Chapter 1
Brock leaned back in his chair. The faint creak of leather broke the silence in Ace’s office. His jaw tightened as Ace droned on, telling him the details of the job. His eyes flicked to the window, where the city skyline blazed with late afternoon light. His mind was already set against whatever Ace was about to throw his way.
“So, here’s the deal,” Ace said, elbows braced on the desk. “She’s… spirited, to put it nicely. Needs someone who can keep her in line without losing their cool. You’re perfect for this.”
“Spirited?” The word left a bad taste in his mouth. “You mean she’s a spoiled brat who thinks the world owes her something.”
Ace sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “She’s not that bad. Look, her dad’s a good guy—a friend. He’s worried about her. You know how it is with the rich and restless.”
“Yeah, I know how it is." His lips twitched into something that might’ve been a smirk if it weren’t so cold. "They run wild and expect someone else to clean up the mess.” His stare was pinning Ace in place. “I don’t babysit. And I definitely don’t deal with entitled princesses who think their tantrums are everyone else’s problem.”
“You’re not babysitting." Ace raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the sharp edge in Brock's tone. "You’re protecting her. There’s a difference.”
He scoffed. “Sure. And how exactly am I supposed to do that when she’s probably too busy throwing parties or running off to god-knows-where to listen to reason?”
“You’ll figure it out,” Ace said, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. “You always do. Besides, I told her dad you’d take the job. He trusts me, and I trust you.”
Brock’s jaw ticked, the muscle there flexing. This man was dear to him, and sometimes, he just couldn't say no to this moron. Finally, he exhaled, long and slow, a man accepting his fate. “You owe me for this.”
Ace grinned. “You’ll thank me later. Maybe. Probably not. But hey, it’ll be entertaining.”
Brock stood, towering over Ace, who was just reaching his chin. He was still irritated. “If she’s half as bad as you’re not saying, I leave the job without negotiations.”
Ace grinned. “Deal.”
He left the office with a scowl.
