Chapter 21 Like wildfire.
CHAPTER 21
Like wildfire.
ROMAN – POINT OF VIEW
As a billionaire who always wants more, I have created a network of companies.
My core holdings sit at the top. I’m also in Finance and Investment Banking, which is where the real power is. I have a private equity, venture partners, and global markets.
Real Estate is a way to acquire silent generational wealth. My companies here include Sterling Urban Development, Sterling Estates NYC, Sterling Global Property Fund, Sterling Commercial Holdings, Sterling Hospitality Holdings, Sterling Architectural Preservation Trust, and Sterling Land and Mineral Rights.
Energy is a long-term untouchable money maker. My companies are Sterling Energy Group, Sterling Power and Utilities and more. Through my marriage to Scarlett, I’ll reach a different level, taller and stronger than everyone. I’m also in Technology, Data and Cyber Security, Security and Defence, Luxury and Lifestyle, then Logistic and Trade. I still want to branch out more, and I will.
I should have stayed in Boston, but for some reason, I came back.
It is late as I drive past the gates. Scarlett is definitely asleep. The house is quiet and dark. Ricardo and Caleb are waiting for me outside.
I walk to them, exhausted.
“Leaving her here alone wasn’t the deal.” Rick glares at me.
“She wasn’t alone, and I came back, didn’t I?” I scoff and walk past him.
If Scarlett is awake, then she’s probably pissed at me. I clench my jaw at the thought. I didn’t bring her here just for her to nag. I brace myself for the confrontation, but freeze when I see her.
She is asleep on the couch.
My heart skips a beat, and I swallow dryly.
My gaze runs over her body. She is wearing skimpy shorts and a faded t-shirt. Her hair forms a halo around her as she sleeps. I have to admit that I have never seen anything as beautiful.
“She fell asleep waiting for you.” Rick sneers, disdain in his words.
I clench my jaw hard and ignore him. I walk to Scar, bend, and carry her in my arms. Her scent attacks me immediately. She smells like vanilla and strawberries. I push back the dirty thoughts and focus on her.
She groans softly in her sleep and shifts in my hold. She is lighter than I expected.
I am careful as I walk up the stairs. I frown when I smell paint, but I don’t think much of it. I push open her door and step into her bedroom.
I frown in shock. She painted her bedroom and changed everything.
I exhale softly and place her on the bed as carefully as I can. She settles on the soft sheets and falls back asleep.
I linger for a moment, looking at her.
If she wakes and finds me looking at her like a creep, she’ll be pissed.
So, I leave. I walk to my bedroom, take my bath and get on the bed. I push away every thought from my mind and let sleep carry me away.
Hours later, I wake to sunlight streaming through the curtains. I drag my groggy ass up and fix the curtains properly. My head is pounding from not getting enough sleep. My whole body aches. Yesterday’s journey is telling on my body.
I walk into my bathroom and walk out refreshed.
I can hear voices from downstairs as I walk to my gym. It’ll take time to get used to her being here.
As I work out, my thoughts are filled with her. It’s a good thing she repainted her bedroom. It means she is settling in. I don’t know anything about her. I couldn’t find anything about her alone. I’m debating asking my Tech team to look into her. I know she is hiding something. I find it very odd that she needs four million a month for the next two years. It is a lot of money, but she doesn’t look money-hungry, like she doesn’t even need it.
There’s something about her, and I intend to figure it out.
A couple of sweaty sessions later, I walk out of the gym and head to the kitchen.
She is there with her best friend. Rick is nowhere to be found, but I know he is close enough.
“Hi, Roman.” Eve smiles at me, showing all the teeth.
I nod at her, “Hi, Eve.” I open the fridge and pull out my protein shake, then look at Scarlett, “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” She murmurs, avoiding my gaze entirely. She makes me very confused.
“Are you hungry?” Eve asks as I drink.
“Not particularly. I have to work.” I answer, as exhaustion creeps in slowly.
“I’m sure you can spare a second. There’s leftover dinner in the fridge, just warm it up.” She instructs, and I frown at her tone.
I don’t respond. My phone beeps, and I glance at it. It’s a response from the stylist I spoke to a few days ago. I sigh audibly, and my shoulders slump. I glance at Scarlett, “Do you have plans this morning?”
“No.” She frowns at me.
“We are meeting a stylist in an hour. Does that work for you?” I explain.
“I don’t need a stylist.” She scoffs.
“You do, for some dresses. Can you be ready in thirty minutes? I need to get to work after.” I massage my forehead, pushing back the headache that seeks to kill me.
“Why can’t the stylist come here?” Eve asks out loud.
“Because this is my home, and I don’t want strangers here. If I let in one person, then my location spreads like wildfire. I like to keep my life private.” I answer her, then glance at Scarlett, “Get ready.”
I walk upstairs and get ready. I wear black slacks, a black tee, and a thick grey sweater. I make sure my fingers are stacked with rings, and a watch is dangling from my wrist. Once I’m satisfied with my look, I grab the Porsche key and walk downstairs.
I find Scarlett ready, wearing a pretty red dress. I inhale sharply and walk to her. The dress is simple and yet makes my heart skip. It has a scrunched slit that gives me a view of her legs. Her hair is packed in a ponytail with strands falling down her face. She looks beautiful, and I hate it so much.
“Come on, we’re taking the Porsche.” I smile at her, wiggling the keys.
Her face brightens up immediately, and her eyes twinkle with happiness. “I love your cars.”
“I’ll let you drive it someday,” I promise, and she nods, pleased.
I take her hand, and she frowns, “Rick and Eve are coming with us.”
“I know. They’ll take my Lexus. We are driving together, alone.” I explain.
She nods and links our hands. Heat rushes to my neck and my groin. Fuck.