Breaking Beauty: A Second Chance Romance

by Stella Andrews

  I hear the hushed voices of the employees and feel bad for them. I’ve learned over the years they are a good team and although they feared Harvey Johnson, they respected him. They must be wondering what the hell is going on and then, right on the stroke of 9, the door opens and Angel breezes into the room, looking so hot I can’t think of anything other than fucking her senseless on this boardroom table.

  Her blonde hair hangs straight down her back and her blue eyes look tired but excited. I know that look and can tell she’s made a decision. As her gaze falls on me, I feel the blood rushing to my cock as it’s always done and feel the physical ache that was left when she was no longer mine.

  She nods but I can’t read her expression as she makes her way to the head of the table with Dora close behind her and I note the swell of her ass in the tightest black skirt falling just above the knee. Her tight shirt accentuates her curves and as her ass sways from side to side, it takes all my self-control not to grab her and run.

  When she turns, the sunlight reflects off her smile and I see the beauty of an Angel, my Angel. She looks around the room and I can tell she takes in every expression, every look and every guarded smile of the nervous managers waiting their fate.

  “Good morning everyone, I’m pleased to meet you all. You probably know already but my name’s Angel Johnson and I’m the daughter of the late Harvey Johnson.”

  You could hear a feather blow across the floor as everyone stares at the miracle of nature that addresses them. She takes her seat and looks around at every last man and woman and smiles. “As of yesterday, I took my daddy’s place at the forefront of this company. I didn’t ask for it and spent all of yesterday wondering what the hell I was going to do about it. My first thought was to sell out and to be honest, I’m not sure if that idea has totally gone away.”

  I feel the tension in the room as she carries on in a gentle voice. “However, one thing my daddy never knew about me—at least I don’t think he did, is that I’m not one to give up at the first hurdle. I just wanted to reassure you all that it will be business as usual, for the short term, anyway. I wish I could say nothing will change but I’m sure many of you agree that everything must change if we are to survive.”

  Her eyes find mine and I see the determination in hers as she says firmly, “The world no longer considers plastic as acceptable. In fact, it’s increasingly obvious that unless we change, we won’t have a business going forward. Now, I don’t have any answers to that but I’m guessing my daddy was already working on it. So, I need all your help to brief me on where we’re at and what the proposals are going forward. We all need to know where we stand and that’s what this meeting’s about. I want to lay my cards out on this table and ask for your help. One thing that’s become obvious to me over the short time I’ve been here, is that my father valued his staff. His business was his passion and meant everything to him. I’m only just realizing how strong a man he really was and although I may not understand his choices in life, I respect them. So, if you don’t mind, please can you send me a report by the end of the day of where your department stands. What you’re working on, what needs to be done and any thoughts you have going forward. We need to work as a team and only then will we come out the other side. This is your time to step up and be counted because you hold the answers to my questions. Now, are there any questions before you head off?”

  I sense many questions lingering in the air but none have a voice, so Angel smiles brightly. “Thank you for coming and I’ll look forward to meeting all of you personally over the coming days.”

  She stands to leave and I sense the relief in the air as she walks toward the door. As she passes me, she leans down and whispers, “May I have a word, Sebastian?”

  Nodding, I stand and follow her to her office, neither one of us speaking until we step inside and the door shuts the rest of the world out.

  She turns and I see the light in her eyes as she grins. “What do you think?”

  “Of what?”

  “Of my plan to try and make a go of this.”

  “Is this what you’ve decided?”

  “Isn’t that obvious?”

  “Not really. All I saw was somebody buying themselves some time. You may decide it’s too difficult and sell out from under us. How can we trust you not to do that?”

  Immediately, I regret my words because I see the light dim in her eyes and she turns away. “Fine, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think you do.”

  “Maybe I don’t.”

  I’m not sure why I’m being such a bastard and can only think it’s because I feel frustrated at not being able to even touch her. I don’t like this wall that’s built up between us and maybe that’s what’s making me so tetchy.

  She moves toward her desk and says wearily, “Maybe you should leave.”

  “Not before you tell me why you’ve scheduled a meeting with Moretti?”

  “So that’s it?”

  “What?”

  “You’re pissed because I’ve made a decision behind your back. You don’t like the fact I’ve arranged something without consulting the great Sebastian. What’s the matter, feeling threatened, honey?”

  “If that’s what you think.”

  “Well, prove me wrong.”

  “I don’t have to prove anything to you. You’re the one who ran out for five long years. You’re the one who wouldn’t stick around to find out the reason and you’re the one who joined a...”

  “MC club.”

  “Yes, smart decision, Angel, I can only imagine what sort of life you’ve lived being passed around between those beasts.”

  I know I’ve gone too far when she takes a step back as if I’ve physically punched her and her beautiful eyes cloud with pain. “Is that really what you think of me, that I would allow any man to use me in that way?”

  I feel like a complete bastard as I shrug, “Then tell me what really happened when you left.”

  For a moment nothing happens. No words, no movement and no sound. Then I watch the pride force the shutters firmly shut as she hisses, “Get out.”

  As I turn my back on her, I feel like the biggest fool in the world. I’m not sure why I just said what I did because it’s obvious an asshole has taken residence in my reasoning. Am I jealous, hell yes, which is why I walk away before I do more damage than I have already.

  17

  Angel

  For a moment I’m so mad I can’t form thoughts. How dare he judge me without hearing the facts? The tears spill as I think about the men I’ve left behind. How dare he judge them that way—any of us? If there’s one thing in life I’m proud of the most is that I’m a member of the greatest family there is. Yes, it’s an MC club. Yes, the men there are loud, rough and play dirty but they are so much more than that. He knows nothing about their courage, their honor and their daily challenges. They have lived hard lives and continue to do so every day. They are warriors and win every battle they fight. They are also as broken as I am and that’s what makes us invincible. How dare he stand there and judge us so cruelly because when I left this town, I was lucky to find them? Maybe I did seek comfort in their arms. Maybe I did relish the attention they gave me and yes, maybe I did enjoy fucking every last one of them because he’s right about one thing, Angel is a whore but not in the way he thinks. I loved each one of them and they were every bit a whore as me. We guarded our hearts and took comfort in the physical and no money changed hands. I wouldn’t change a thing that I did because I love every one of them and if he has anyone to blame for that, he should take a long hard look in the mirror because it was him that sent me there.

  Sebastian’s mood has taken the edge of what I consider a successful meeting. I was nervous at meeting the staff and changed my mind a thousand times over during the night but ultimately; I decided to buy some time. Sebastian was right about that at least. The meeting this afternoon is to meet Tobias and size him up. I know he’s a monster, that was pretty evident in the file Ryder sent me. Howeve
r, we deal with monsters on a daily basis where I come from and with my family behind me; I know he is no match for us. Sebastian may think he knows everything but all he’s revealed is that he knows absolutely nothing. The Reapers are the best there is and Tobias Moretti is about to find out what that means.

  Luckily, work keeps my mind occupied for the rest of the time I have before I meet the man himself. I push away any thoughts I have of Sebastian and just pore over the reports and documents that Dora drip feeds me. With every word I read, I gain a growing respect for my father. I was right; he was worried about the future of his business and was planning to diversify into ecological packaging. Biodegradable and the packaging of the future. As I continue to read, I feel the excitement growing inside me. This is amazing; he was amazing because if I’m reading this right, daddy was about to become the pioneer for a brave new world and that world was at his feet. He has a hungry customer waiting because they are keen to find something that will satisfy the next generation and ensure the longevity of their own business and my daddy holds the key to their success.

  The time flies so quickly, I look up in surprise when Dora pokes her head around the door and says, “Your two-o’clock has arrived.”

  I note the fear in her eyes as she licks her lips nervously and I feel nothing but anger toward the man waiting in the boardroom. However, I also feel the curiosity burning a hole in any nerves I have, so I smile brightly, “Great, this should be interesting.”

  Dora looks doubtful and I laugh to myself. This should be fun.

  She follows me along the corridor for the second time today to the boardroom. We pass Sebastian’s door which is open, revealing the man himself is probably waiting for me already. The anger bubbles up inside me as I head toward the imminent showdown and I feel the anger mingling with irritation at the way he’s been behaving. Well, I’ll show him and my father that the frightened girl who ran away grew into a strong woman with a fuck off view on life.

  As I push open the door, the man waiting for me surprises me. I didn’t expect this.

  Sebastian’s eyes meet mine and I see the anger evident in his as he says tightly, “May I introduce, Sergio Bellini, Tobias Moretti’s business adviser.”

  I smile and extend my hand and shake the sweating palm of a man who looks as nervous as I feel inside. “I’m pleased to meet you Mr. Bellini but a little surprised. I was expecting to see Mr. Moretti.”

  He clears his throat and says nervously, “I’m sorry Miss. Johnson, Mr. Moretti has sent me instead. He is a very busy man and relies on me to speak for him.”

  I feel the anger bubbling up inside, as I say smoothly, “Is that so.” Turning to Sebastian, I say coolly, “Then maybe you should call Pamela in and I will do the same with Dora.”

  They look at me in surprise and I say coldly, “Yes, I think that will be the best plan. All of our assistants can then conduct the meeting and relay the conversation back to us. Then we can spend another few wasted days communicating back and forth before any decisions are made.”

  Mr. Bellini looks uncomfortable. “I’m sorry Miss. Johnson but I have Mr. Moretti’s full permission to speak on his behalf.”

  I feel my eyes flash as I say coldly, “That may be so but I will deal only with him. You see, Mr. Bellini, both Mr. Stone and my time is no less valuable than Mr. Moretti’s. We both have a company to run and I take Mr. Moretti’s absence as an indication that he holds no value for the company he is a minority shareholder in. Now, if you don’t mind, I want you to run back to him and tell him that I expect to see him sitting in that chair over there at the same time tomorrow, where we will conduct the meeting that was arranged for today. If he can’t make it because of his um… commitments, then maybe he would like to visit me at home instead.”

  I push my business card across the table and say tightly, “However, I don’t think that will be necessary because from what I know, Mr. Moretti is a family man himself and like me, would like to keep family separate from business.”

  Turning to Sebastian, I nod and say icily, “Mr. Stone. I trust the same time tomorrow suits your agenda.”

  He nods and I turn back to Mr. Bellini and say abruptly, “It was a pleasure to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work that demands my attention.”

  Spinning on my heels, I march out of the office and feel the anger walking alongside me. Mr. Moretti has just made this easy for me. He may think he has no time to meet me but he’s about to find out the hard way what that decision has cost him.

  18

  Sebastian

  Mr Bellini looks uncomfortable and I almost feel sorry for him. I can only imagine the anger that will probably be directed at him when he relays Angel’s demands.

  He shifts nervously and says in a slightly strained voice, “I think you should brief Miss. Johnson on how Mr. Moretti operates. He will not take kindly to her demands and we both know he’s not a man to be dictated to.”

  Despite the fact I feel fear tying my insides in knots, I look at him coolly. “Miss. Johnson was right to be angry. She is the majority shareholder in this business and deserves respect. Mr. Moretti is the minor shareholder and although this may be a small part of his empire, if he values it, he will attend. You see, Mr. Bellini, Miss. Johnson has no loyalty to this company. She is balancing between walking away and staying to make a go of it. One thing could sway her either way. Now, if Mr. Moretti is as good a businessman as I think he is, he will see the opportunity before him. He may be a minority shareholder now but that could change if he offers to buy her out. Surely, one meeting is worth that at least?”

  I see the greed spark a gleam in Mr. Bellini’s eyes and we both know I have thrown him a lifeline. However he dresses my words up, it gives him the power to present a much more attractive demand to his boss. Yes, Tobias would be a fool not to be sitting in that seat tomorrow because I’ve seen the plans going forward and Johnson’s plastics stands to be a business worth billions in the future if it’s handled the right way. I just hope that Angel has seen the same vision because she would be a fool to turn her back on it.

  Pamela shows Mr. Bellini out and I head purposefully toward Angel’s office. I now have 24 hours to make sure she doesn’t do the unthinkable and turn her back on this business because there’s so much at stake for all of us. However, as I pass Dora, she calls out, “If you’re looking for Angel she left.”

  “Left?”

  I stare at her in surprise and she smiles ruefully. “Said she needed to let off some steam.”

  “Where did she go?”

  Dora shrugs. “She didn’t say.”

  I feel the irritation bubbling up inside and snap. “If she calls in, pass her to me. In fact, can you try her cell, it’s urgent I speak to her?”

  Dora looks worried and reaches for her phone. “Of course, sir.”

  I watch as she dials the number and waits. After a few rings she says quietly, “I’m sorry to trouble you, Angel but Mr. Stone would like a word.”

  There’s a brief pause and then she replaces the receiver. “Um… she told me to tell you to um…”

  She looks uncomfortable, “Um…go to hell, sir.”

  I say nothing and turn away before Dora sees the amusement her words bring. I can almost see Angel saying them with her eyes flashing and her stubborn mouth forming the smart reply. She was always fiery, but that used to excite me way more than it should. We were always two of a kind which is why we gravitated toward each other. Yes, Angel is my soul mate and the ache that’s never left, is now a full-blown pain inside me as I realize I’m balancing on the edge of potentially losing her forever.

  Ignoring the curious stares of the staff, I make my way out of the building with no explanation. I need to find Angel and if it takes me all day and night, I will do just that.

  Like a hunter tracking its prey, I slide into my sports car and relish the roar of the beast under my control. Yes, I like to be in control and Angel is about to find out the man I became in her absence.

>   My first stop is her family home. If Angel wants to let off steam, I’m pretty sure this is as good a place as any. Knowing the hatred she feels for her family, she would relish the opportunity to lay into them when she’s at her most volatile. As the car squeals to a halt on the gravel driveway, I waste no time in slamming the car door and striding toward the huge wooden door.

  It doesn’t take long before Martha appears and looks at me in surprise. “Mr. Stone, I’m sorry, were they expecting you?”

  “No, I’m looking for Angel, is she here?”

  Shaking her head, Martha looks worried. “No, I haven’t seen her since the reading of the will. Is she um… ok, sir?”

  I see the worry in her eyes and feel bad for her. I know how much she loves Angel and has been more like a mother to the two sisters than Mrs Johnson ever was. “Don’t worry about Angel, Martha, she is absolutely fine, just behaving like a spoiled brat.”

  I see the relief in her eyes and she laughs softly, “She always was single minded but then I don’t need to tell you that, Mr. Stone.”

  I nod. “No, you don’t, which is why I need to speak to her. If you hear from her, please can you tell her I’m looking for her? Call me and let me know.”

  She nods and I don’t miss the smile she is trying to hide. Martha knows of our history and probably also knows that if anyone can get through that hard-shell Angel’s wearing, I can.

  As I turn to leave, I hear the clipped voice of a woman who stirs up the beast in me, “Sebastian, what a pleasant surprise, are you looking for Anastasia?”

  Looking past Martha, I see Mrs Johnson looking at me with a hard look and know she heard every word we just said. I face her with indifference. “No.”

  She prowls toward me and I watch Martha melt into the shadows as she takes her place. “May I have a word please, Sebastian, in the living room.”

  She turns to the silent housekeeper. “Please bring us some refreshment, I’m sure Sebastian could do with it just as much as I do.”