The Magnate Who Claimed My Heart

ered against my ribs, a chaotic drumbeat in the sudden silence of my decision. I didn'

ade me jump. My name flashed across the screen: "Constantine Russell." H

. My breath hitched. Could I do this? Could I truly un

his time. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. This wasn't ab

moment I answered. There was no greeting, no hesitation. Just my

eplied, my voice s

o his tone. "That's quite the request, even for you.

et them slide. He had ev

one else," I said, a deliberate calm in my voice. I

meone else? You think anyone else could do what I can, Annie? You think anyone else would dare to eve

my voice still level. "And right now, I need someone

his dark eyes narrowed, a slow smile spreading across his lips as he weighed the possibilities. My stomach ch

ipating its arrival. He would refuse. He would mock me. H

e. "You blacklisted me. You shut me out. You thought you could walk away." A humorless chuckle e

n my knees, Constantine. I'm

he retorted, his voice laced with triumph. "So, what's diffe

e. "I was a fool," I admitted, the words raw and pain

le in his voice. "Tell me everything. Every single detail. And

, Constantine," I said, trying to

d number, every deleted email. You'll send me your current location, and I'll send my jet. Yo

f I re

elf," he said, the amusement clear in his voice. "I don't do

t. He had me. "Fine," I bit

said, and the

him. Two years ago, he' d stormed into the L.A. scene, buying up failing businesses and turning them into gold, leaving a trail of broken careers and terrified competitors in his wake. He was wild, unpredictable, and fiercely inte

A cold shudder ran through me. What had I done? But then, Christian's snee

body aching, my mind numb. The building felt oppressively silent. I push

are, sweetheart.

of concern, his arms open. The familiar scent of his

hone a dozen times." He moved towards

ie felt natural, a practiced ease that came from years of navig

see anyone? Was anyone with you?" His eyes darted arou

to sound convincing, pulling away from hi

u're back. I was just about to make dinner. How about a nice, relaxi

g away. "I... I really just want

closer. "You're always beautiful, Annie. Come on, a quick hug." He

sh laugh echoed from the

nde hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes, wide and innocent, met mine. She w

g on her cheeks. "You must be Annie!

i. Kimberli Townsend. She's... an old friend. She just got back into town and needed a place to

eart. The woman he was planning to marry. The woman he

i. Of course." My eyes darted to Christian, a sil

little sensitive about me staying here, but I promise I'm no trouble. If you'd rather I leave, I completely