The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

                Grayson exhaled sharply, “It wasn’t my intentions you know. I didn’t overdose myself on purpose.”

                “I don’t give a fuck about your intentions last night Grayson. You really put Leo through it. Not to mention you went all the exorcist on his ass and puked right in his face. I mean all over him. And I had to help clean that up thank you very much. Now apologize.”

                “Fuck Leo, I’m sorry man. I don’t remember most of last night…”

                Good old Leo patted his friend on the shoulder, “It’s alright. You were sick. But I don’t condone you drinking man. We’ve had that conversation many times. And last night just proved it.”

                “As touching as this is fellas, It’s not fuckin alright Grayson! You knew what the fuck could happen when you mixed alcohol with your medications. You were reckless and stupid last night. And it can’t happen again. Things are going to fucking change around here gentleman.”

                She locked onto Grayson’s blue eyes. He held her gaze, a challenge in them. This was his home, his fuckin rules. Well he was going to find out, Amberleigh was one bad bitch when she had to be. And that time had fucking come indeed. Leo was already on board with the plan before she’d even proposed it.

                                “And just what are you proposing Miss Dubois?” Leo asked with a trace of a smile upon his luscious lips.

                By this point the billionaire had stopped even pretending to eat his breakfast and set his tray aside. Grayson sat himself up straighter in the bed. Even his whole posture wasn’t open and inviting, he crossed his arms across his broad chest. Lesser men would have collapsed under the pressure of the Godwin’s scrutinizing gaze alone.  Thank God she was fucking woman after all. Women didn’t scare so easily.

                “Here is the new arrangement boys.  Item one, Grayson Godwin will abstain from liquor. Item two, he will work no more than forty hours a week. Item three, when he is home, Grayson Godwin won’t spend more than ten additional hours a week, doing work related shit from home. With me so far?”

                Grayson scoffed, “That is not possible Miss. Dubois. I am a busy man. The company depends on me.”

                “Last I checked sir, you weren’t the only employee at the Godwin Corporation. Furthermore, hire a fucking personal assistant or intern. You can afford it. And, I mean I’m sure your mother would be on board with this. Viola is a lovely woman who clearly wants the best for you.”

                Leo was chuckling but Grayson wasn’t looking so pleased. It was nice to know that at least one person in this world still intimidated the billionaire. Even if it didn’t appear to be the whore he hired who had gotten inside his head. And perhaps his heart?  

                “What else are you proposing Miss Dubois?” he asked through clenched teeth.

                “You will actually fucking eat three square meals a day. And get some proper rest. At least eight hours a night.”

                Grayson laughed, “You think you can just command my insomnia? Why hadn’t I thought of that.”

                “I don’t disagree with you Amber, but he does try to sleep at least sometimes. That’s not entirely his fault or a poor life choice on his part.”

                He gave Leo a withering look, “Thanks Leo. Good to know you don’t think all of my decisions are merely poor life choices.”

                “I didn’t exactly mean it like that and you know it. But fuck Grayson, you are constantly sabotaging yourself man. Doing the opposite of what you should. I say this because I love you.”

                “Not that any of this fuckin’ matters in the end Leo. I’m fucked regardless. But I appreciate all your efforts truly I do my friend. But sometimes I wish you wouldn’t waste so much of your time and fucking energy on me. Live your own life for a fuckin change.”

                Okay, well things had taken a turn. Now that all seemed missing was a couch and a notepad in her hand. Amberleigh decided to just sit there quite like and observe. Maybe the truth was finally coming out. The air was being cleared of things which should have been said long ago.

                “Grayson, you are pretty much my fuckin life man. And I’m okay with that. It’s what I choose. And I don’t regret that decision.”

                He laughed, “Maybe you should Leo.  And it’s also fucking pathetic. You deserve a life of your own man. You should have gone to Africa with Elle. I don’t want you to wake up one day and realize you fuckin wasted your life on me. I don’t want to be a regret. Maybe it’s not too late.”

                Okay, well this was getting all touchy feely and shit. Like one of those movies even tough guys cried during. Amberleigh was feeling all emotional and teary-eyed herself. If she had ever had any doubt before, if this bromance was reciprocated before, it was gone now. Grayson and Leo had a bond most were never lucky enough to forge in this life. And she was jealous as fuck.  Leo got to his feet and he was looking misty eyed.

                “I made my choice G-Man. Till death do us part,” he grinned.

                Grayson was shaking his head, “You’re a fuckin idiot you know that. But I love you anyway.”

                They embraced then. And Amberleigh was tempted to tell them to kiss, but it hardly seemed appropriate given the current situation. She couldn’t help but wonder how she’d lost control of this conversation. But not that Amberleigh minded so much her stern lecture had turned into old school episode of Oprah.  But it would have been nice to be included in that hug. Amberleigh couldn’t help but feel she was always doomed to be on the outside looking in.