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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
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 28: What happened?
Evelynn poked her head in the door, and lifted and eyebrow at Kerrigan as she straightened herself. “When you are ready, Colonel Eli has some news. Take your time though.” She winked at Kerrigan before closing the door again. “Right, well. We should go see what that is all about,” Kerrigan said, not making eye contact with Conor. Conor was a bit speechless as Kerrigan left the room, unsure how to take her sudden departure after such a passionate kiss. Her lingering scent of apple blossom and cinnamon taunted him as he stood to follow. How was he supposed to think straight after a kiss like that? Parker waited for him in the hall while Evelynn walked ahead with Kerrigan to the private conference room. As Conor stepped into the hall, Parker looked him over. “You ok, man? You look like someone smacked you and you haven’t figured out why. It’s not like this is the first time someone has attacked you.” Conor chuckled, breaking the tension, “Smacked? No. But yeah, still processing what
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 29: Kerrigan's Temper
Evelynn escorted Kerrigan to where Reilynn was staying. As the elevator doors closed, she turned to Kerrigan, “Well? How was he?” “What? He? What are you talking about?” Kerrigan said, her cheeks flushing deep red. “Kerrigan, you realize that office has a glass window to the hall right? I am not blind.” Kerrigan stared at Evelynn with a mortified expression. “Girl, come on! We all knew it was coming! Hell, I expected you to hop on that train months ago.” “Anna…” Kerrigan tried weakly. “Is gone. Out of the picture. In another province and if what I hear her say is true, she is done for good. She knew she wasn’t the right fit for him. but you best be sure to snag him quick, cause a man like that isn’t going to sit in the friend zone for long. Someone is bound to make a move. That ex wife of his is as likely as any to try to warm his bed again now that she knows what she gave up!” “Did you really see?” Kerrigan said, still fixaded on the fact others might have seen them. “Oh, don
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 30: Reilynn
Reilynn POV Reilynn awoke the next morning stiff and sore. She looked around the strange room and flipped on a light next to her bed. This wasn’t the barrack floor of Dreadnaught Law firm. She found herself in a large four poster bed in a sparsely furnished room. Cool wood flooring greeted bare feet as she sat up with a wince. Her side still ached but in the last three weeks, it had healed remarkably well. The stitches had come out yesterday and now she just had to maintain a skin tape across the wound. She still berated herself for missing that knife but hoped this wouldn’t dampen the teams opinion of her or her combat effectiveness. She reached for the heavy blackout curtains and tugged one open, squinting as the morning light streamed in. green grass and forest greeted her, and small birds chirped as they flitted about from bush to bush. She could get used to this. The city was fine, and she could manage there but this… this was solitude. She tried to stand but the pain in he
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 31: Conor Undercover CEO
Thursday morning Conor walked into the AperturePhoto Tower. Peter had managed to secure a six-story building and was renting out two of the floors. The main lobby had a large registration desk with metal detectors and scan in terminals for all employees. Peter had gone all out when designing this place, and the air of professionalism was evident in every detail. Conor wondered how he should approach today’s interaction being that he was not known here. Peter had said the designers kept to themselves. He decided to ask for the new manager and go from there. He had decided to let Parker have the morning off from being his private shadow. After all, Aperture Photo’s security was covered by Colonel Eli’s personnel. Parker nodded as Conor passed the front door. “I will be right next door. there is a good coffee shop I have been meaning to try. Text when you are done.” Conor walked up to the reception desk where a man clacked away at a keyboard. “Janitorial interviews are in the lobby
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - chapter 32: I need a new Manager
Conor simply strode through the room, taking in the various design projects. On the far end of the floor, there was a small photo studiowheree various designers came over with a bundle of random items, handed them off to the camera guy and started rattling off a long list of requirements they had for the various elements. Conor paused to watch the dynamics when one of the designers came over to him and handed him a bag “This apple needs to be at a certain angle and this coin will need both sides done. Make sure Carlos remembers I need it to pop so use the black background.” “I don’t actually work here,” Conor tried to insist. “Oh, I thought you were one of the new interns. Peter is always sending in new people to see if they have any talent. Well, will you give these to Carlos anyway? I have a massive project to finish.” Conor shrugged. He was here to learn the business so why not? He took the items and waited patiently for the man he assumed was Carlos to finish his current shoot
Rejected Billionaire Part 2- Chapter 33: Interviews
Conor looked into the room where two men were conducting interviews. Overall the process seemed quick, and they shuffled through papers between candidates. Conor glanced at Parker, “Any idea what they are looking for? Its just a janitor position right?” “Yes and no. Mainly they are looking for security clearance. Since everything is under Vokrizin, Colonel Eli has insisted that even janitors be able to pass background and security checks. Also, these people clean up from some high level meetings and discression is paramount. If a new ad leaks or new book idea is shared, Aperture and Vokrizin could be on the hook for major liabilities.” Parker explained. Conor nodded as he realized the magnitude of even the most mundane jobs here. When he saw the middle age gentleman enter, Conor opened the side door and sat next to the interviewers, sliding his badge over to them. One was about to question him, but seeing the gold rim on the card and Parker standing at the door, he chose to close h
Rejected Billionaire Part 2 - Chapter 34: Visiting Mr. Dries
Saturday turned out to be a beautiful, cloudless day. The Gala was set for six pm that evening at the Chamber of Commerce banquet hall, and Kerrigan had sent word that she would not be available until five. Conor agreed with Parker that they would pick the girls up and planned to be there a few minutes early but that still left most of the day free for Conor to stress. This event would be one the most defining moments of his new business and truly represented Vokrizin’s first step into the limelight. Parker finally came to get him after lunch and drive him to visit the barber. Conor had been maintaining his hair regularly, but tonight was of utmost importance. “Ah, Mr. Brantley! I was hoping you would stop in to see me!” came the excited shout of the proprietor of the solan, Anthony Gavin. “Indeed, Anthony. Tonight is my Gala for Celia’s Blessing.” “My invitation arrived last week! I have been waiting with great anticipation for you to grace my shop ever since! Tonight, the world
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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
