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...
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To say I'm on cloud 9 right now is an understatement. One night proved that Cleo Adams is my trouble. My shark. Both emotional and physical. And that says something because we haven't even done the deed yet. I want to take things slow with her to get to know the Cleo behind the stage.
Just sleeping next to her made me feel like my life was complete. She doesn't know this, but when she fell asleep, I was still awake, listening to her breathing. I know how creepy that sounds but it's like I can't believe she's here. She's real. I notice something new every time I see her. In the pool, it was the light freckles that dust her nose, and before that, it was the tiny strokes of gold in her eyes. So beautiful.
She opened up to me more than I expected. We've both lost a parent that was like a best friend to us. Hers was more sudden than mine, but the similarity is uncanny. I feel more connected to her. It broke my heart to see her cry. My one wish is that I will never be the cause of those tears.
When she helped me in the kitchen, I swear I felt my heart combust. Not because she can cook. I mean, that's a plus but... she did it on her own account. No questions asked. We moved in harmony, and it just felt so natural. My mind wandered as far as us living together, making breakfast before our day. I saw myself waking up to her wild curls splayed out in all directions on my chest. I saw her playing her guitar while I read.
"Mr. Moretti?" Carter's voice knocks me out of my daydream.
"Sorry, sorry. What was that?" I ask him.
"The marketing team will be here on Monday to finalize social media plans for the new line," I nod at him.
"Good. How are the designers doing? Any problems?" Whenever I bring out a new line, I make sure all my employees work efficiently but comfortably.
"No problems in that department. One thing, though. Mr. Taylor called. He is coming to-"
"Mr. Moretti, Mr. Taylor is here to see you." Clara walks through my door with a nervous look. It's no secret that that man gets on my nerves.
My jaw ticked, "Send him in. Carter, I'll speak with you later," he nods and walks out, only to be replaced by this weasel.
"Taylor," I nod and eye him up and down. His red hair was styled and set to the right side.
"Moretti," he fixed his suit and sat on the chair. "How you been?"
"What do you want, Brandon?" I quipped. I don't have time for this.
"So damn hostile," he smirked. Won't be smirking when I break his nose.
"Anyways, I'm here to talk about Sofia." he took a seat on the chair.
My body goes stiff. "What about her?"
His sister, Sofia, and I used to date two years ago. She was one of the 15 models in my Passion line until everything went to shit.
"My sister's death goes unavenged, Moretti, and I'm here to correct that." He says dryly.
"I am not responsible. Sofia jeopardized my company. The past is in the past, and I put it behind me," I snap at him.
"Yet she's dead," he says plainly.
"This is the last time I'm asking; what do you want?" I'm really not doing this today.
He reaches in his jacket and pulls out a paper with my logo on it. He opens it and throws it on my desk.
I realize what it is, and it's like time stopped. I try my best to hide the shaking in my hand as I reach for it. "Why do you have this?" My eyes burn from anger and panic.
"Let's just say it's my ticket to vengeance. Shut down the new line, or your company burns," he stands and turns to walk out. "Oh, and don't bother throwing it away. I have about 5 more copies, and it's scanned." he winks at me and walks out, leaving me fuming.
The paper crumples in my hand as the door shuts. I can't breathe, and this can't be happening. What have I done?
It's my fault. This is all because of my heart. Sofia fell too hard, and my company is in danger because of it. Again.
I have a call to make. -
Pick up. Pick up.
"Wassup?!" Mateo's roars into the phone.
"Come to my office ASAP," I bark out.
"Uhh... sure man. Everything okay?"
"I don't know, just get here." I hung up.
Within 30 minutes, my best friend barges through the door. "Talk to me."
I hand him the paper responsible for my panic. He starts to read, and his eyes go wide. "What?" he gulps.
I simply nod. Thank God he is a lawyer and will give me the best advice on dealing with this matter. "I don't know what to do. Taylor barged in here and said it's the shutdown of my new line, or he exposes that." I raise my hand in frustration. My volume raises with every word. I don't need this right now.
"Bastard," he mutters. "We have to treat this delicately. It's too sensitive. For both you and him."
"It's my fault," my head hangs.
"No, it's not. You're a different person now. That's part of your growth, man. You can't beat yourself up because of that," he looks at me pointedly. "We can figure this out. I'll call Danvers tomorrow. Go home, and rest," he pauses. "Even better, go see your girl." he winks. I smile and shake my head. To my girl, I go.
🥰
This is the official introduction to the plot.... 😬😬
