The Billionaire's Rogue Princess

ROME

Tonight is not a part of my plan.

But talking about losses was tough shit to speak out.

My friend once told me you couldn't find an answer at the bottom of the bottle. But I'd rather drink myself into a stupor than open up about the things that hurt as fuck to even think about.

Sax Ryder, one of my best friends, whom I considered my brother cleared his throat. "She's out of your league."

"Who?" I looked down at the empty whiskey glass. I needed another shot.

"I was just making a point. You're at this nightclub, but your mind is elsewhere."

My eyes were on the brunette. She'd caught my attention since we arrived an hour ago. I just couldn't stop. Whoever was this woman? She definitely would keep me awake tonight.

"But she's pretty."

I turned my head to Sax. "Really? Pretty?"

His dark eyes glimmered as he smirked. "Yeah, I know what's in your mind. But you prefer blonde and petite."

Chuckling, I focused my gaze on the woman dancing with her friend. Her long wavy hair shone against the laser lights.

She was too tall for my type and still wearing high heels. Her body could pass as one of the lingerie models, and her long-toned legs were displayed in a black mini-dress.

"It was just one time. I mean twice, but those just a coincidence."

He let out a hearty laugh and shook his head. "Then what are you still waiting for? Maybe, that woman is blonde, just dyed her hair."

I signaled to one of the bartenders to refill our drinks. "I'm not ready for that."

"I didn't mean a relationship, man. You've been working your ass off since your dad died. You could use some fun, a break, and damn. You could use a month fucking vacation."

The bartender brought our drinks. We were regulars, and I knew the owner, Pyke Hughes.

"It's not about work that cut me off the fun. I'm just not emotionally ready." I was used to having a one-night stand, but right now, I had more pressing matters than satisfying my dick. "And sex is not a problem."

"A good massage, then."

"A good sleep. At least three hours of sleep without interruption."

"I heard about your father's assistant. Have you found her replacement?"

"On Monday. I just hope she would be as efficient and reliable as Florian." I sipped my drink.

Since I took over the family business, I could barely breathe properly. The boards and investors had questioned my ability to run a multi-national billion-dollar company, Langston Realty Group, since I lacked experience. I wanted to prove them wrong. And I liked challenges.

Unlike my father, I took a different path. I served my country, was honorably discharged, and went to help my old friend, Gabe Linden, to start his security firm. But the boards didn't know I had my own company, Sevyn Hunter Global, and someone offered to buy it for 1.5B. I mean, that was huge money. But my company was not for sale, and if someone wanted to buy with that digits, I was sure as hell could double it in three years.

"Well, you can always find a new one. So, you're not gonna make a move?" He tipped his head toward the brunette, who was now leaving.

"Nah. Pass."

An hour later, we bid goodbye.

"Call me if you need anything." He held my hand after a handshake. "Adley would be happy to see you this weekend."

I smiled. "I'll give her a call."

Sax finally let go of my hand. He knew Adley meant a lot to me.

Adley Kross - Creed helped me reconnect with my father. Dad and I were estranged for years since I didn't turn out to be his protege, joining politics. To him, I was a huge disappointment. After he chose not to run again for the senate, he took over the company from Mom, allowing her to focus on what she loved-charities. That was how he became successful and well-connected.

"She would be happy to hear from you."

"I miss her too." I worked for her as her temporary bodyguard. We became close friends even after I resigned. Only lately, we'd been both busy running our family businesses.

"Take care of yourself, Rome."

"You too, bro."

I got in the car. My driver, Zee, shut the door close after me. I fished out my phone and dialed Adley's number.

"I hope I'm not interrupting something."

"I hate you." Her greeting as she laughed.

"I love you too."

"Mykel and I were just talking about you setting up a date."

I groaned. "God, no."

"But it's already been settled. All you have to do is show your ass up this weekend." I could see herself grinning at her husband beside her, waiting for my reply.

"Adley, I don't have time to date right now." I found myself wondering if my date would be as gorgeous as the brunette.

"Come on, this is just a meet and greet. If you don't like her, then don't ask her out."

More curiosity sparked inside me. "Who's the girl?"

"A woman, Romare. And it's a blind date, so you don't dare ask me."

"I'll think about it-"

"I know what's that mean. You're gonna bail on us again."

"If you won't set me up on a date, I'll do my best to be there."

She must be talking to her husband.

"And tell Mykel to stop helping you look for my date."

She laughed from another line. "You've been single for almost four years, Romare. I'm worried about you." It was actually more than four years, but who was counting?

"I happened to have no biological clock, Adley. And don't be so surprised if I just bring my wife with me one day. I might just take a woman to Vegas like what you two did."

"So, you're dating someone then?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "I'm married to my job, Adley, and I have no plan to divorce her right now."

"But she can't give your orgasms."

My cheeks burned. I wondered what her husband's reaction was, hearing his wife talk about orgasms with another man.

"I want you to be happy. And I know it's been hard for you lately. I also know the feeling of losing someone you care about, Romare. It's hard to get out of that deep sorrow, and work can't help you if you think marrying your job will aid your grief. It's only temporary relief. Trust me. Been there, done that. I just hope you come to me and talk about it."

I shut my eyes, rested, and took a deep breath. "When I'm ready, Adley."

"I'm hoping so soon."

"Will you kiss my goddaughter for me?"

"She misses you, man," it was Mykel.

"I miss her too."

"Romare, this weekend, or I will come and drag you myself."

I couldn't help but smile. "See you, Adley."

***

The files on my desk glared up at me.

I had been here for two hours, and my new assistant had not shown her ass up. It made me mad, and I wanted to throw these files stuck on my desk when she arrived.

I always hated tardiness. But it seemed that what I got was a complete disappointment. Shouldn't she impress me on her first day?

I grabbed the first file on top.

Behind my father, I convinced myself that I could make him proud someday. When we just started to catch up, I lost him, and it felt like I lost half of my heart when he was gone.

I picked up the phone to dial HR when the door to my office swung open.

"Mr. Langston-"

"You're fired." I dialed the HR number.

"You can't fire me-"

What did she say? The audacity of this woman. And the first thing I noticed was the accent. It sounded like a British, but not quite. Not Australian or South African either. I must say her voice was sweet and strong, but right now, I disliked her tone.

"And why not?" I dropped the phone and lifted my gaze at my ill-mannered new assistant. What the fuck? My eyes widened in shock.

"Well, I was just hired an hour ago when I got the call. The reason why I am late to report to you, Mr. Langston." She didn't so much as bat an eye. "Given that my reason for being an hour late is valid, it's only fair that you give me a chance to prove myself that I'm capable of being your executive assistant." Well, I just said three words, and she had like five sentences. But that was not why I wasn't answering her right now.

I was occupied staring at her in her dark blue corporate dress.

Fuck me.

The brunette.

First, I just saw her last night. Second, she appeared late. Third, she was ill-mannered, and lastly, she talked a lot. I wondered if this was my lucky day or if I should be pissed off. Was fate playing with me now?

"I like my executive assistant to follow my orders, not reason out. I want her to talk less and work more, considering she has three times the salary than my other employees. You certainly don't fit to be an assistant. You are still fired."

She glared at me from across my desk.

I realized she had viridian eyes and was exquisite up close. How in the hell did HR hire this woman? And of all the applicants, why did it have to be her?

"I passed the interview for a reason. Give me a week before canning me, sir."

"No. Get out of my office, or I will call security to drag you out of my building."

She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I always thought you were an arsehole."

"What did you say?" I was on my feet before realizing it, stalking toward her. She was really tall. Even with my six foot three inches height, she was almost at my eye level with her shoes on.

I met her tantalizing viridian eyes. She was really a stunner. Her beauty was nothing like I'd ever seen before. She has a diamond-shaped face. Her nose was slightly raised, making her features strong and authoritative. Her bee-stung lips were painted red. She reminded me of a classic Hollywood actress.

"I came here to do my job with every bit of my capability. Because I was late, which is not my fault, you won't know if I am good at-"

"What was your last job?"

"Executive assistant."

"Were you fired?"

"Yes."

I chuckled. Why was I not even surprised?

Her attitude wouldn't make her the best assistant. I knew it the first time she waltzed in.

"I punched him because he insulted my best friend for wearing her head scarf at work." Well, isn't it getting more interesting?

"She wore hijab?"

"Yes," she answered proudly, giving me the most confident smile.

"Are you planning on punching your boss again, Miss?"

"Carly Storm."

"Storm?"

"Only if he misbehaves and disrespects me, sir."

I studied her and looked for something in her eyes-a lie, but I found something else instead. "Fine. You have one week to prove yourself worthy of your position."

CARLY

He's definitely testing me.

The kind of test that wasn't part of my one-week provision. In my defense, I got the notice late-just an hour before I showed up to work. Maybe the first one failed to give an early notice that she'd rather climb the Himalayan valley than work with the broody with attitude problem CEO Rome Langston, but I wasn't going to ask that. Considering my record of punching my ex-boss, I didn't want to hurt my ego for being the second choice.

I might have to consider hitting his handsome face if he insulted me. Yes, he got that striking stone blue eyes and squared jaw that clenched all the time.

I was actually considering it, but I took a deep breath. I needed this job so badly. I'd been idle for almost three months. And I couldn't be choosy when I dethroned myself as a boring working woman in a foreign country.

Three years ago, I would have laughed at myself for this kind of job. Don't get me wrong, this was decent and paid well. But I was at the top of the world back then. People called me lucky, every girl's dream, and would give up everything to be in my place, and they literally bowed to me.

Right now, I didn't want attention. All I wanted was to work, make ends meet, and be with my best friend after a long tiring day.

But my boss had been ordering me all morning. And he was glaring all the time at me, at his computer, and at those files on his desk.

He hardly gave me room to breathe. He ordered me something that was out of my scope. I may be new as his assistant, but I knew what I signed up for.

I didn't dare ask. I would behave as a good assistant. The last thing I wanted was to tell him how he was an arsehole.

"Storm!" I almost fell from my chair as his voice boomed across his modern luxurious office. Why in the hell does he keep calling me that?

I walked in. The view behind the glass window alone was magnificent, revealing sparkling skyscrapers. Unlike where I came from-most were 18th-century architecture, but the capital city had started to modernize.

"Do this again. At least use a spellchecker if you are not sure." He threw the file on the coffee table in front of his desk. He then rose from his seat. "I want it tomorrow morning. Do you understand?"

I picked up the file and checked it. "Mr. Langston, I'm not-"

"I don't want another word from you, Storm."

"It's Carly, sir." I may have changed my surname because it sounded absurd in the U.S, but Carlott seemed fine. I prefer Carly to Carlott, though.

"I'm leaving. Florian will be here shortly to endorse the works she had left." He went to pick up his coat before I could help him out.

"Thank you, sir. I'll have this ready for you by tomorrow."

An hour later, after my boss left, I was done revising what he asked me to do, arranging his schedule, and emailing them to him.

Only one word in a British that made him so grumpy. I didn't know he was this perfectionist. I printed it and placed it on the file.

An early fifties woman with a classic short hairstyle walked in with a bright smile. She must be Florian, my predecessor.

I rose to my feet to meet her. "Hi. You must be Florian. "

She accepted my hand for a handshake. "He's already giving you a hard time, isn't he?"

Did I look that exhausted already?

We settled on the couch.

"Can I get you something to drink?" I offered.

"No, dear. Thank you." She pulled out an organizer from her bag. "Romare is the nicest young man I know. It's just this job is too hard on him. Give him some time. He'll come around."

"I understand exactly. I had a terrible boss once, and I can handle Mr. Langston just right. May I ask you something?"

The old woman smiled.

"Who was hired before me?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know I'm not the first choice for this job because I should have gotten the memo early. What happened to her? Did she quit?"

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, dear. The HR manager is good at her job. If she chose you, then she saw your potential, and you are qualified."

I was not entirely convinced, but I let it pass. I looked down at the brown leather organizer. "You're old school." My words made her smile.

"I'm old, but yeah. I still know how to use gadgets. But I want you to have this." She offered it to me.

"I can't take that." I pushed it back.

"There's nothing in here, dear. And you don't have to write down Romare's schedule. I want you to have this."

"Why?" I asked out of curiosity.

"I feel like you will stay longer, and you can write down anything you want in this notebook."

"Thank you." I hesitantly took it from her. "Any advice?"

"Just be yourself. Don't hold back. Express your opinion even if he fires you."

My eyes widened. "I don't think that's a good idea. And I badly need a job. I don't think someone will ever hire me if I get fired again."

"I know you very well, dear, just by one look." She rose from the seat and smiled. "You don't need any advice."

I just sat there, watched her walk away, and shut the door behind her.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.

I answered it. "What are you gonna say this time?"

"I hope this is your last job, Your Highness."

I pursed my lips before I replied. "It's Carly. And I'm not making any promises."

"How's your new boss?"

"What happened to the assigned assistant?"

"She landed another job. No need to worry about her. So how's Mr. Romare Sevyn Hunter Langston?" Of course, he did a background check on him before I even knew he was going to be my boss.

"Arsehole. Men like you are arseholes."

"Watch your mouth, dear. I'm still your guardian."

"My fake guardian and I'm an adult. I hardly need one."

He chuckled. "You're enjoying this too much. Just don't get too attached to your new boss. He's kinda a snatched."

"An asshole, you mean. And I won't."

"Language, Carlott. Call me if you need anything. See you later."

***

I tied my hair into a messy bun and slumped my butt into the couch after I changed into my comfy PJs.

My best friend for almost three years, Heera, a Middle-Eastern woman, joined me with a plate of chicken Shawarma. She studied and worked in the US. Her family was a modern Arab but valued their culture and religion very much.

"So, how's your first day?"

I picked a sliced of Shawarma and placed it on my plate. "Fine."

"I was surprised you got the job."

"You think I won't get that job?" I glared at her, slightly offended.

She knew who I was after we became roommates for a year. She was mad at me for keeping a secret. My bodyguard and guardian asked her to sign an NDA, and she did. But I trusted her with my life that she would not disclose my identity to anyone without it.

"Well, clearly, you're not their first choice." She stubbed a pickle a little bit dramatically before she shoved it into her mouth.

"I get the job. End of the story."

"Rome Langston. How's he?"

"Grumpy like an old man."

Heera laughed beside me, elbowing me. "I've read that a thousand times, my dear princess. First, they can't stand each other. Then there's this crazy chemistry full of fireworks going between-"

"Stop." I smiled earnestly. "There's no crazy chemistry of fireworks. Just fire from his mouth. He's so grumpy and brooding, glaring all the time." I pinched my eyebrows together, showing Heera. "His eyebrows were always sticking together. He's like angry at the world in general. You know Red? The Angry Bird? Yeah, he's that guy."

"Who saved the entire bird community? Sounds familiar?"

I rolled my eyes.

She rolled her eyes as well. "Mr. Langston lost his father while having the best time of his life. Then ta-da, he had to run the family business."

"You seem to know much more about my boss than me?"

"I kinda stalked his Twitter account. And you should know by now not to judge someone. You know what it feels like when you have no choice but to do the duty because you are born to it." I almost flinched at her words.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to open an old wound." She held my hand when I went silent.

"That's exactly what you meant, Heera. But I'm not mad. And you were right. In fact, I know how it feels to do something you dislike and to be something you don't want to be. I bent myself into what they wanted me to be. I dedicated my life to my title and placed my duty above all else, even my own happiness. When I made a mistake, they forgot the good I did for most people. That's how they quickly judged you, changed their mind, and made you a villain."

"But you know you must leave this life one day, right?"

I pursed my lips and placed the plate on the coffee table. "Yeah."

"But first, you need to sleep with Romare Langston." She wiggled her eyebrows.

With wide eyes, I protested, "No way! He's my boss."

"And so?"

"Fraternization?" I reminded her.

"He's into you, Carly."

"What? No! He hates me."

"Trust me. He doesn't. I saw him in the nightclub staring at you."

ROME

"Good morning, Mr. Langston," Carly greeted me with a huge grin on her face. She even opened the door to my office.

"Morning."

But that was not what surprised me. My desk was arranged and neat. The files were aligned, and the pencils were in the holder. Even the magazines on the coffee table were perfectly set, like the one you see posted on Instagram.

"Your coffee and you prefer black, right?" She took the coat off of me.

I stopped her. "Storm, you are not my maid. I won't ever ask you to take off my coat, buy me coffee, take my dry clean, send flowers to my girlfriends-"

"Girlfriends?" She shut her mouth quickly as if she wasn't supposed to react.

I turned to her. A brow arched at me. "I don't have a girlfriend." I didn't know why I had to defend myself. Somehow, it was the right thing to do.

"Oh, because I just heard-"

I squeezed my eyes shut and exhaled. "You get my point."

"I was just messing with you." She raised her hands somewhat in a surrendering gesture. "I dropped by the coffee shop and bought for myself." Not convincing enough. "So I thought it was just proper to order one for you, too. Most guys prefer black."

"Here's what I want from you-"

"Let me guess, less talking, more working."

"Storm." I clenched my jaw hard and raised my finger. "Don't talk while I'm still talking." I hated when people interrupted me while I was not done. "Not only to me but anyone."

"You reminded-"

I gestured to stop her. "Storm, go back to your desk if you have nothing important to say."

"Right away, sir." She smiled again. This time, the kind of smile that she was telling me she enjoyed pissing me off.

Fuck me. She was infuriating as fuck-with a fine ass and nice tits.

The phone just rang.

"Yeah?"

"Adley Creed is on the line, sir?" Damn it. Even her voice was infuriating-infuriatingly sexy and sweet, like we could talk all night. I wouldn't get tired of hearing it.

"I'll take it. Thanks."

"Hey, Romare."

"Early in the morning, huh? Am I you're your first call?"

"Don't flatter yourself. I just talked to my husband."

I smiled. "So I am the second then. I'm still flattered."

"You got a new assistant, huh?"

"Yeah. She's annoying as fuck."

"Wew. Let me guess. She's a knock-out. Not your type, but she's perfect. She annoys you, yet you want to sit down and annoy her back. How am I doing so far?"

"I hate you, Adley. Why are you calling, pissing me off early in the morning?"

"Tell me about her?"

"Not a chance. On the other hand, I'm meeting my blind date this weekend."

"So, I'm right then. The sudden interest is what you call distraction. Not a chance, Langston. I will meet your new hot assistant whether you like it or not."

I let out a long shaky sigh. "Either way, I'm coming over this weekend."

"That's good. Bring her with you if what I said is wrong."

"I'm not taking my assistant with me. It's her day off," I whispered when the door swung open and covered the mouthpiece.

"You have a conference call in ten minutes, sir." She smiled before she left.

"Romare, are you still there?"

"No way, Adley."

"Fine. Have it your way. But I'm going to meet her one way or another."

***

The conference meeting with other branches in Asia and Canada went well.

I noticed a few things about Carly Storm. She was a multitasker. She liked to play with pen and pencil. She pursed her lips while writing down. She raised an eyebrow when it caught her interest. She met you in the eye when talking.

And I also noticed one thing-those viridian eyes held many things-secrets and pent-up emotions. I knew people withheld something in their eyes and hearts, but I could feel that Carly Storm had deep secrets hiding in those beautiful orbs that I wished she could talk to me about it.

I went out to lunch for an hour before I went back to my office.

"What do I owe this pleasure?" Gabe Linden sat across mine.

"I need your help."

"You can just call me."

"You'd pass a free lunch?" I stubbed my pasta. The prawn was perfectly cooked, not chewy or dry. What I hated was overcooked-it destroyed the flavor. Not that I was a food connoisseur or something. I just enjoyed the excellent meal.

After he had ordered his lunch, he rubbed his hands together before he crossed his arms over his massive chest. "What kind of help?"

"I want you to run a full background check on my new assistant."

His brows met, eyeing me suspiciously. "Why?" He waved his hand. "Never mind. What's her name?"

"Carly Storm. I'll forward her bio to your email later."

"You noticed something?" He stared at me intensely with a hint of suspicion, coloring his tone.

"I don't know."

"Rome, if there's a red flag, you better tell me now."

"Not that kind of red flag. Besides, I believe Florian handpicked her from many applicants. She's like my mother and would never do me any harm.."

"Is she pretty? I mean, not Florian." A smirk appeared on his lips, causing me to frown.

He then slowly nodded in understanding, still wearing a smirk.

"Don't go there, asshole."

"I get it. She's attractive-"

"The company has governed a no fraternization policy. So it's not what you think."

"People say that all the time, but the lack of eye contact, sudden movements of arms, creasing of brows, and clenching of the jaw. Man, you like her and wish there was no FP at work." He chuckled before he started eating his lunch.

"I don't like her. I'm just cautious. Everyone's eyes scrutinize my every move, and I don't want to mess this up. Dad trusted me until his last breath. I don't want to be a disappointment by destroying his legacy and hard work."

"Brother, I may not know the pressure of filling his shoe, but this is your business now. You are running this and not your father. Make a legacy on your own. Make a difference. Be Rome Langston and not Sterling Langston's son."

I nodded. Somehow, Linden's words struck me like lightning, recharging those dead feelings I had in a while.

"To Rome Langston." He raised his glass.

"To success."

When I came back from lunch, Storm was working something on the laptop, and she did not even notice me.

I went to my office to see a huge bouquet on the coffee table. "Storm!"

A few moments later, she appeared behind me. "Sir?"

"Why there's a bouquet on the coffee table?" It was beautiful. As weird as it may sound, I liked flowers. It helped calm me.

"Oh, there's a card attached, sir." She went on to pick it up, and her skirt raised a little higher above her knee. She really had nice toned legs, and her ass was-damn it.

She then offered it to me.

"From whom?"

She opened it and smiled. "M.C? A lover? Not that any of my business." She shrugged.

"Yeah? Lover, my ass. It's Mykel."

"Mykel? The Mykel Creed?" I wanted to roll my eyes. Of course, every woman in this country probably knew him. He was a notorious playboy before he met Adley.

"A fan?"

"You're very polite, Mr. Langston. But the answer is no." She chuckled and rolled her eyes. I thought it was cute. "I read his story in the magazine. His wife, though, I loved her works at K & B Designs."

"Would you like to meet her?"

Her big eyes literally lit up. "Wow. Really? You would do that?"

"I can make it possible."

"You two are closed?" she asked as she got closer to me.

"You can say that." I slipped my hands into my pockets and fought the urge to swipe her hair falling into the neckline of her dress. Storm also had great tits. Jesus.

"I'd love to."

"Great. I'll let you know."

"Thank you, sir."

I dialed Florian's number when Carly left my office. She picked up after a few rings. She was probably picking some flowers in her garden.

"What is it, Rome?"

"Why her? I know you have something to do with approving assistant applications. You handpicked her, didn't you?"

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, young man." Her answer made me more suspicious. What would she get in this?

"Oh, common. Like I believe you right now."

"Did she push your buttons already?"

Probably more than my buttons right now. Maybe my zippers too. "So you're not gonna tell me?"

"What you need is not someone who can follow your bark."

"I don't bark, but what's the point if she's not good at following my orders? And that's precisely what I want. I want a reliable and resourceful and less talkative assistant."

"No, you don't. I worked with your late father for decades." I rose from my seat, abandoning my desk, and went to the window as I listened to her. I missed my father, and sure she did too. "We didn't have the boss-assistant relationship. I disobeyed his orders many times. We fought a lot. I said what I wanted to say. Miss Storm is the opposite of what you are looking for, making her the best executive assistant. You're still honing your skills, young man. What you need is a challenging partner. I know there are many more qualified applicants, but you also need a lot of pushing, encouragement, and a little inspiration."

"A little inspiration?" I snorted. "You mean, I will have a heart attack at thirty, thanks to you."

"Yes. You can't just work and work. You need a life outside that building, Romare."

"I have a life."

"Not anymore. And she's a fine woman, isn't she? Smart, opinionated, and an alpha female."

Carly came in to put the file on my desk. She turned and walked out of the door. Before she disappeared, my gaze landed on her ass again. Yeah, I got that now, but nothing more inspirational about it than a complete distraction and a constant hard-on.