entire house is totally shrouded in darkness. The curtains must all be closed tight because it’s gloomy and dim, not to mention a little musty-smelling. Haley used to joke that their estate was probably a former plantation and her dad was put there to maintain its history of grief.

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