Cleo Miranda Adams is a part-time clerk at a small antique shop and an aspiring guitarist. Music has been part of her life since birth. After a tough loss, she focuses on building a name for herself and doing what she loves.
Billionaire and perfecti...
"Carter!" I called my right-hand man and trusty assistant. He pushed open my door within seconds.
"Yes, sir," he said, looking at me patiently.
"The musician for Thursday?" I looked at him pointedly. He nodded as he texted who I assumed was the musician I wanted.
"Confirmed, sir. A guitarist like you wanted. She confirmed this morning for the first dance of the night. She will be here on Thursday," I nodded. Carter was like a mini-me. I trusted him, so that's why I don't question who he picked. He has good taste. He's about six foot five with dark hair and piercing grey eyes. This may be shocking to you, but the man loves his job. He enjoys planning and organizing events. Efficient and triple-checks every detail. I can disappear for days without a care, knowing Carter will take the reigns and come back to everything in order. We discussed a few more things before he left for the day. I was staying late tonight to finish up on the final details for my annual autumn ball.
I always took the time to appreciate my employees. They stood by my father, even after his death. Life is short, so I make it a habit to appreciate everyone in my life before it's too late. This year was challenging. Taylor Customs gave us a run for our money, but we pulled through and once again made more than them in the end.
Brandon Taylor. A weasel of a man. From the moment I met him, it was bad blood. Even after everything, the blood between us boils with cyanide and poison. I keep a close eye on him. To him, life is like a game of chess, except he rigs it for his benefit.
I am cut from my thoughts when a familiar, annoying voice is heard from outside. Please no. "Ayo Moretti!" Mateo, my best friend from college, barges into my office with a massive smile on his face. If one term can describe our relationship is grumpy x sunshine. The guy never stops smiling. Mateo Alessio Marino. He also has an empire to run. He's one of the most successful lawyers in Italy. I mean, the man never lost a case. I'm proud to call him my best friend. He came a long way. He just settled a nasty divorce between two of the most famous people in Italy. It was a scandal, but his firm got a lot of publicity and more clients.
I groan. "What do you want, blondie?" I smirk, knowing he hates that name.
He glared at me, "Won't be smirking when I say what I wanna say," a devilish smirk plastered on his face. Oh no. My bestie, meaning you, and I will be going out tonight. It's been a while," he stated as he sat in the chair in front of my desk with his legs crossed. He was right. It's been ages. I have a new line coming in a few months, so I haven't been the most present. I missed him.
I sigh and agree for the sake of my best friend's happiness. He squeals like a 5-year-old at my answer. I shake my head and pack up before we leave. So much for working late. -
We end up at a simple restaurant with a small but full bar. One thing I loved about this man was his taste. Simple yet exquisite. We ordered food and drinks. "So, how are things going with the new line? Anyone stressing you out? Want me to throw hands?" He asks.
I sighed, and laughed in good nature. Mateo and I have always had each other's back. There were so many times where the both of us punched someone for the other. We're each other's shoulder to lean on. "You know you'd fighting all day every day."
"Small price to pay for our friendship. You know I got you, man," he winks. We were seated in front of the makeshift stage. There was a stool and a microphone in the middle. Guitarist maybe? When a voice introduces someone through the speakers, Mateo and I placed our attention on the stage. Everything went still. I swear I saw an angel in front of me.
Her skin was like cinnamon with curly, dark brown hair that looked like it passed her shoulder and honey brown eyes you can get lost in. Her nails were short with a mocha brown hue. I realized I was daydreaming when she started strumming her guitar. She's beautiful. She plucked the strings with perfection- my kind of girl. Don't even get me started on that caramel voice of hers. The lights on the stage reflected off her skin and made her look like she was actually glowing.
Coming to the end of her performance, she looked up at the crowd, and her eyes instantly locked onto mine. Holy hell. Can I get close to her?
Something shifted in her gaze, and she looked away before finishing her song. Taking a bow, she left the stage like her butt was on fire. Odd.
"Damn," Mateo's eyes followed her off the stage, and I couldn't blame him. She was stunning-an angel in sight.
🥰
Introducing Christopher Moretti. I tried to get inside his head a little. Did you guys get the hint about Mateo??
