Page 77 of Risk
What happens once we get there?
Chapter 24
Mason
Leah slept the entire flight. Exhaustion has a chokehold on me, but I’m fighting it. I think we’re both caught up in our heads. Aly definitely rattled Leah last night, and I think Landon did, too. I just don’t know how.
I’ve got my own shit to deal with though, and as much as it pains me to say it, I need to focus on my problems, which will start as soon as my family hears the news about BanditFX.
I’ve lost my empire. I’ve lost my power.
I’m starting over.
The only thing that makes it bearable is that I’ve made my best friends filthy rich. I’ve also secured jobs for all my current employees. Well, former employees now. They’ll each be getting substantial raises.
I have every confidence that the man who bought my company will do amazing things with BanditFX but…
My heart still hurts. That company was my baby.
My everything.
There’s a new hole in my chest that makes it hard to breathe.
It was a good business move to make. The right one to make. And even though Kerrington and Gage will stay on as board members, Landon and I aren’t part of it anymore, which terrifies me.
What if the one thing I built crumbles now that I’m no longer with it?
Get a grip, Mason. It’ll be fine. BanditFX isn’t your responsibility anymore.
I need to have faith that I made the right decision. Business is always a risk. This overwhelming need to take care of everyone, to make sure every employee’s needs are met, will pass. They’ll be fine.
My financial freedom was worth losing my company for.
My heart’s still broken about it, though.
I could have kept BanditFX and continued to rake in millions, but it was time to let it go. I have more business ideas to invest my time and money into. This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.
“Wake up, baby.” Kissing Leah’s forehead to rouse her, the scent of her shampoo calms me. “We’ve landed.”
Her eyes flutter open, and she looks out the window, relieved because we’re on the ground already. “I slept through touchdown?”
“You were out like a light.” I stand and stretch. “The plane’s just about empty, too.”
“Holy shit.” Leah looks mortified. “Why didn’t you wake me sooner?”
“I was in no hurry for this trip to end I guess.” Mesmerized by her sweet facial expressions, the little noises she makes, the way her hand would twitch on my lap, it was a perfect distraction for my racing mind during the flight. “You talk in your sleep.”
Her gaze narrows. “Do not.”
“You said all kinds of things.”
“Like what?” She stands up while I grab our luggage.
“Mason is amazing. Mason is so sexy. I love his big tongue.”
Her cheeks turn crimson immediately. “I did not say that.”
“You definitely did. It just kind of came out as ‘mmmsehr mmmphrr’. Very mumbly, but I could totally tell what you were saying.”