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Prologue
In Power Trip, Trey Addison ventured off to Geneva, Switzerland in order to deliver an insider report to the CEO of a corporation in which he had invested. His friend with benefits, Liv, wanted to tag along so she invited her friend, Mandy Grey.
Mandy turns out to be someone from Trey’s distant past, Amanda Greyson. In fact, two decades earlier their families had been quite close. However, one fateful night Trey’s father had betrayed them and in the following months proceeded to destroy their family business. Mandy’s family had been forced to move a thousand miles away and completely give up the life they had always known. Mandy had only one reason for being on that flight to Geneva, revenge.
Following the death of his father, Liv abandoned Trey and he admitted to being drawn to Mandy. After several stress filled days in New York City, Trey had been attacked by the paparazzi, interviewed by law enforcement and even his own twin brother had accused him of murdering his father.
In an effort to escape the tension of the situation he and Mandy decided to take a quick trip to Monaco to enjoy Grand Prix week. Shortly after landing, Mandy’s father had insisted on talking to Trey and told him that he and his mother had been involved in a long-term affair. An affair that was still going on at the time he was born.
Is it possible that Mandy is his half-sister? That would be totally messed up.
Chapter 1
Mandy
Even though he is downplaying it, Trey looks as if he has been sucker punched. Settling into the back of the limo, I rack my brain for a rational explanation as to what Dad could have said to him. A million different thoughts run through my mind, but it’s not like I have a bunch of skeletons in my closet or anything. What the hell?
“One out of every three people here is a millionaire,” Trey says, obviously making small talk. “It’s the only place that has more per capita than Zurich and Geneva.”
“That would explain all the yachts,” I reply, gazing out the window of the car. My mind is still racing because the incredible chemistry that has existed between us suddenly feels very awkward. It’s almost as if we have suddenly become strangers. I squeeze the phone in my hand, determined to give Dad a piece of my mind the first chance I get.
“I loved this place when I was little,” he says in a tone that sounds sadly reminiscent. “For me it was way better than Disney World, even as a kid.”
“Huge yachts, shiny sports cars and fast motorcycles everywhere you turn, what’s not to like? Not to mention all the gorgeous hotels lining the sugar sand beaches. This place is definitely looks like a playground for rich guys.” Part of me cringes at the thought of overly tan, jewelry clad middle-aged men strutting around in their Speedos.
“And a gold digger’s paradise.” He says with a pain-filled smirk.
“What did Dad say to you?” I instantly feel my blood pressure skyrocket. “Do you really think I’m a gold digger?”
“No!” He laughs, closing his eyes and tilting his head back against the seat. “Do you really think your father would tell me that his daughter is a gold digger?”
“Well, if he did it’s not true. After my family lost everything, I decided to never let money or the lack of it control my happiness. You can’t buy love or happiness.” I suddenly realize what Dad must have told him. “I already told you why I went to law school. How Victor and Gloria Allred inspired me to join the other side and fight back.”
“Yes. I knew that. However, I didn’t realize just how passionate you were about it.” Trey turns toward the window avoiding eye contact.
“Really? I spent three years in law school and went to work for the SEC! Those aren’t small, insignificant steps.” Is he fucking kidding me right now? “Your father completely destroyed us. You don’t think I would be pretty passionate about that?”
“I know.” He reaches over and takes my hand, drawing it to his lips and giving it a kiss. “Don’t worry, I still love you. I just need a little time to process everything.”
What? Did he just say he loves me? Judging by his facial expression, I don’t think he even realizes what he just said. Now my mind is really whirling. Obviously whatever Dad said to him was very hurtful, but he still loves me? I suddenly find myself angry, elated and confused all at the same time. What the hell? I look at my phone and realize that it’s not even nine am. This is going to be a long, rollercoaster day.
As we pull up to the hotel my mind is still going a thousand miles per hour. The word Hermitage is proudly stamped across the top of the statuesque ivory colored building that simply oozes with class. The doorman greets us and welcomes us into a world of utter perfection. Stunning white light with shades of blue reflects off of the polished white marble floors. Enormous white pillars and elaborate archways hint at the luxury that waits beyond the lobby.
