King of Pride (Kings of Sin, #2)(83)

Like my mother said, Tobias’s withdrawal eased some of the pressure, but I couldn’t afford complacency.

“This is a surprise.” Richard folded his hands across his stomach and regarded me with amusement. A touch of triumph gleamed in his eyes, making my stomach turn. “The intrepid Kai Young seeking me out in my home. What an honor.”

My jaw locked, biting back a snappish reply.

I hated the old, musty scent of his office.

I hated the smug look on his face.

Most of all, I hated having to slink to him for help, like a stray dog begging for scraps.

Part of me would rather jump off the Brooklyn Bridge than bend the knee, but there was more than my pride at stake. At least that was what I kept telling myself.

“We have much to discuss.” My smile masked my distaste. “I’m sure you’ll agree.”

“Funny how you’d like to talk now that your future is on the line.” Richard raised a bushy gray brow. “You certainly didn’t want to listen to me when I told you we’re moving too fast with all this digital noise.”

Because your advice is more outdated than your taste in decor.

His office could be plunked whole in a museum for late twentieth-century artifacts and no one would bat an eye.

“Since Tobias is out of the running, it’s in both our interests to work together,” I said, deflecting from his pointed remark. “You and I both know I’m the best person for the job. Paxton is too inexperienced, Russell is too docile, and Laura is talented at communications but doesn’t have the range for CEO. Meanwhile, I’ve been preparing for this since I was born. You may not like me, but you still want what’s best for the company. That would be me leading it.”

Richard snorted. “There’s nothing like the arrogance of youth. Fine.” He spread his hands. “Since you came all this way, let me hear what you have to say.”

I bristled at his patronizing tone, but I forced myself to ignore it.

I laid out my proposal. It was simple. If he promised me his vote, I would appoint him as senior adviser during my first year as CEO, which would give him considerable influence over the company’s initiatives. The first year, especially the first one hundred days, were crucial for a new CEO. That was when they set the tone and priorities for their leadership going forward.

Bringing Richard into my inner circle was a significant concession on my part, but it was the only way to alleviate his concerns and secure his vote.

“Interesting,” he said after I finished. “I’ll think about it.”

My spine locked. He’d think about it? Heat simmered slow and thick in my veins. “This is the best offer you’ll get.”

I wasn’t going to beg. Not anymore than I already had.

Richard gave me an enigmatic smile. “I’m sure.” He stood and held out his hand in an obvious dismissal. “Good to see you, Kai. Best of luck with the vote.”

I kept my calm during the elevator ride and the walk through the lobby, but the frigid January air blasted the doors off my control. Frustration surged, unchecked, through my blood.

Me: Are you free for a match tonight?

Dante answered less than a minute later.

Dante: Emergency?

Me: Friendly request

Dante: Right. See you at 7

Dante: Btw you owe me. I was supposed to watch a movie with Viv tonight Me: I’m sure your twentieth rewatch of Stardust would’ve been as scintillating as the first Dante: Fuck off

I pocketed my phone, my anger easing with the promise of a guaranteed fight later. Some people went to therapy; Dante and I punched each other. It was faster, more efficient, and doubled as a workout.

I climbed into my waiting town car and instructed the driver to take me back to the office.

Richard thought he was a kingmaker, but I could win without him.

I was Kai Young.

I never lost.



CHAPTER 32

Isabella

I couldn’t do it. Even with my flexible work hours, Kai’s neuroscientist-approved writer’s block busters, and the prospect of facing Gabriel’s smug I knew you were bluffing expression, I couldn’t finish my book in time.

My mother’s birthday was less than a week away, and every time I sat at my new typewriter, I froze. It wasn’t a matter of deleting anymore; the words wouldn’t come, period. I was only a few chapters short, but my brain was too crammed with other concerns—the National Star vultures, my awful meeting with Kai’s mother, the uncertainty of my relationship with Kai and, most of all, his recent date with Clarissa.

I was the one who told him it was okay. I knew it wasn’t real and that the date was purely for PR

purposes, but that didn’t stop me from playing the comparison game when the photos hit the society pages earlier this week. Kai and Clarissa having a romantic dinner at an Italian restaurant. Kai and Clarissa walking down the street, holding hands. They were both elegant and sophisticated—the perfect match.

A better match than you and him, an insidious voice whispered.

My stress and insecurities piled up like a dam, blocking the flow of creativity until I was starved for inspiration.

Since I couldn’t find a way past the block, I threw myself into work for Alessandra instead. It was a lot easier building someone else’s dream than mine. There was less risk, less investment, less fear of failure.