Chapter 1: Pick A Side

Richard's office was a glass-walled office that overlooked the other tall buildings in New York. It was very beautiful and just perfect to his standards because he was a billionaire. A bottle of whiskey was set on his black marble table and two glasses that were quarterly filled sat on both ends. Apparently, he had a guest, Lorenzo DeLuca who was thirty eight years old. dressed in a charcoal black suit with an aura that emanated effortless control and a quiet danger.

Richard Calloway was forty years old, he was an American self-made billionaire with an empire in finance and technology. Contrastingly, he wore a three-piece suit that oozed power.

Lorenzo leaned back as he swirled the whiskey in his glass with a smirk that was a little too knowing, "You know, Richard, most men in your position don't take meetings like these. You would be risking a lot and putting everything on the line."

Richard who was sitting across from him, steepled his fingers as he watched Lorenzo like he was solving a puzzle, "One thing you should know Lorenzo, is that, you don't get to the top without knowing when to take a cautious leap."

Lorenzo chuckled as he took a slow sip of his whiskey, "Cautious, huh? That's cute. But let's not pretend this ain't more than numbers to you. You want control. You want power. You wanna make sure if anyone gets their hand dirty, it's not you."

Richard smiled as he tilted his head, "Be straight with me. Do you want a cut? Or something a little bit powerful, like a seat at the table?"

Lorenzo leaned in with a low voice as he teased, "More like I wanna make sure you don't get in my way, bello. We both know your little empire doesn't run as clean as your investors think. You've got doors that need guarding, and I've got men who know how to keep them shut."

Richard looked unfazed but his eyes also revealed a hint of amusement, "Protection, that's it? That's what you're offering?"

Lorenzo slowly nodded as he watched Richard carefully, "among other things."

Richard leaned back as a smirk played at his lips and he responded with a deliberate voice, "What makes you think I need your protection?"

Lorenzo grinned devilishly, as if he knew something Richard didn't, "I know what keeps you at night Richard, you can't fool me."

Richard studied him, as Lorenzo held the moment playfully with a relaxed mind but it was definitely predatory.

Richard finally nodded as he reached for his whiskey, "Fine then. What are the terms?"

"Thirty percent of the offshore accounts. Access to your network when I need it. In return, you get security. And you also get to keep your hands looking pretty while I handle the messy parts," said Lorenzo.

Richard feigned a thought, but deep down, he always knew he was going to agree. He had no other choice. That was a good offer for him, "You drive a hard bargain."

Lorenzo grinned with a tease, "I'm told it's one of my finer qualities."

Richard lifted his glass in a toast, "Then we have a deal."

They clinked their glasses, sealing the arrangement with a mutual understanding as they intensely stared at each other taking a sip.

And then they both stood as they set their glasses down, standing smoothly without any hesitation. Lorenzo stepped forward and then he placed a firm hand on the back of Richard's neck and he pressed a brief firm kiss on his lips. It wasn't a romantic kiss, it was a mark of a deal. A move straight out of his world.

Richard froze, in a fraction of a second he was surprised but not shocked by the kiss itself, more like the sheer audacity of it.

"Welcome to the family, Calloway," said Lorenzo with a smirk.

Lorenzo turned and walked away as he left Richard there, exhaling through his nose, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair as he processed the kiss. Then he smiled, just a little. Because he liked a challenge and Lorenzo DeLuca just became one.

---

Lorenzo turned the sleek brass handle of the office door as he was ready to exit. But as it swung open, he stopped. His usual indifferent expression faltered for a moment.

Standing just outside, with a hand raised as if she was about to knock, was Elena Calloway, who was thirty two years old. She was so elegant, dressed in a soft ivory blouse and a form-fitting skirt. Elena was a natural beauty with warm eyes and an easy smile, she carried herself with a grace that seemed to soften even the cold edges of the luxurious office hallway. 

She was holding a small shopping bag, in one hand, the kind of thing a woman picks up while running errands, a simple reminder of life outside that building.

For Lorenzo, that moment felt longer. His mind then registered something strange of familiarity but not of recognition, like a half remembered melody. He knew he had never met her and yet he felt good about it, which was weird, not many people have managed to make him feel that way.

Elena smiled politely as she assumed Lorenzo was a business associate, "Oh! Excuse me, I didn't mean to interrupt. I was just stopping by to see Richard before heading home."

Lorenzo, looking like he was recovering quickly, smirked just slightly, "No interruption at all, signora. Just business." His voice was smooth and controlled with a hint of a smile.

Elena didn't mean to notice the intensity in Lorenzo's gaze. She didn't acknowledge the way his eyes swept over his face. To her, he was just another client in an expensive suit, the kind of man her husband meets with everyday.

Behind them, Richard stepped forward, his presence effortlessly reclaiming the space and with practiced ease, his voice sounded warm, yet assertive, "Lorenzo, this is my wife, Elena." His eyes shifted between them, catching the faint hint of tension but he dismissed it. 

Lorenzo tilted his head, offering a subtle nod, "A pleasure." His voice was so deliberate and for a second, his gaze met hers, just long enough to make Richard shift slightly beside her.

Elena who was pleasant but unbothered, flashed a charming smile, "you too." Then she turned to Richard, oblivious to anything beneath the surface. "I just wanted to see if you were free for a quick coffee before I head home."

Richard stepped toward her as he placed a hand on the small of her back in a practiced display of affection, "I wish I could sweetheart. But I'm drowning in work tonight." The words fell so poised on his lips.

Elena didn't question it, she never did, she trusted Richard with all her heart. She loved him from the moon and back.

"Don't let me keep you Calloway. Until next time." With that, Lorenzo walked past Elena as his presence lingered even after he disappeared down the hall.

Elena turned to Richard as she adjusted the strap of her purse, "That guy was intense. Was it business or trouble?"

Richard chuckled as he pressed a kiss to her temple, a gesture that was so practiced making it automatic, "It's a little bit of both."

Elena smiled playfully as she rolled her eyes before heading toward the elevator. Richard watched her go as he ran a hand through his sandy brown hair before he stepped back into his office.

---

A few moments later, Richard was seated at his desk when the intercom buzzed, "Mr. Calloway, there's an urgent matter that requires your attention. Could you step into the boardroom?" It was the secretary over the intercom.

Richard leaned back in his chair as if already exhausted but he ultimately stood up, "On my way."

He strode out of his office as his presence was always commanding, making his way through the quiet hall. But when he stepped into the boardroom, he didn't find an urgent business matter.

Instead, he found Victoria, his secretary waiting with her silk blouse unbuttoned just enough to hint at her intentions. She closed the door behind him, locking it with a quiet click.

Richard arched his brow but he wasn't surprised, "Emergency, huh?"

Victoria stepped closer placing a manicured hand on his chest as her lips curved into a smirk, "I thought you could use a break Mr. Calloway

Richard had the smallest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips, "You're playing a very dangerous game, Victoria."

Victoria's fingertips trailed down his chest to the waistband of his trousers, then she whispered, "I'm not seeing you stopping me Mr. Calloway."

Then she ripped off his shirt exposing his lean build. For someone who was forty, Richard was surprisingly toned and handsome.

She pressed herself against him, sliding her hand beneath his belt as she caressed his crouch, her fingers ghosted against his skin. Richard didn't flinch, he didn't push her away, because what they were doing wasn't new, it was a routine. Because Elena Calloway was at home, oblivious and him the Richard Calloway, billionaire who was untouchable had never been a man who let himself be tied down.