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Chapter 2

Harvey stealthily checked his watch for the third time that evening, all the while ignoring Ethan’s stares of disapproval. He didn’t know exactly when it happened, but Ethan had grown to be more mature than Harvey. He didn’t know if his best friend’s recent marriage had something to do with that but something made him all the more responsible and patient

“Well, gentlemen, it’s time for me to say my goodbyes and retire from the festivities tonight. I think I’ve had my fill.” Harvey interjected the rambles of a man who’d thought it appropriate to make a joke of his male workers exploiting females in the workplace by demanding sexual favours in order to advance their career.

“Did I offend your sensibilities, Regal?” The man sipped on his drink while he eyed the men in their circle to turn their attention to Harvey.

Harvey chuckled, “News is that my company is acquiring the sorry excuse for a company that you represent, not so?” He let the sentence hang as a question in the air. Ethan cleared his throat as a signal to Harvey to drop it.

“You’re father’s company, son.” The man corrected and low mocking whistle came from the group. Ethan shook his head, any chance at Harvey backing off was gone. He tugged at the button of his shirt that pressed against the base of his throat.

“My company, sir…” Harvey let the sentence trail off waiting for someone to fill in the man’s name. “My apologies, I don’t even know who you are exactly.” Harvey downed the drink in his hand. It was some watered down alternative of wine that had no effect.

“My point is,” Harvey placed the drink down on tray as a waiter passed by. “After I acquire that company, I will be reopening and remedying every case of sexual harassment that was ever reported or is reported to me.” Harvey tugged at the cuffs of his sleeves.

The man’s face sobered and his eyes turned dark.

“And you expect me to believe the veracity of threats made by you, a man without an ounce of Regal blood running in his veins. You were nothing but a charity case your mother adopted to trap her husband into staying with her instead of his mistresses. There is no way Brad Regal would hand over his life’s work to you.”

Harvey didn’t care about the slurs made about him. It was common knowledge that he was adopted and he had to fight tooth and nail for people in the business sector to appreciate his talents. However, the slander to his mother hit deep. He took a step forward, a strong grip on this shoulder.

“I think I can take it from here.” Brad walked into the circle. Harvey peered at his father. His age was creeping up behind him and yet in the midst of the rest of the men, Brad was built like a fighter. There was strength in him, yet he chooses to use it conservatively.

“I believe my partner’s word was called into question?” Brad stared the man down. He was a good two inches shorter than Brad and he instantly took a step back.

“I not sure you gentlemen are aware, however, my son has his own company with Ethan, who you have met.” Brad gestured and Ethan shrugged at the eyes that viewed him.

“A couple years ago we formed a partnership and so our companies are aligned. So, as my partners, if they have indicted their plans I will be very willing to give my co-operation. In any event, gentlemen, there is no doubt as to the veracity of my son’s promises.” Brad took a moment for his words to be digested. “My wife and daughter often visits me at work, of course I will do everything to ensure that an environment conducive to the safety of women is replicated.”

The five men in the circle nodded. They knew better than to question Brad Regal. “Now that I have alleviated your concerns, please enjoy your evening.” Brad turned around to face Harvey, he extended his arm. Harvey’s brow’s creased. A shadow passed beside him and took his father’s arm. It was his mother.

Harvey nodded. He finally understood why the temperamental Brad Regal didn’t throw blows tonight. Before he walked out of earshot, he looked over his shoulder.

“You.” He nodded to the unnamed man. “Mention my wife or my family again and I will make you regret the ability to speak.” Angela pressed down on Brad’s shoulder. All this male bravado wasn’t flattering and she was already annoyed that Harvey took every bit of it after Brad. She stared at Harvey and shook her head. ‘Go home’ she mouthed to him and they were out of sight.

Without another word Harvey walked to the exit. Ethan followed and stepped in line beside Harvey. They maneuvered through the crowds while Ethan attempted to have a conversation with his best friend, “It really wasn’t necessary, you know.” Ethan commented his disapproval.

“Then why didn’t you jump in and stop me?” Harvey rebutted.

“To give the impression that we aren’t a united front?” Ethan scoffed, “You’ve fallen into countless fights because of me, I couldn’t dare undermine your authority.”

Harvey chuckled. “I very well miss the days when you were the one getting us into trouble.”

“I have responsibilities now, man. I don’t go out seeking trouble, it must find me if I am to tangle with it.” Ethan responded, his words ending as he reached into his blazer pocket to fish out his vibrating cell.

“It’s the wife. I’ll meet you outside.” He rambled, his feet venturing to take steps three times his usual gait.

Harvey stared after his friend. Love really transforms.

“Hey, Harvey!” he turned his head around to face the sound. An acquaintance raised a hand to acknowledge his presence. Harvey returned the gesture. As he turned forward once again, his shoulder bolted throw something fragile. His gaze fixated impulsively on his target. She was crouched down on the floor, her purse knocked off her shoulder.

“I apologise. I wasn’t looking.” He picked up the purse, grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her up from the floor. Her hair cascaded down over face, Harvey averted his eyes the minute a male come to her side. He knew how protective some of these men where. He didn’t want to give the wrong impression.

“It’s my fault, I’m clumsy.” She responded, taking the purse from his hand and walking away. Harvey took his penchant for disaster that night as a sign to retire home alone.


Mia was on the floor before she had the realisation of the course of events that sent her there. She blinked a few times praying that the floor would stop spinning. A tight grip encircled her arm and she was on her feet. She heard the faintest sound of a male voice, but she could pinpoint the words he spoke.

The grip loosened and she slowing came into consciousness. Gabriel was at her side.

“Get up, quickly. Are you trying to embarrass me?” he whispered in her ear.

“It’s my fault, I’m clumsy.” She responded, noting the figure towering over her on the other side of her. She gazed up at the figure but his eyes were trained on the door. She took the purse from his hand but before she could thank him, she was shuffled away by Gabriel.

“I cannot believe that was the entrance you made.” Gabriel chastised as he led her to the buffet.

“I was happy to stay at home with my daughter.” Mia’s head no longer spinned from the impact she experienced earlier.

“You are my wife.” Gabriel responded as if that was reason enough.

“In name only.” Mia rolled her eyes for him alone to see.

“It was your decision to vacate our marital bed. You could very well change your mind if you wish.” He took a sip of wine, “I’d welcome you back with open arms.” He smirked.

“You have enough women occupying beds with you, I’m afraid I am too mediocre to compare.” Mia turned her attention away from him. She hated being dragged to these business parties. Gabriel paraded her around to his friends as if any of them believed their marriage to be anything but a mess.

“The wife’s touch is always special.” He leaned closer to her, his hand snaking down her shoulders to her lower back and lower. He grabbed her left butt cheek in his hand and groaned in her ear. “I want to know how firm you and tight you’ve gotten these past years.” he whispered in her ear.

Mia sucked in a breath but didn’t react. She turned her face to his. He looked down at her. Their faces inches away from each other. Mia could feel his breath on her skin and chills ran down her spine. “The only you are ever going to have me again if I am unconscious.” She bared her fangs, her eyes reduced to slits.

Gabriel snickered. “I’m waiting for the day you stop fighting me.”

“You’ll die waiting.” Mia faced away from him again. There was no way in hell she would ever surrender to this man or any other.

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