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Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 20: Hidden Waterfalls
The mountainside to the right began to turn into a sheer face that towered over them as the left side fell away down to a strong moving stream below. At one point Parker looked up and pointed at the sheer rock wall. “See those small metal bits on the wall?” Kerrigan strained her eyes but noticed the metal glinting. “What are those?” “Anchors. Some of the more adventurous climbers have been out here and did everyone a favor by drilling those into the wall. Now anyone with the knowledge and skill can try to climb that wall with much more confidence. It is actually becoming a popular sport in some circles. Perhaps I can requisition some ropes and quickdraws from Colonel Eli. You two will likely need to visit an outfitter to get some proper shoes if we come back out here,” Parker explained. “You climb that? All the way up there? What if you fall?” Kerrigan asked in trepidation. “Ropes. It’s the same method we use for special operations. Of course, the stakes are much lower, and it's h
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 21: Cool Your Jets!
Evelynn picked out a spot on the large flat rock near Kerrigan and set down her own backpack, laid out a towel, and then glanced around for Parker before stripping off her shirt, revealing her bikini underneath. She then took a running leap and dove into the depths of the pool. “Well, that is one way to brave the cold.” Conor chuckled as Evelynn broke the surface halfway across the pond. He stood and stripped off his own shirt revealing an impressive set of abs. Kerrigan realized that since they had been training together, Conor had developed a lean, powerful build with his naturally wide shoulders and strong arms having been concealed so often beneath his business suits. “You going to join us?” Conor called to everyone else. Gabriella shook her head with a smile. “Not today, sir. I will keep an eye on the path, but you all go ahead.” Parker nodded at Gabriella in acknowledgment before stripping off his own shirt and diving in. Kerrigan hesitated for a moment, “What about this sur
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 22: BEAR!
“Or what? You were sticky and needed a rinse.” Parker quipped, popping another chip ladened with chicken salad. “You knew perfectly well that a dunk in cold water is not what I was after,” Evelynn said, snatching the chicken salad from Parker and taking a scoop for herself before passing it to Kerrigan. “I wasn’t done with that. As for you, if that is what you wanted, you could have just asked me back to your place AFTER work. Perhaps there I could have given you a proper shower.” Parker said straight-faced. Evelynn squirmed uncomfortably, “You know perfectly well that I am stuck in the barracks at Volkrizin. Colonel Eli doesn’t tolerate ANYTHING.” “So am I. You likely didn’t realize it as our entrance is from the other stairwell, but I am under the same roof as you, just on the other side of a wall,” Parker explained. “Wait, Conor, ALL of our guards are housed at Vokrizin? Why doesn’t Parker have a home of his own?! Colonel Eli? The other 100 or so I see around?” Kerrigan asked i
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 23: Black Eyed Regrets
Monday morning Conor looked around the Vokrizin office before going downstairs to find Mr. Nuri. When he knocked on his office door, Mr. Nuri jumped up and came over to greet him. “What can I do for you, Mr. Brantley?” “Has a new real estate team lead been assigned to replace Anna?” Mr. Nuri considered Conor’s demeanor before saying, “Miss Brooks has a list of potential agents who are well versed in real estate law and have excellent skills that she believes will be a good fit for the main office. She informed me before she left that the three candidates would be available any time this week to meet. Should I call for them?” Conor sighed; memories of Anna’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to predict his needs flooding him. He knew, however, that her desire to head up the southern Targu office was likely more than just a location move. Too much had happened between them to simply be coworkers in the same office. “If you would, Miss Lokir and I would like to discuss some
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 24: Mr Grady
Conor made his way back through familiar employee-only halls to Mr. Matthew’s office. When he knocked on the door, Mr. Matthews voice greeted him. “Come in!” Conor opened the door to find Mr. Matthews leaning over the shoulder of a man in his late thirties. “Ah, Conor, my boy. Come on in and meet Marcus Grady. He will be my new general manager.” “Are you not planning to be here anymore?” Conor asked. “Ah, well, my second granddaughter is due to be born next week and I really want to spend more time with them. Don’t worry. I will still be keeping an eye on Marcus here.” Conor nodded to the thin gentleman seated at the desk. Mr. Grady had short brown hair and smooth tan skin. He carried himself like a professional and had an air about him that made someone want to trust him just by looking at him. Conor held out his hand, “Mr. Grady.” Mr. Grady stood and eagerly shook Conor’s hand, “It’s great to meet you! Mr. Matthews has told me some about you. Honestly, I didn’t realize you w
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 25: Replacing Anna
The next morning, Conor found Kerrigan already waiting in the conference room with Faolan laying at her feet under the table. “Thank you for being here. I think it will be good to have your input as I try to find Anna’s replacement.” He took a seat beside her and pet Faolan between the ears before flipping open a notepad. “Of course! Besides, if we can find a good agent, perhaps I can borrow them for some of my own projects with Dragon Corporation once that whole mess is settled,” Kerrigan said. “And any you don’t pick, I might just poach,” She said teasingly. Conor shook his head, “I never know if you are my friend or my biggest competition.” Kerrigan smiled at him, “Perhaps friendly competition? Iron sharpens iron after all. Think of me as being the one you test your mettle against. I promise you this, I have no intention of harming you or Vokrizin, even if Dragon Corporation is your competition.” Conor smiled back in acknowledgment and waited patiently for Mr. Nuri, Jarad, and
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 26: Surprises
Then Moss’s voice rose several levels, “Hin Sil Oblivion! Oblaan Fin Lo!” His hand flicked and a small knife flew at Parker, another at Evelynn. Parker slid to the side, slapping at the spinning dagger. It embedded itself in the wall a hairs breath from where his ear had been. Evelynn tried to spring for Kerrigan but the dagger tossed at her had pinned her shirt collar to the wall and the blade sunk deep into the drywall behind her. As the assassin drew more daggers, Faolan darted under the table and bit the man’s leg as he took aim at Kerrigan. Moss let out a howl of pain and the blade flew wide. Conor heard a scream to his left and spun toward Kerrigan only to see Jarad fall backward out of his chair clutching his chest, a small blade sticking out. The assassin pulled another blade, doing his best to stabilize himself with Faolan tearing into his leg. As he pulled back for a toss, Conor grabbed the table and shoved all his weight against it, sliding it across the floor into the
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 27: VALTAS
Conor heard the door close softly and turned as he heard Kerrigan’s soft voice behind him. “Why?” The word was barely a whisper as her legs shook and lost all strength. Conor caught her in his arms, startled at her sudden distress. He carefully lowered them both into an oversized chair, pulling Kerrigan into his lap, “What do you mean, Eibhlin?” She looked up at Conor with pleading eyes. “Why are people always trying to kill me?!” Kerrigan curled up against his chest, pulling her knees up as the tears flowed, “I try to help people, I try to make their lives better. I thought my staff loved me and what I was doing for them and the people of Targu, but people keep trying to kill me!” Conor had never been this close to Kerrigan before. She fit perfectly on his lap, like she was made for him. It was difficult to focus on what she was saying when all he wanted to do was kiss her tears away and hold her close. As her words finally registered, he fought a wave of rising anger at the thou
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- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 22: Train rides
Monday morning broke with a cool spring breeze showing the last vestiges of winter before summer’s heat. Conor tossed his suitcase into the back of the SUV and hopped into the passenger seat.Parker drove them to Kerrigan’s house, pausing briefly to acknowledge the gate guard. Conor recognized him as one of Colonel Eli’s men he had seen around Vokrizin.“Jamison is a good man. He will make sure nothing happens to Miss Lokir’s house while you all are away,” Parker said.Conor just nodded.They pulled up to Kerrigan’s house and Parker honked twice.Conor jumped out when he saw the four ladies exit with several bags each. He and Parker quickly moved to help and filled the back of the SUV with bags, nearly completely blocking any hope of looking out the back window.“Guess you are moving out. No plans to return?” Conor asked.Kerrigan replied smoothly, “I am sure I will be back. This isn’t a fraction of what is in that house.”Parker closed the trunk and addressed everyone, “The Colonel do
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 21: Kelan
Targu Province. Saturday night “A toast! To our good brother Kelan, for without him, many of us would still be scrapping the bottom of the barrel here in Velyki!” declared Darren Krellis. “Here, here!” chorused the room. "My family thanks you for letting us take over this place and turn it into the exclusive club Velykie can be proud of!" Darren declared. Kelan Benedict stood and saluted the room with his wine glass and took a swig. “Brothers and lovely guests,” he began, eyeing the ladies around the room dressed in tight-fitting evening gowns. “Tonight, I thank you for this gracious meal. Hopefully, the future will bring mutual benefit as the Benedict family begins its absorption of Velyki and then Targu!” There was a round of cheers and Kelan slumped back into his seat, wrapping his arm around Clarise, a tall attractive blonde dressed in a red dress that did wonders for her figure. “Brother Kelan,” came a grading voice beside him as someone sat down on the couch. Kelan took h
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 20 : Visiting the Spice Emporium
“That was crazy,” Conor said as they headed across the street. Kerrigan slipped up beside him, slipping her hand into his, “I get the feeling that our lives will always attract crazy.” Conor sighed, “It does seem that way. Let’s see how Mr. Arroz is doing.” Conor gave Kerrigan’s hand a gentle squeeze as they crossed the street and stepped into the spice shop. A small bell sounded as they walked in. “Be right up!” came the bellow from the back room. Conor pointed to the glass case that protected the world from the hottest spice known, Abrasax’s wrath. “Now, any idea how we can get Kelan and perhaps Nyman to swallow that whole jar?” Kerrigan giggled, “I have a few I would like to feed it to. Think Mr. Arroz will part with the whole jar?” “Depends if he thinks he can replace it,” Conor said as Faolon brushed past him. “Hey, Faolan! Sit! PRALL!” Faolan came back and sat at his feet. Kerrigan looked up at him, “She just wants to sniff. This whole place is full of new smells.” “I k
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch19: Entitlement
Conor and Kerrigan rode in companionable silence for most of the trip back to town, content to rest from the day’s climbing. They sat, each leaning against opposing car windows, but their legs met, touching from knee to heel. Conor felt their fingers brush and gently laced his with hers, enjoying how her hand fit so perfectly with his.It was near dinner time when they finally turned onto the street near the Spice Emporium. As Parker pulled into a parking space at the far end of the street, Conor noticed the Grizlehut. It had been a long time since he had thought about his old job. While his condominium home was at the far end of the street, he never come down this way anymore. Too often, Parker would be waiting for him, and they would simply drive the other direction to get to Vokrizin.Conor reached for the door and realized Kerrigan was completely passed out against her window. He leaned over and gently shook her shoulder. As she came awake, Conor saw a flash of panic cross her face
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 18: Trust building
He changed his hand position and reached, finding the quickdraw dangling from its anchor. He clipped the rope in and began his attempt to crest the bulge in the rock. As he pivoted, he realized the angle he was moving to would erase any grip he had on that hold. As he thought this, he felt a weightless sensation as he began to fall away from the rock. The rope went taught and jerked him mid-air as Kerrigan was pulled off her feet, flying fifteen feet in the air. She managed to hold the rope in its breaking position but her head was dangerously close to his feet. When he had caught his breath, Conor looked down into Kerrigan’s terrified green eyes. “Fancy meeting you up here. Think we could meet up again, once we are safely on the ground?” Kerrigan gawked at him for a second before smiling, “I suppose I could let you down, but You are at my mercy. I might just have to leave you up here like a pinata.” Conor chuckled as he watched her slowly release tension, lowering herself back dow
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 17: Rock climbing
“OK, now it's time for you to try. Who is up first?” Conor volunteered. “Fine, Kerrigan, you are on belay. I will back you up and walk you through each step. I want you both to understand, Lead climbing like this places your life in the hands of your partner. If you don’t trust each other and learn not only to communicate but to anticipate each other’s needs, you will fail and likely hurt each other.” Kerrigan looked dubiously at Parker. “Conor is easily 50 pounds heavier than me!” Parker eyed Conor’s muscular but toned form, “You are what? 200 or 210 pounds these days?” “Last I checked, yea, right at 205.” “Should be fine. Kerrigan, you just have to learn to brace yourself correctly. You could go for a ride but if you use the skills I taught you earlier you could even belay me, and I am 230 pounds these days. Climbing is about technique as much as it is about skill. Now, let's get Conor tied in.” Parker tied the end of the climbing rope to Conor’s harness and showed Kerrigan.
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch16:
Conor leaned against the SUV with Parker standing across from him checking through a few bags of gear. “We have three ropes, harnesses for everyone, belay devices, and four full sets of quickdraws. I am also bringing a few crash pads. I don’t plan on you needing to use them but we will put them along the base just in case. Here, try these on.” Parker tossed a pair of strange shoes to him. Conor looked at the shoes that had a sharp curve to the toe and the sole was a flat rubber that followed the arch curve. The tan material seemed to be some sort of soft doeskin or very supple leather. Conor tried to pull the shoe on but his toes cramped and they were shoved into the tight shoes. “Umm, I think these are too small.” Parker walked over and check them. “your heal fits right?” “Yea, but my toes are all curled” “Painfully curled or just uncomfortably curled?” Conor considered before finally replying, “just uncomfortable. My shoes are normally a bit loose.” “Then they fit perfectly.
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 15: Issues at home
Kerrigan spent the next day walking around the property at her house with Faolan. It had been a while since they had been able to just play, and she took this opportunity to play fetch. Thankfully her right arm still functioned, though being it was her off-hand, it was a bit awkward to throw. She figured this was good training for anything that might injure her dominant arm. Mercifully she had awoken almost entirely pain-free. The pills the Colonel had given her had truly worked wonders overnight and she had to admit, she was looking forward to being able to learn to climb the sheer rock faces near the waterfall tomorrow. The day passed rather uneventfully, and as the sun set Kerrigan found herself curled up on the back porch on one of their outdoor couches, with Faolan warming her feet with her furry mass. Reilynn stepped out a few minutes later with two glasses of wine and handed one to Kerrigan as Gabriella come out behind her. the girls each sank into chairs and leaned back, look
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 14: Kerrigan's Family revelations
The next morning Kerrigan arrived on the roof of Vokrizin for their daily training session. Colonel Eli strode over to her but before he could start setting her to drills she decided to interject, “I actually wanted to talk to you.” “Oh?” “two things really. First, do you think tomorrow I could take the girls climbing? Perhaps Conor will join us?” The Colonel glanced to where Parker was sparing with Conor, “I don’t see why that should be a problem.” He looked to Reilynn, “You feel confident in training them?” “Yes, sis.” “Fine, I will requisition the gear. What size shoe do you were, Miss Lokir?” “Umm about 23.5 cm.” “Hmm ok. I will make sure to get you and Conor some. Be warned, they will be tight. These are not meant for walking, they are designed for grip. Don’t be surprised if they feel a size or two smaller than is comfortable. What was the other thing?” “I am returning to Dragon Corporation at the end of the week.” “Ah, I see. I will begin redeploying a detail. We still
