HARD LEX: A Billionaire Romance (NIGHT OF THE KINGS SERIES Book 5)

by Shayne Ford

  We lock eyes.

  “You’re not still thinking about her.”

  “No, I’m not,” I say, no inflection in my voice.

  “I hope you’re not. Because if you are, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.”

  “I know all that. You don’t have to remind me.”

  “I’m not. I’m just watching out for you.”

  “No need to.”

  He pauses again. I bring the glass to my lips, toss it back and empty it this time.

  “What are you afraid Lex?” he asks with a softer voice.

  I look at him and ponder for a moment.

  I wish I knew the answer to his question.

  “I’m not.”

  He shifts his eyes away from me and gazes down at his hands, streaming disagreement. For some reason, he’s not keen to challenge me.

  “I don’t want to fuck her up. That’s all,” I say.

  He swings his gaze to me.

  “She matters to me,” I say. “That’s why I don’t want to fuck her up. But there’s a chance I might do just that,” I add and stay silent for a few moments before I look away again. “You know what kind of woman she is?” I say quietly as I run my fingers up and down on the empty glass, staring blankly.

  I shoot him a glance. He nods, silent.

  “That’s why is so easy to crush her,” I say.

  “What makes you think you’d do that?”

  I straighten and lean back against the red velvet sofa.

  “I don’t want to. Trust me. But I might. She’s all in, whether she knows it or not. She let me have her heart the first time I kissed her. I don’t think she planned it that way, but it’s in her blood. She doesn’t know how to be with a man any other way. Sure, we played all sorts of games and she never said anything to me, but I know. And the fact that I like her so much makes things so much worse.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I have no idea how far I can go with her and if in fact, I can take her where she wants to be.”

  “Sexton said the same thing, and look at him now.”

  I move my eyes away from him.

  “It was different for him,” I say.

  “How? He screwed up over and over again, and then he ended up with Rain.”

  I smile bitterly.

  “You think he didn’t know?” he says.

  We connect eyes again before he continues.

  “I think he knew right from the get go what she was to him. He knew she was the end of him ––the end of his life as he knew it, and the beginning of something new. That’s why he fought so hard. Against fate, her and himself. He fought harder than you. That’s why he fucked up so many times. But in the end, it was all the same. He couldn’t escape his fate. No matter how much he tried or how hard he fucked up Rain. And he did...”

  “I’m not Sexton.”

  “Exactly. You have less to be afraid of. And Dahlia is not Rain. I don’t see her sway that far out there–– the way Rain did, so I don’t know why you’re so afraid.”

  I search his eyes for a few moments, a slow grin creasing my lips.

  “When did you get so smart, Preston?”

  He flashes a playful smile.

  “Get over yourself. I always was.”

  He picks up the phone again.

  “How’s the little Goddess business going?” I ask, tilting my chin up, pointing to his cell phone.

  “Good,” he says stretching a cunning smile. “Why are you asking?”

  “If you’re so smart how come you didn’t figure her out?”

  He flicks his eye up, a smug smile on his lips. He barely pushes his chuckle back.

  “Who says I didn’t figure her out?”

  Quirking my lips, I grill him with my gaze.

  “How long it’s been? Weeks?”

  He looks back at the screen.

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  “Anything new?”

  “Same,” he says secretively.

  “You showed her something?”

  “Maybe.”

  I chuckle.

  “What about her?”

  He glances at me. His nose creases with a smirk.

  “Hasn’t she run out of body parts? Is there anything she hasn’t shown you?”

  “Yeah.”

  I clasp my fingers beneath my chin.

  “Face?”

  “Mmm-Hmm.”

  “I wonder why.”

  “She hasn’t seen my face either.”

  I laugh softly.

  “I wonder why,” I say again.

  “Why’s that?” he asks cleverly.

  “For someone smart like you, this is a real dumb question. If you show your face, she could recognize you and then she’d know you’re fucking loaded.”

  He smiles cunningly and stays quiet.

  “Oh... That’s what this is,” I say, washed with revelation. “That’s why you didn’t rail her yet.”

  “Why’s that Lex?” he asks, playing stupid.

  He flicks his eyes to me.

  I tilt an eyebrow and smile at him.

  “You’re intrigued by her, and yet you know that if you blow your cover, this little thing with her may go straight to hell.”

  “Maybe...” he says, smiling to himself.

  “So, is she a gold digger?”

  “I have no fucking idea. She might be.”

  “So fucking what? Why do you care anyway? It’s not as if you want to marry her.”

  Silence comes from him.

  I ponder for a moment.

  “Wait. You want her to fall for you without knowing about your money... Isn’t it so, Preston?”

  His eyes meet mine, a grin flashing in his gaze.

  “Fucking dog. When have you become so sneaky?”

  He opens his mouth.

  “You always were,” I say before he has the chance to say something.

  “You’re afraid your money might rig the game?”

  He nods.

  “Something like that.”

  “She must be quite a piece.”

  He lets out a soft chuckle.

  “She is.”

  I pick my phone and car keys from the table and push out of my seat.

  “Where are you going?”

  It’s my turn to grin mysteriously.

  “Wouldn't you like to know?”

  He smiles.

  “Fucking?”

  “You get redundant, Preston.”

  “What about the party?”

  “I’ll stop by later,” I throw to him over my shoulder.

  “Are you bringing her with you?” he tosses back at me, laughing.

  Lifting my middle finger, I pull away.

  17

  DAHLIA

  I choose a sleeveless, chiffon white dress, with flared bottom and fitted waist, a plunging neckline and sophisticated draping at the top.

  Wide golden tone bracelets close around my wrists. Matching earrings with beautiful emerald stones dangle from my earlobes.

  My hair falls down my back in soft natural waves. High heels sandals with silk ribbons tie around my ankles. I toss a last glance in the mirror before I grab the small satin emerald clutch and pick up my phone from the kitchen counter.

  “Damn...” Elsa exclaims as she enters the apartment.

  Her eyes widen with surprise.

  “Where are you going?” she asks running her gaze up and down on me.

  “A business function.”

  “Uh-huh,” she mutters softly as she takes in my shoes. “It’s Friday evening. What does business function stand for exactly?”

  “There’s, um... some kind of party I am going to.”

  “With Lex?” she asks casually.

  “Yes. With Lex Harrington.”

  “Is he about to propose?”

  Smiling, I wave her off.

  “Why can’t you keep your mouth shut?” I say.

  She takes a step back and looks at me appreciatively.

  “You look gre
at. I’ve never seen you dressed like that.”

  “I wanted to try something different.”

  “You look...”

  I glance at her.

  “How?”

  “I don’t know. In love...?” she says, locking my eyes.

  A soft grin curves my lips.

  “Even your smile.”

  “It’s nothing. It’s a posh party. Some private event at James Sexton house. That’s all.”

  “You said it’s a business function.”

  “A lot of business partners will be there.”

  “And you’re going there as...?”

  I shrug.

  “I don’t know. Personal assistant, I guess.”

  “You don’t look like one. Why would he need his PA there?”

  I smile.

  “You can ask him when you meet him.”

  “Ha ha... Very funny.”

  “What about you?”

  She kicks her shoes off.

  “I wanted to go out, but now that you’re leaving, I’ll call Connor and invite him here, if you don’t mind.”

  She tilts her eyebrows up, waiting for my response.

  “Okay. Just make sure his crazy brother doesn’t stop by too.”

  “He’s in New York.”

  “Good.”

  My phone vibrates in my hand.

  “I have to go,” I say, rushing to the entrance.

  “Have fun!” she says and locks the door behind me.

  Moments later, I step out the elevator, my gaze quickly drawn to the black Ferrari waiting for me in the front of the building.

  Carefully strutting on my heels, I erase the space and slip inside. The scent of his perfume envelopes me.

  His eyes glint as he takes me in.

  “Hey,” I say, sounding a bit nervous.

  “Hey,” he says quietly, his gaze dragging up my legs.

  Leaning to me, he kisses me on my cheek. Slowly, I take him in.

  Clad in a tuxedo, his hair combed back, his blue eyes sparkling like gems, he looks like a million bucks. His eyes meet mine as I struggle to push back a smile.

  “This must be some event, huh?” I ask, trying to sound casual about it and not jittery as I feel.

  “It always is with Sexton,” he says with a voice that makes me soft inside.

  He glances at me again.

  “You look beautiful,” he says, and although he makes an effort to conceal it, I read genuine surprise in his eyes. “Let me do it,” he says as I fumble with my seat belt.

  He shifts in his seat so that he can help me, and I swiftly pull my trembling hands away.

  “You okay?” he asks as he makes sure the seat belts sits flat across my lap.

  “Uh-huh,” I mumble, evading his eyes.

  “Look at me, Dahlia,” he says with a soft voice.

  Slowly, I swivel my head. He cups my cheek, his eyes sinking deep into mine.

  “Why are you so nervous?”

  I look at him, spellbound. I don’t know what it is. His hypnotic eyes or tender touch? Or perhaps his scent?

  Whatever it is, I start melting in my seat.

  “I’m not nervous,” I murmur, shaken to my core.

  “You haven’t gone out much?”

  “It’s not that,” I say softly.

  “Then what is it?”

  He searches my eyes for a moment. I’m so overwhelmed by emotions, tears well up in my eyes.

  I try to smile and hide them, but it’s too late. His fingers splay on my cheek, his thumb gently brushing my skin. A bittersweet grin curves his lips, and now I really feel like crying.

  I’ve gone so far out there, falling for this man.

  He reads my eyes. He knows it. Of course, he does. There’s no way I can hide it. His hand cradles my face as he slowly leans toward me.

  His lips touch mine in a soft, tender kiss, and it’s like life courses through my blood again. He smoothly tears away and smiles.

  “Let’s get going. We’re already late,” he says, starting the ignition.

  DAHLIA

  The windows are open, the summer evening pushing in the scent of wild roses, and new leaves pulsing with life mixed with the incense of the earth.

  Despite being late, he doesn’t rush. He lets the car roll slowly through the fabric of the night.

  As we near Sexton’s property, the homes become scarce, and for a few good minutes, we drive through clusters of trees and meadows.

  Lights cast a glow toward the sky as we take a turn, and a different view presents to us. We follow a gravel road to the beautiful estate.

  We are by no means the only guests arriving late. Limos keep coming. He drives around the house and pulls the car to a stop next to the back entrance. A valet promptly greets us.

  He turns off the engine and glances at me. I collect my evening bag, getting ready to step out.

  He climbs out first, walks around and helps me out. His arm snakes around my waist, helping me to keep my balance.

  “Look who’s finally here,” says a voice I instantly recognize.

  Ed Preston gazes at us from the top of the stairs.

  “Finally,” he says, holding the door open for us.

  His gaze goes down on me as I walk past him.

  “Mmm... You look good, Miss Fox,” he says, and I turn around to thank him.

  Lex’s hand lands on Ed’s shoulder, his eyes tasering him with a glare.

  “Take it easy,” Ed says, laughing. “I was just paying her a compliment.”

  Lex smiles faintly, keeping his eyes on me. My heart swells.

  “Let’s go. The man talks to the crowd just about now,” Ed says, and we enter the house.

  A large corridor sprawls in front of us, a massive stairwell snaking its way to the upper level. Spacious rooms line the hallway.

  A sound of soft music and humming of voices comes from the other side of the house. We make it to that room just as James Sexton announces his engagement with Rain Morgan.

  We all halt for a moment, clamor filling the air.

  “I’ll be fucking damned,” Lex mutters. “You knew Preston?”

  I shift my eyes to Ed Preston who thrusts his hands into his pockets and looks across the room at James Sexton and the blonde woman at his side.

  Lex’s eyes glue to them as well.

  “He kept it a secret, but I had a suspicion.”

  “Is that Eve?” Edward asks, his voice filled with surprise, and I can only imagine he refers to the brunette with blue eyes who’s also standing next to James Sexton.

  “Yeah...” Lex, says softly. “They just came back from Italy,” he says, and I feel completely left out.

  “I’ll be damned,” Edward mutters. “It’s over, man,” he says to Lex, who rests his hand on the back of my neck and slowly nudges me to follow Edward.

  We cut our way through groups of people until we make it to the main table. The men shake hands, the congratulations flowing as I get introduced to Eve and Rain.

  About the same age as me, they’re extremely friendly. People keep coming to our group, and soon, I get separated from Lex and pushed to the side.

  With not much else to do, my eyes go to the happy couple, furtively observing them.

  There’s a reason James Sexton has a reputation.

  Women morph into blushing teenagers as soon as he graces them with his attention, and yet he only has eyes for the beautiful blonde at his side.

  Edward Preston makes himself busy with Eve, throwing her flirting smiles as the beautiful brunette showers him with attention as well.

  She wears a shimmering, dark blue dress that sets off her eyes. A layer of faint bronze gives her skin a beautiful sheen.

  Rain is even more beautiful than I imagined. Stories have been circulating at my workplace about her rocky love story with the man who’s now her future husband.

  Most of the tales were hearsay in my opinion. Regardless how much truth they bore, one thing is for sure. She is strikingly beautiful. And he is d
angerously hot.

  I get a glimpse of him next to Lex, not far from them standing Ed. These three men can burn the house down.

  Handsome and rich. That’s a deadly combination.

  Lex’s eyes glint with a grin, which makes my heart flutter. Women stop to greet him as well, and my stomach ties in knots.

  I shift my gaze back to Rain, looking for answers.

  What’s her secret?

  It can’t be only her beauty. This whole house is filled with gorgeous women. Younger, older, a lot of them rich like them. How has she captured his heart? That’s what I really like to know.

  I let my gaze float over her as if the answer to my question lies in the details of her dress.

  She wears a beaded black chiffon dress, fluid on her sexy body. The back neckline opens her evening gown down to her waist. A mane of blonde hair cascades down her back.

  She has a softness in her eyes and sweetness in her features that’s hard to resist.

  James’s constantly locking her eyes, and for the second time this evening I almost want to cry.

  What... the... fuck?

  I shift my gaze to Lex and catch him staring at Rain as well. I have to take a step to the side to let a couple of people pass by and then I glue my gaze to him again.

  My heart starts beating faster.

  I do a double take. He can’t peel his eyes off Rain. It’s not so much that he looks at her but how he looks at her.

  Something breaks inside me.

  I sweep a champagne flute from a server’s tray and walk outside. By the time I enter the terrace, my glass is already empty.

  I toss it on a table, find a spot near the door from where I can keep my eyes on them and lean against the handrail, my arms crossed over my chest.

  A woman steps closer to me, a glass dangling from her hand as well.

  “Who managed to piss you off?” the woman says, stopping next to me.

  Her brown hair is long and fluffed up, a friendly smile sitting on her pretty face.

  “No one.”

  “It doesn’t look like no one to me,” she says following the direction of my gaze as Lex and James move to the side where Rain and Eve flank Ed.

  “I’m Daria Morgan by the way,” the woman says, stretching her hand out.

  We connect hands before she fishes a cigarette out of her purse, lights it up and takes a drag.

  Silent, she lets the smoke out. We both trained our eyes on the people inside.

  “I don’t know any other woman who could’ve gotten away with what she did...” she says after a few moments. I briefly glance at her. “And still get married to James Sexton,” she adds.