Chapter 5 Marry

Leonard

I can't remember the last time I had a good sleep. It has always been hours and hours of draining myself in work with barely enough hours to get some rest. I've been pushing for a promotion for months now and I'm working my ass off to earn it. Nick's call ruined the one cheat day I had. But I'm grateful he did or I would have missed my appointment with Asher O'Neill. Memories of last night linger in my head as I sit in the waiting room. She was out of my apartment before I woke up. All I have left is her scents on my sheets. No number or even a name. I'm hoping I bump into her again at the bar. I plan to visit later tonight.

"Mr O'Neill will be right with you, sir," the secretary, dressed in a tight knee-length black gown, says. Her lips are red and plump. Reminds me of a cherry.

"Thank you," I nod in response. She holds my gaze for a long second as she flips her hair backwards. I put some extra effort in my appearance today for this meeting. A tailored dark blue suit with a few curls of my hair falling over my face. I also gave my beard a little trim to look the part perfectly. Asher cannot know we're onto him and his family.

The landline on her desk rings and she answers immediately. She gives a few yes responses and ends the call.

"He is ready to see you now, Mr Porter."

"Great," I reply with a smile as I stand to my feet straightening my tie. She leads me to the office, stepping in first and holding the door for me. Asher's eyes are fixed on the screen of his computer as I walk in. There's a beautiful view of the bustling city through the glass doors behind him.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr O'Neill. I've heard so much about you."

"The pleasure's mine, Mr Porter."

Asher stands to his feet as I walk closer to his table.

"Please call me Howey," I reply as I extend my arm for a handshake. I'm Howey Porter on this job. Using my real identity is too risky.

"Asher," he says with a light yet firm grip. The air is cold with the smell of coffee lingering.

"Please have your seat," he adds, pointing to the empty chair facing his.

"Thank you." I settle on the cushioned leather chair.

"My secretary says you need the services of my company for a long-term business. Tell me about it." He hits a button on his laptop and settled his gaze on me.

"Straight to business," I say. A smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

"I like that. Well, my company, H-Motors, needs a reliable shipping company to get engines shipped into the city for assembling here."

He stares at me with keen interest and nods in response.

"I've heard so much about-"

A noise from behind the door interrupts me as we both turn to its direction. It flies open almost immediately and Asher stands to his feet. Fuck, I can't let anything ruin this.

"Here's your fucking ring," a lady says, walking into the room. The secretary follows behind her looking confused and slightly terrified.

"You can't just barge into my office, Olivia," Asher grunts.

"I couldn't leave it with your whore. Who knows if she might steal it? I know how precious it is to you, ex-fiancé," the lady continues.

Asher's face washes in embarrassment just as the secretary leaves the room in a rush. Well, damn.

I try not to look as I stare at the table.

"Olivia"

She places the ring box on it. I catch a whiff of her scent. It's so fucking familiar. Like the one on my sheets.

"Goodbye Asher!"

I turn to meet green eyes staring at me. They bulge out the second our gaze meet. Fuck no.

"You'll never find anyone like me," Asher snarled.

Olivia eyed me for a second and turned around, letting out a scoff.

"I never want a fucking asshole like you."

The tension in the room just got worse.

"Wonder why you're so miserable and lonely? No one wants you. You should be grateful I thought of marrying you because no one else would," Asher blurted.

"Oh really?" Olivia laughed hysterically and turned to me.

"Marry me."

"What?"