Mr. Big Shot: An Enemies To Lovers Romance (Kinda Cocky Book 1), стр. 12

“My apologies. I had to deal with some--.”

She sighed and shook her head as defeat rushed over her features. Those beautiful dimples receded into nothingness as her lips went from upturned to downturned. I wanted to coax that smile out of her again. I wanted to make her giggle when the music wasn’t playing so I could let it wash over me. But, just as I drew in a breath to speak, my phone started vibrating endlessly again.

And I knew I couldn't ignore it.

“This phone call is very important. I have to take it.”

She paused. “I mean, maybe it could wait long enough for us to have a drink?”

I scooped my phone up. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. This was a bad night for me, anyway. I’ll send another one of those pink drinks up for you.”

As much as it pained me to walk away from such a beautiful and different woman, I couldn't let this slide. Mr. Walsh was out for blood, but what he didn’t know was that I was luring him into my own little trap. One breach of our contract, and I had him right where I wanted him. I walked down the stairs and pushed my way through the crowd. Women ground themselves against me, their hands sliding along my chest. I shook them off and pushed through. I ignored their snickers and their curses as I passed by them without a second thought. None of them were my type. None of them were to my liking. And as far as I was concerned, none of them would occupy my bed tonight.

Except maybe her.

I stood at the front door and peered over my shoulder. I looked up at the second-story balcony and saw her standing there with a drink in her hand. Her shoulders slumped softly as she slipped out of her heels. I watched that beautiful woman tug at her top before abandoning her drink and walking away. Barefooted, in a club, as she disappeared into the darkness.

You’re an idiot.

“This is Zane,” I said.

“You have absolutely no right whatsoever. Zero right, Zane. You hear me!?”

I walked outside as Mr. Walsh started rattling off in my ear. Curse after curse. Bullshit after bullshit. I pushed through the crowd outside and walked up to the corner of the block, finally pulling away from all the noise. And as the cool, crisp air wafted against my face, Mr. Walsh tripped and fell into the hole I had successfully laid out for him.

“You are the most despicable human being on the face of this planet. First, you try to lowball my client. Then, you’re immobile on your stance completely because you think you’re a fucking big shot. Then, you go over my head to contact my own client to try and get your way like a spoiled little brat, and you expect me to play ball? When you’re nothing but an oversized bully!? Well, I won’t stand for it, Mr. Hearthstone. I’m going to let everyone in this town know exactly how disgusting you really are. And by the time I’m done with you, your reputation will be so shot that no one--and I mean no one--in this town will ever go to you with their realty issues ever again!”

I grinned. “Mr. Walsh, I think I should remind you of something if you feel the need to continue.”

“I don’t care what you have to say! My client will not ever accept your offer. At all!”

As he continued to rattle off again, I felt my phone vibrate against my ear. I let him spew his disgusting language as I looked at my phone, pulling up the email that had just come through. Ah, Mrs. Daily had already gotten back to me. Perfect. And when I opened up the email, I abandoned the plan I initially set forth.

Because this one was so, so much better than mine.

I chuckled. “Have you even spoken to your client about my offer, Mr. Walsh?”

He paused. “That doesn’t matter because I never will. I would never disrespect any of my clients by doing business with a--.”

“Need I remind you that we signed a contract.”

He scoffed. “Yeah. A temporary contract. One that kept our negotiations between the two of us.”

“No, Mr. Walsh. The three of us. Mrs. Daily signed that contract as well, remember?”

“I’m her realtor, Mr. Hearthstone. I vet all deals before they--.”

I shook my head. “Not according to the contract you signed.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Page two, paragraph three, last two sentences. ‘All parties that sign this contract are privy to all communications. Including--but not limited to--possible offers, withdrawals, meetings, video conferences, and officially-notarized changes within the current contract.' Do you know what that means, Mr. Walsh?”

And when he didn’t answer, I went in for the kill.

“I have an email sitting in my inbox currently that states Mrs. Daily has no idea of the offer I’ve made. Which, for the record, is now twenty grand above asking price.”

“All that means is--.”

I interrupted him. “Mrs. Daily didn’t even know we were debating back and forth about her property. Which puts you in breach of contract. I’ll have my lawyer contact you--.”

“Mr. Hearthstone, all I meant to say was--.”

“--and once my lawyer contacts you--.”

“All right!” he exclaimed.

A massive smile crept across my face as I turned towards the club.

“All right, what?” I asked.

He sighed. “What do you want, Mr. Hearthstone?”

“I want you to back off so I can execute this deal with your client. I know she’s more than willing, and I know she’ll take my offer. You just don’t like it because it’s me. But, that’s not how business works, Mr. Walsh. And if you wish to make a name for yourself in Vegas realty? You better not bite the hand that has the most pull. Understood?”

“Uh, understood.”

“Wonderful. I’ll have my lawyer put the changes in an official document for you to sign and notarize. It will stipulate that all offers are to be