Reign: A Romance Anthology

by Nina Levine

  “Law, like mother like daughter,” Lex professes while smiling fondly. “I wasn’t exactly thrilled when we found out.”

  I laugh, pouring more Scotch into our glasses. “Lex Edwards, billionaire tycoon with four daughters. Why am I not surprised?”

  He snickers, enjoying my dig at his protective persona. “One day, you’ll have kids of your own, possibly daughters, and then you’ll know.”

  “Please…” I roll my eyes with boredom. “The last thing I want is marriage and babies. I’m quite happy being single despite what my mother believes.”

  “Your mother believes you can’t keep your dick in your pants. Hence, why she keeps having to deal with different assistants when trying to call you.”

  “Hmm… gossip travels fast.” I smirk playfully behind the glass. “No one understands my lifestyle. They either want on my cock or in my pocket. I’m twenty-nine, too young to worry about settling down. I’ve got an empire to build, not pussy to chase.”

  Lex shakes his head with a knowing smile. “Aren’t you the epitome of a young Lex Edwards? But a word of warning, one day you’ll wake up and realize that being alone is a punishment, not a blessing.”

  “And until then, what does it matter if my bed is warm in the morning from some chick who can get me off quickly?”

  “Why do I not believe you allow them to stay over?”

  I throw back the rest of my drink. “You have me there, old fella, just trying to paint me as a considerate lover.”

  Lex points his finger at me. “You, Will Romano, are a selfish man, as was I once upon a time, but look where I ended up? If you’re to follow in my footsteps, I expect some woman to own you very soon.”

  Laughter escapes me. “I recall the upsetting memory. You stole my favorite aunt and whisked her away to have babies in LA. I’m happy to prove you wrong. Wager, if needed.”

  “Now, now, don’t get so cocky. Mark my words, son, it’ll happen to you. And all this…” he points around my office with an arrogant grin, “… will mean nothing if you can’t have her.”

  With a dismissive nod, I raise my glass. “It’s time to prove Lex Edwards wrong.”

  6

  Amelia

  Nothing anyone could have said would’ve prepared me for my first few months of college.

  It was even better.

  Being surrounded by intellectual students who want to learn is vastly different from high school. Our lectures often turn into discussions, which I thoroughly enjoy, giving me a chance to interact with my peers on a non-social level.

  I frequently find myself immersed in reading, and studying has become so much more challenging than in high school. At times, the pressure mounts, yet I quickly learned that I thrive on it. It pushes me to work harder, and if I want to make a career out of the law, I need tough skin and a strong work ethic.

  Aside from the girls in my dorm room, it hasn’t taken too long to make friends with those who have similar interests to me. We often have lunch together and hang out for coffee, which I despised before college life. If there’s some social get-together in New Haven, we go together, depending on our study schedule. All in all, my parents are pleased that I haven’t found the ‘bad crowd,’ who spends the entire time planning keg parties and getting laid.

  Yes, I know who they are. I just choose to avoid them.

  But like anything, the good comes with the bad. I invariably find myself homesick, the nights being the hardest.

  In times of need, I call Mom and just talk for hours about anything I can, missing the sound of her voice and needing her reassurance. Most of the time, I have questions about papers, though Dad helps me a lot with things I struggle to grasp. Surprisingly, our bond strengthened upon my departure.

  Yet milestones pass, like my siblings’ birthdays, which make it hard when I can’t be there in person. I plan to head home for Thanksgiving, having not seen my family in two months, and then to add to all of that, I miss Austin.

  It’s Friday, a rare class-free day, and I opt to train it into the city. I take my phone out, texting Austin.

  Me: Why does the train have this odd smell?

  Austin: It’s called humans. It’s what happens when you leave your dorm room after studying nonstop.

  Austin: So… have you recovered from last night?

  A smile escapes me, the heat rising in my cheeks soon following. Thankfully, the seat beside me is empty. I stare out the window, reminiscing about last night. It started off with flirtatious banter, then led to our clothes coming off and a very happy ending.

  Me: If I weren’t on a train with strangers, I’d say around two?

  Austin: You’re killing me….

  Austin: Have you thought more about Thanksgiving?

  Taking a deep breath, I don’t want to take too long to answer but also don’t want to offend Austin, given my plans with my family, something which I hope he‘ll understand.

  Me: I have, and you know that I miss you, but I really need to see my family. Maybe you could drive here one weekend? It’s only five hours away.

  I wait for a response, but it doesn’t come. This separation thing has been harder than expected, and although having sex bonded us in a way, it also drives a wedge between us at times. Physically missing someone is hard, and I’d be a fool to think we can go on like this for the next seven years. Austin has needs that can easily be fulfilled by the girls at John Hopkins. But even then, I choose not to end things, once again letting our relationship go through the motions to stand the test of time—separation.

  The train pulls up into Grand Central Station. As soon as I exit, the city’s hustle and bustle greet me along with the fall breeze. Dressed in my jeans and wearing my long camel-colored coat, I choose to wear my Chucks, knowing I’ll be walking around the city.

  It’s a glorious day visiting the Museum of Metropolitan Art, lunch at Central Park, followed by a casual stroll until my legs grow tired from walking. I stop by a small café and have a coffee with Andy. He can’t stay long given his class load today, leaving after thirty minutes.

  I recheck my phone, and still no message from Austin. As I’m just about to put my phone away, the phone rings with my Aunt Nikki’s name appearing on the screen.

  “Why, hello there, favorite aunt of mine,” I greet jovially.

  “If I were indeed your favorite, I’d have been visited by now,” she points out while I cringe at the lecture I’m indeed about to receive. “A birdie told me you’re in the city today.”

  “Yes, I am. I need a study break.”

  “Well, I insist you join us for dinner tonight. Rocky can take you home since there’s no chance in hell you’re taking a train that late.”

  I purse my lips, knowing I have no choice. “Of course, sounds great.”

  “Now, have you had a chance to visit Will?”

  “Will? Uh no… I’m sure he’s busy with work.”

  “Considering my son is a workaholic much like your dear old father, an impromptu visit wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I just spoke to him to try to convince him to come to dinner, but of course, he has some woman he probably has to pursue.”

  I laugh at her comment. “A workaholic playboy, I’m sure Uncle Rocky is proud.”

  “Don’t even start,” she growls jokingly. “I’ll text you our address, and don’t forget to go see him. Someone needs to knock some sense into that man. Perhaps it’ll be you.”

  “I highly doubt that, but sure, I’ll drop by his office in about an hour.”

  Not long after we end our call, my phone beeps with all the details Aunt Nikki promised. The office building is all the way downtown, and despite my reluctance to visit Will since I haven’t seen him in forever, I hop on the subway and make my way toward his office.

  The large silver building is tall amongst the older and historic buildings surrounding it. Rechecking the address, I enter the building and find the elevator.

  Inside the confined area, I press the button to the twentieth floor when my phone pin
gs.

  Austin: I don’t know how long I can do this for.

  Before the doors close, someone steps in, standing at the opposite end of me. My heart sinks at Austin’s text, my stomach feeling sick at the thought of us ending at this moment.

  I begin to type, only to erase the message. No matter what I want to say, it feels like it comes out wrong.

  Taking a deep breath, my eyes wander to the shoes and perfectly tailored pants beside me. The gentleman’s hand is tucked into the pocket of his pants, his watch notable as my dad has a similar one. His scent, an aftershave that’s rather intoxicating, makes me want to check him out, but I keep my head down for fear of being caught.

  The door pings on the nineteenth floor as he steps out, allowing me only to see the back of him. His tall stature, dressed in a business suit, is quite sexy. Perhaps I’ve been around college boys for too long—ripped jeans and t-shirts with crude slogans seem rather unsexy.

  “If you’re here for an interview, which I assume you are, you may want to make sure you smile and not be on your phone.”

  I lift my head as the door closes. What an asshole! I take it all back, men, in general, are pigs. Right now, Austin is one of them since he can’t even make an effort to come see me.

  When I exit the elevator, I ask the receptionist to use the restroom to freshen up. Inside the very clean and modern restroom, I stare into the mirror.

  My hair was cut much shorter in the last year, the hairdresser working magic with a lighter shade. I let it out, the waves falling just to my shoulders as I continue to glance at myself.

  What the hell am I going to talk about? I haven’t seen Will since forever. I was a kid, no doubt tormenting him as I had always done. We have such a big age gap, and most likely nothing in common besides family. I can bring up his unstable love life at Aunt Nikki’s request, but wouldn’t that be awkward? As if he needs a nineteen-year-old girl giving him advice, well, almost nineteen in just one week.

  Exiting the restroom, I wait in the reception area.

  “Miss, you can wait in Mr. Romano’s office. He shan’t be long.”

  I smile politely, admiring her British accent.

  Following her into the office, the glass windows with views of the city immediately catch my attention. It reminds me a lot of Dad’s office with an oversized glass desk and leather chair. Everything is strategically placed, and not a single thing looks out of place. From listening to my parents, I think he runs some tech companies and creates apps. I probably should’ve asked this, so I’d have something to talk about.

  The sound of voices echoes behind the door. “I don’t care what it takes, either wrap up the deal or consider yourself done.”

  Ouch.

  “You have until close of business tomorrow,” the voice continues, “Uh-huh… listen, I need to call you back.”

  With my back toward him, I close my eyes then force a smile, spinning around. My eyes fall onto the leather shoes I saw inside the elevator, the ones who belonged to the asshole who commented somewhat prematurely on my phone behavior. Slowly, I drag my eyes upward past his navy-blue pants until I reach his belt, realizing my stare has lingered too long. I snap my head up until our eyes lock.

  “Well, if it isn’t Miss Edwards.” His gaze is unwavering, making me slightly uncomfortable.

  Will has changed so much since I last saw him, a man with very defined features and dark hair like his father’s. I’ve never seen him in a business suit, remembering the last time we saw each other, he must have still been in college.

  “Living and breathing,” I answer, eager to ignore his elevator dig. “How have you been?”

  “Quite well, and you?”

  “The same.”

  There’s a silence that follows us, prompting him to close the door and take a seat behind his desk. His stare continues to make me feel paranoid, and without trying to make myself obvious, I check my hair to make sure I don’t have something wrong with me. Worst yet, do I have something in my teeth? What does it matter, anyway? I’m sure Will’s seen my many nudie runs during my toddler years.

  “It’s a lovely office you have here. It reminds me of my father’s.”

  “That it is.”

  His closed answer leaves nothing for me to continue with.

  “Have you been here long?”

  “About two years,” is all he answers, his annoying stare still making me self-conscious. “You know, you don’t have to be so formal.”

  “I should hope not,” I blurt out, relieved at the break of tension. “I’m almost certain you dared me to eat a worm, which I did. Surely, that should count for something.”

  He chuckles softly. “You always were the daredevil. And look at you now. I’ve heard you’re studying at Yale?”

  “Yes. I had a free day, so I thought I’d visit the city…” I trail off, momentarily stumbling on my thoughts as his eyes wander to my lips. My heart beats loudly, but I must be imagining all of this. He’s just entertaining me because of obligation, and anyway, I should not be thinking about him in any other way. Austin’s text still left me wounded. That’s it.

  “I don’t remember you being so speechless,” he follows with an arrogant smirk. “Little Miss Chatterbox from memory.”

  “Things change, people change.”

  His penetrating stare never leaves mine. “Why yes, they do…”

  I glance at my phone. “Listen, I should probably go since you must have work to do.” I stand up, questioning whether I should hug him since he’s family. Perhaps, if I had done that at the beginning, it wouldn’t have been so awkward.

  “The pleasure has been all mine, Amelia.”

  My name rolls off his tongue with a delicious bite. Shit! What the hell is wrong with you? He’s family.

  I take a deep breath, willing my actions to gain some sort of control since my imagination has turned into some overcharged sex maniac.

  “It was nice seeing you again,” I offer with a smile, turning my back on him to leave the room, “Oh, and before I forget, that assistant out there, she’s quite nice. Maybe try to keep your dick in your pants, so you don’t lose another one.”

  His expression falls, a look of anger as his eyes pierce into mine. I purposely keep walking with a satisfied smile.

  One point for me.

  And the best part of all of this, there’s no chance of him upping me since I won’t be seeing him anytime soon.

  7

  Will

  “And so, Mr. Romano, as you can see on this chart, our company has a lot to offer.”

  Staring blankly at the screen, I blink my eyes to break the trance I find myself in… again. Fuck! What the hell did he say? Not wanting to come off like an idiot, I demand a break.

  “I need to make a phone call.”

  Without waiting for an answer, I storm out of the room and back into the solitude of my office. Pacing up and down, I clench my fists, willing to rid myself of these thoughts.

  She’s too young.

  Immature, obviously by her dig at my sex life.

  And she’s Lex and Charlie’s daughter.

  But the minute I stepped into that elevator, something drew me toward her. I’m used to seeing women in the building dressed in corporate wear and flashing any piece of skin they are able to get away with.

  Not this girl, though.

  I didn’t catch her eyes, only the supple pink lips which often sighed when she stared at her phone. There was an innocence to her, and perhaps it was that which left me curious as to why she ended up in my building.

  Assuming it was an interview, I found it highly inappropriate to wear Chucks, yet admired her fashionable choice in wardrobe on this exceptionally cool fall day.

  Then I found her in my office, and the second she spun around, those emerald-green eyes did something I can’t explain. I couldn’t breathe like I’d been punched in the chest, which has happened to me during several boxing matches. There’s nothing to do but ignore it, blame all of it on Lex aft
er he got into my head about being alone.

  And the irony—his daughter is the one consuming my head.

  As we sat inside my office, and she struggled to make any conversation with me worth my attention, it gave me too much opportunity to examine her. My memory can’t recall the last time I’ve seen her, only snippets of our childhood and the way she’d taunt me with her overbearing ways.

  Yet she’s turned into a beautiful woman, one I didn’t expect to see sitting inside my office. Her face has changed, slimmed out with her features more defined. Her hair, cut shorter and a different color, offers a more mature style than the long hair I remember she always had in pigtails.

  But it was her quiet, rather introverted attitude, which puzzles me the most. As a child, she was a boisterous daredevil, nothing at all like the Little Miss Precious, Ava. She dared me to jump out of trees and tested me in the pool with ridiculous races she’d have us compete. And the little girl who would demand my attention on my family trips to California had soon become the bane of my existence.

  Shaking my head, I push the thoughts out of my mind and send a text to Elisha—a woman who offers a great fuck whenever I need it. Within seconds, she responds eagerly with an open invitation to her place tonight.

  There. Done.

  As the afternoon drags on, so do my rampant thoughts. By the time everyone leaves the boardroom, I’ve abandoned Elisha’s invitation. Although I had prompted it, I decide to head over to my parents’ place, needing a good old pep talk from Dad, who’ll knock some sense into me about staying single and fucking whomever I please.

  I punch the code, opening the door, and yell out to my parents.

  “Will?” Mom responds, unsure, as I walk through the apartment toward the kitchen.

  “Yeah, it’s me, is Dad around—”

  My words fall flat, stopping at the dining room as emerald-green eyes feast upon me. Fuck.