Page 199 of Off Limits Mogul

My mind races into a dangerous territory—finality.

I open my mouth to ask Shane for a favor, but hesitate.

For once, everything in my life is perfect. I’m happy and content. Blissful, even. God even granted metheman.Myman… the one my heart can no longer live without. And now it seems being in the wrong place at the wrong time might steal everything away from me.

This might be my last chance.

The thought shatters me.

A deluge of emotion lodges in my throat. In what might be my last-ditch effort, I pluck up the courage to speak.

“Shane.”

He hovers right over me again. “Yes?”

“If I don’t make it, tell Rhys I love him.” My voice is trembling, and a river of tears tracks down my cheeks.

“No, sweetheart, you’re going to tell him yourself because youaregoing to make it,” he says.

“Please, Shane. In case I don’t. Promise me.”

He stares at me for a long beat.

“Please.”

He nods. “I promise to tell him.”

“Thank you. Tell him I love him with all my heart. Tell him I’ve loved him forever and I’ll keep loving him in the afterlife.”

Blaring sirens tell me help is near… right before everything goes black.

Chapter 39

Rhys

Late afternoons bring a different crowd to the Quintus Hotel. Some patrons linger after a late lunch. Others pass time at one of the award-winning bars before seeking an early evening hookup at the private adult club hidden right behind the hotel. Others, like myself, are here to connect with a good friend who’s also a Dark Compulsion member.

“Here’s to a second career that eclipses the first.” Piers lifts his martini glass.

I laugh.

I clink my tumbler with his.

He takes a long swig of his straight martini, while I gulp down my Grey Goose on the rocks. Although we’re sitting in the Golden Finger Whiskey Bar, it pays to be part of the owner’s small group of friends. It allows us to order drinks that aren’t on the menu. Neither Piers nor I are in the mood for whiskey.

“Even though I couldn’t make it to the red-carpet event that took place a couple days ago because I was at the InternationalBeer Strategies Conference and got back in town yesterday from London, I placed my order for my SCORE Yours headphones in every design,” the blond man sitting across from me says. “I also asked my executive assistant to coordinate things with our top performers so they can get their pick.”

“You’re a good friend. Thanks for the support.”

His eyes crinkle with amusement. “Please. My order is a drop in the bucket,” he says. “The product isn’t even out yet, and you guys are breaking sales records.”

“Beckett and I are thrilled. This is well beyond our expectations.”

“So, the consultant was a great investment?”

“Arianne was a phenomenal investment for our company and a hell of aninvestmentfor pretty boy Beckett.”

We laugh.