Chapter 44

JASPER

M ax and I spent the day organizing and bringing in extra security, with assistance from Luka and a reliable contact in Miami.

The Russians were ruthless and well-known for their unethical and savage ways. Underestimating their threats would be foolish, but it wasn't necessary to completely disrupt our lives, yet.

The Petrov brothers were not directly connected to the Russian Mafia-like their father, but rumors suggested that after his death, they took over his empire. Their reckless actions during the transition caused a rift with numerous allies.

Four o'clock came quicker than I realized.

"Alright asshole unless you are skipping Christian's engagement party, I think we both should get going, he will kill you if you're late." I teased as I started to shut down my computer.

"Me? yeah right. my uncle Jasper is all I've heard for weeks now ." Max snorted back. I'm not sure I'm even worthy of an invitation thanks to your aristocratic ass."

"Oh Max, don't let my wealth and generosity make you feel insignificant. We both know it's not the money that makes me the better man." I said teasingly

"It's my large and fucking incredible…"

"Ugh, don't you say it you arrogant asshole." Max snapped with a look of disdain.

"What? I was going to say smile, where was your brain?" I flashed him a smirk and turned off my desk lamp before I walked towards the door briefcase in hand.

I managed to change into the extra tuxedo I stored at my office. and stop at the florist to buy a bouquet of roses for Harper. Usually, Hector handles these things for me, but he was occupied with other tasks today. I had some time to spare before he arrived to pick me up.

I hated going to the florist, at least this one. It's the best one in my area and right near the office. The owner is an older woman who probably was quite attractive when she was younger, but time hasn't been too kind to her. She is very friendly, almost too friendly, the few times I had the pleasure of dealing with her I left her store feeling like she had undressed me with her eyes and violated me in ways no man should ever be especially by an elderly woman.

Twenty minutes and two dozen red roses later Hector arrived. I slid into the back seat of my SUV, and we drove towards the penthouse to pick up Harper.

My stomach was in knots. I was so fucking nervous . I felt like a teenage boy, going on his first date with a hot girl.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I've never let a woman get my nerves twisted like this especially since I've made my fortune, as arrogant as that may sound, money changes perspective. Except for Harper, extravagant and costly things only bother her.

I frowned at the roses as the realization hit me. I need to reevaluate my process when it comes to impressing her. My sumptuous act won't work with her, she's too genuine, too humble. That's the best Fucking part about her. A pure heart is not easily found these days. Especially not in the heart of Miami, where I'm surrounded by bimbos and gold diggers and the occasion self-sufficient feminist with a stick up her ass.

Looking down at the opulent and excessive heap of red roses sitting next to me, I doubted my choice. Harper would see those flowers as a waste of money and feel guilty for receiving them.

Such a good girl.

We stopped at the light; I noticed a panhandler on the corner. I took a single rose stem from the bunch, rolled down my window, and gestured for the man to approach. I gave the last roses to the unkempt elderly man holding his sign.

"LAID OFF, KIDS TO FEED.

WILL WORK FOR FOOD"

He smiled, thanked me, and seemed content with only the roses—a gift I was sure he could sell at this street corner, but what did I do? I pulled out my damn wallet and handed him a hundred-dollar bill. His eyes widened, filling with unshed tears, as he expressed gratitude. Suddenly, the roses and that money didn't matter to me anymore and something filled my heart that I couldn't explain. A feeling I would never ever fucking admit to. Ever .

Dammit . I'm getting soft and there is only one person responsible for it and she is at my penthouse all dolled up and waiting for me. I glanced down at my Rolex getting anxious to see her.

As we pulled up to my building, I texted Harper to let her know I was on my way up, hoping silently that she would be ready since she hadn't responded immediately. The climb in the elevator was agonizing, and I regretted choosing to live on the thirty-sixth floor. As the screen tallied the floors, I attempted to calm my racing heart, my nerves were getting the best of me.

thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty…

"Come on!" I muttered to myself, rocking back and forth on my heels.

Finally, the elevator stopped, and the doors slid open. She stood there waiting for me in her gorgeous purple gown, hair pulled up to a loose bun on the side, ringlet curls spilling out to frame her beautiful face. The makeup around her eyes only drew out the spectacular emerald, green color.

Fucking gorgeous .

I reached down to discreetly adjust myself and licked my lips as I savagely eyed her from her six-inch stilettos to the stunning diamond necklace that lay gracefully around her neck. My searing gaze slowed at her voluptuous breasts modestly covered by expensive fabric, looking every bit sexy as if she was standing there in her bra and panties, I felt jealous of the dress hugging every curve on that gift of a body of hers.

Holy shit this woman has got my head all fucked up.

"Dammit, Doll, you are gorgeous," I spoke in a husky voice, sounding more needy than I had intended.

Her face flushed with that adorable pink color I love so much. With a timid smile and her hands at her side, she whispered, "Thank you, you clean up nicely yourself."

I pushed away from the railing where I was perched and walked toward her. Once in front of her, so close that my lips brushed the top of her forehead, I pressed my finger and thumb against her chin, forcing her to look up at me.

"This look suits you, Doll, absolutely stunning," I whispered against her lips.

With her eyes closed she leaned into me pressing her perfect lips against mine. My heart pounded, threatening to burst from my chest.

So fucking perfect.

We needed to leave quickly before I ripped that dress from her perfectly curvy body and devoured her right there on the floor. Where I could spend hours showing her just how fucking beautiful, she was.