Page 32 of Titus

“Titus Hawk,” I said flatly.

“Have I heard about this one?” she questioned.

“No, I don’t think we’ve talked since I salvaged his event in Monaco,” I answered.

“Is he gorgeous and available?” she teased. “Perhaps dating a billionaire can help me streamline things and create a stable life for the little one who’s on the way.”

I laughed with her. “He’s gorgeous, and he’s most likely single…but available?” I arched an eyebrow at her. “Honey, you saw how my last relationship worked out with a wealthy man who owned his own company.”

“Right,” she looked at me sympathetically. “Eric Mueller had as many girlfriends in other countries as he had bank accounts,” she rolled her eyes. “How did you manage to get over that pain?”

My eyes wandered to the ocean shimmering beyond the houses that surrounded mine.

Five years earlier, I’d shown up to one of Eric Mueller’s events only to discover the woman beside him wasn’t a client.

She was one of fourteen mistresses.

The scandal that followed destroyed his company, landed him in prison, and taught me one lesson I’d never forgotten.

Never confuse wealth with character.

“Sis?” Amelia said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’m sorry to bring it up.”

“No,” I said, coming back to the present moment. “I just haven’t thought about the man in years. I guess I got over him by focusing on myself and living my life on my own terms. I grew my company to what it is today, and if I’d allowed that heartbreak to consume me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“How did we manage to get screwed over like this?” Amelia said, taking a bite of her spicy chicken. “We’re stunning goddesses, and yet, these guys throw it all away.”

I chuckled. “This is true,” I said, turning to leave. “I think it’s our choice in men. The more attractive they are, the more of an asshole they tend to be.” I winked at her. “Okay, I seriously need to change. Titus is having a car pick me up, and apparently, his helicopter is bringing me to a place where he wants to meet me exclusively.”

Her brows pulled together, “Shit, this guy is pretty⁠—”

“He’s Titus Hawk,” I said dryly. “Everything with him comes with a bigger budget.”

“Luxurious as hell, eh?”

“You have no idea, but the good news is, if he hires me as his exclusive planner, I will be charging him half a million to sign the agreement and at least that for every event I plan for him.”

“Holy shit, is that what you usually charge clients?”

“No,” I smiled at her. “Just the ones who like to flash their wealth in front of everyone because it makes up for their shortcomings in other areas of life,” I laughed.

“Get it, girl,” she grinned. “Okay, I won’t keep you.”

“Don’t wait up. I have no idea how long this meeting will last. This man is just as stubborn and persistent as I am when it comes to challenging what he wants.”

“Can’t wait to hear about the end result tomorrow,” she laughed. “Oh, and I did get an appointment with Dr. Aster for next week, Mickie Aster. I did what you said and mentioned I was your sister, and I got right in.”

“See, there are some perks from me being around these rich folks all the time, aren’t there?”

“Never said there wasn’t,” she finished with a laugh after I left her to eat.

I walked into my room to find a dress suitable for a business dinner at his estate. Why he wanted dinner there instead of a restaurant—or better yet, showing up at my office like a normal person—was beyond me. But then again, it was Titus. Everything with him was always on a grand scale.

I finally opted for a warm cashmere sweater paired with slacks, knowing his home sat high on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. I wore a silk camisole underneath, though, just in case the coastal breeze was warmer than expected. As always, I wanted to look classy and polished but stay comfortable no matter what the weather decided to do.

When I stepped out to find the black car Titus had sent for me already waiting, I immediately noticed it wasn’t just any car. Because, of course, it wasn’t. It was a damn Rolls, another reason I wasn’t afraid to demand my worth tonight from this man.

So, without appearing impressed by the vehicle that had come to deliver me to his private chopper, I took my time walking toward it, because if Titus Hawk thought I was about to rush into anything tied to him, he clearly didn’t know who he’d just invited into his world.