Aiden Grayson, a ruthless CEO used to controlling everything, meets his match when a mysterious threat forces him under the protection of Julian McAndrew, his handsome new bodyguard who makes him want impossible things.
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Aiden's POV
Anxious faces encircled the long mahogany table.
Aiden's head throbbed in time with the rhythmic tapping of a pen, which seemed louder in his hungover state. He slouched lower in his seat, eyelids drooped behind his dark sunglasses as the monotone voices around him threatened to put him to sleep.
"Seriously?" Kyle whispered.
A sharp kick to the shin made Aiden straighten in his seat. He glared at Kyle, his brother and self-appointed babysitter, who scowled right back at him.
Clearing his throat, Aiden pushed his shades on top of his tousled brown hair.
The room quieted as all eyes turned to him.
"I'm just going to come out and say it," Aiden began. "What the hell are we waiting for?"
Kyle sighed in disapproval at Aiden's foul mouth, but he ignored it and pressed on. Just because he had dozed off a few times didn't mean he wasn't following the tedious conversation.
"I struggle to understand the need for another round of negotiations." Aiden's green eyes beamed with intensity as he met the gaze of each person. "We've all seen the latest projections for this partnership. If everything goes according to plan, we'll make billions while revolutionizing the tech industry."
"He's right," Kyle said. "The rumors about us partnering have already leaked, so I suggest we capitalize on the hype."
Across the table, Jason Kent and Miranda Scotts, the representatives of Hope World Inc., exchanged a loaded look. Jason leaned forward to speak, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
"Respectfully, Mr. Grayson, it's not the deal that has us cautious about moving forward with your company," he said. "It's..."
"What?" Aiden cocked an eyebrow. "Just say it."
"It's your... scandals."
Aiden laughed and rolled his eyes.
It wasn't the first time his wild lifestyle had scared off investors, and it probably wouldn't be the last. But he couldn't let this deal slip through his fingers. Too much was riding on it—namely, his pride, and a bet with his father that he'd seal this partnership before the year ended.
If there was one thing Aiden despised more than being up this early on a Monday, it was letting his old man win.
"Jason, you speak as if I'm the only one at this table with scandals," Aiden smirked. "Need I remind you of what happened to Hope World's previous CEO? Didn't he get exposed for doing—"
"We should end things here for the day." Kyle abruptly stood. He wore a strained smile as he waved a hand toward the door. "Allow me to walk you both out."
