Page 107

He sits back and pushes up his sleeves. His eyes reflect Tony’s, and his gray hair is perfectly done even after an exhaustive day of running the world.

“I’m sorry. It’s been a long day, and I meet so many people. I’d like to be able to say I know all the people who work here, but that’s impossible. Is there something I can help you with? Is Helen out there?”

I step closer, and he seems uncomfortable. I get it, a younger woman, after hours in an office with the biggest boss there is. I stay rooted to my spot.

“We met almost thirteen years ago, not that you would remember, but it kind of changed my life. I’m a friend of well… um… I’m Tony’s. And I’m here to change my life again. He’ll do anything for you and your family, that’s part of the reason I’ve put up with this ridiculous distance, because family matters, but it’s time. Mr. Ladd, hand over his company now, not in a month or a year, but now. Release him from whatever hold you have and let him be happy. More specifically, let me make him happy. Sir.” His face relaxes, and he stands up.

There’s a slight grin as he says, “I’ll be damned, this time is different. My God. Makenzie?”

“Yes, sir. And we have about five minutes until security busts in here to yank me back to the street.”

“He never told me it was you. How did you get up here?”

“I swiped the security guard’s card.” I step forward and place it on his desk. “Can you give this back to Doug? And you should give him a raise. It wasn’t his fault. I’m on a mission and there’s not much that’s going to stop me.”

“What are you here for?”

“Tony.”

“Are you aware of his situation?”

“Yes, that you disapprove of him falling in love, because he’s the boy who cried monogamy. But I assure you, I’m not temporary. I know every detail of everything, and I do believe you are the reason he hasn’t called in almost three weeks. And there’s some work bullshit that means the tower of Ladd will come crumbling down if he’s seen with me.”

“Not you specifically, dear. But that sums it up.”

“Why?” I ask.

He shifts his weight and crosses his arms. He’s standing and staring at me, and I gather all my grit not to sway or run away. I’m resolute.

“I don’t understand.” Crooking his eyebrow, he looks just like Tony. And it pangs my whole body that he’s not here with me.

I square up to this man and continue my assault. “You’re happy with your wife, right?”

He nods.

I continue, “And you have more money than most European countries. Like you’re more liquid than Italy, right?”

He laughs and nods again.

I don’t stop questioning him. “You’re one of the most respected men in business.”

“Thank you, but where is this flattery leading?” he asks.

“Why?”

“Why, what?”

“Why do you need more?” I walk towards him as he flumps down in his chair. I lean over the desk. “Tony has figured out what he wants and what will be enough for him, because you gave him those values. But he’s still here and missing my life moments and missing out on building his own life because you have him feeding your vision, not his.”

He sips his brown liquor drink and stares at me. He gestures to offer me a drink and I shake him off. I’m high enough right now without alcohol.

“Congratulations on your scholastic achievement today, Ms. Preston. You’re an impressive and formidable person.”

I nod sharply. “Give him the media division, dissolve his agreement with you, set him free. He’s incredible and cares more than you can imagine. I won’t let you stand in our way because he wants to make sure you’re ok. We both stood in our own ways long enough, dancing under the weight of shadows we set for ourselves. But I’ll be damned if someone else gets to fuck up our forever. I’m done waiting for my adventure to start. It happens today, right now. But not unless you release him, sir.”

“That’s a passionate speech.”

“I’m passionate about him. You have no idea, so I’m going to tell you. Stay seated, please.” He nods and sips his drink but gives me a little wink. “I’ve lied, cheated, and screwed up more things than most people have tried. It’s how I know he’s the only one for me. He’s the only thing in my life that’s always been true. Be proud of him the way that I am and back the hell off so he can live up to his own expectations instead of trying to reach yours.”