Blurred Lines 1: CHASE
Chapter 81

-Chase-

If it were up to me, I wouldn't bother throwing an engagement party. These were all formalities coupled with my job as CEO of Montiero Holdings.

We booked the entire bar and lounge of the Belmonte Hotel. It was a beachside hotel, and the lounge was on the third floor, allowing a pleasant, airy feel into this jam-packed party. I know everyone on the guest list. Business associates, friends I met during my tenure here in Brazil. Most of them are here to strengthen our business ties, 'catching a glimpse of the woman who ensnared my wild heart' as the tabloids and news put it into words.

I didn't want to expose Sofia to this, especially Elise. It's the reason I chose to have our permanent residence in the US.

Since setting foot in the lounge, I had been swarmed with congratulations and appreciation for inviting them. into this private event. We had almost a hundred guests, along with their plus ones. Each of them was hand-picked by me, and I trusted them on some level to celebrate this event with us.

So far, the semi-formal event had been smooth flowing. The first ten minutes were filled with laughter, catching up. The bartenders had been busy, servers meandered, ensuring everyone was well served.

"Are you satisfied with our service?" Eros asked. I thought I finally got a breather from thanking everyone for coming. At least I could stomach Eros' presence for longer than thirty seconds.

"The ambiance, drink, and food are not bad, although the service needs improvement," I murmured, sipping my beer. It had gone warm since I grabbed it from the bar. I don't plan on getting drunk. I aimed to keep my promise of a restless night to Sofia. Eros' hearty chuckle gathered eyes in the corner of the lounge, where I thought I had finally found my solitude, while waiting for Sofia. He gripped my shoulder, squeezing. "I'll be sure to let the manager know."

"And could you let the owner know how pricey this place is? The service is worth less than it cost," I said, just to be difficult. The service was excellent. And his security team was on high alert to keep the press away.

He shook his head as we pulled each other for a brotherly hug, patting each other's back. I haven't seen him for over a year; been busy expanding Montiero Holding in the US, and Eros... well, he's busy. If I rarely take a day off, this guy was married to his work. "It's so good to see you, man."

"I can't say the same," I cajoled, releasing him.

"Always a breath of fresh air, Montiero," he murmured, plucking a flute glass from the server who passed by our location. He took a sip, grimacing. "Darling," he called the server. The blond in a sharp white dress shirt and black miniskirt spun quickly, on alert, as she retracted her steps back to our spot. "Shay," Eros' eyes pinged from her nameplate back to her face, "would you be a dear and get me a glass of whiskey?" Shay visibly relaxed. "Right away, sir."

Eros followed the sway of her hips as she sauntered away. He noticed me glaring at him. "What? Not every man is brave enough to step away from the bachelor's way of living to become a family man,"

I huffed, facing the seaside again. The bars and pubs lining the long stretch of sand were busy, music and lights filled each side of the lounge as far as my eyes could see. This used to be my life every Friday night to the weekends. Party, drink, find a woman to spend the night with; I never thought there was another version of life apart from that one

"But I'm proud of you, man. How is my favorite godd*ughter?" he asked, facing the ocean, shoving his hands in his pants pocket.

"Elise is your only daughter," I reminded him. Choosing the people who'd be my daughter's second parents had been an easy task. Eros might be feared by many for the kind of life he lived in the shadows, but he is someone I trust with my life.

He threw his head back, laughing, accepting the drink Shay served him. He didn't miss a beat, asking Shay if she worked for this hotel, gaslighting that he was her boss.

Leaving him to his business, I glance at my watch, noting Sofia will be here in a minute now. I can't wait to see her. As I took a long pull of my beer, I did a double take at the group of girls lounging at the alfresco table

of the neighboring bar. The blond in blue summer dress sitting with four other girls caught my attention. She looked oddly familiar. It felt like I should know her, but I couldn't pinpoint who she was. She looked up in my direction, recognition flickered in her eyes. My face hardened, forcing my brain to remember who she was. There's a huge chance she's a past fling, and I don't need that kind of twist in my life, so I turned just in time. to see Sofia entering the lounge, hand in hand with Jessica.

My breath hitched, putting a name on blondie in a blue dress already forgotten. Even if we've lived together for five years, I still can't believe she was mine.

She looked stunning in that white dress. More than a hundred pairs of eyes turned in their direction. Panic swirled in her blue eyes; a falter in her step and smile was my cue to rescue her. Her eyes locked with mine, the tension in her shoulder easing. "I told you to call me." I looped a hand around her waist, kissing her cheeks.

"I knew you'd be busy," she pressed a hand on my chest. Lies. She knew I wouldn't be able to get my hands off her if I fetched her from Jessica's room. I was already sporting a semi and we hadn't been halfway through this party.

A subdued growl from rumbling out of my chest. Her sweet lilac and chocolate scent enveloped me. F*ck! How am I gonna get through an hour of keeping my di*k from ripping my pants?

Mouth going parched, my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth as I released Sofia and drew her to my side.

"Jessica," I greeted the blond, a knowing smirk etched on her cherry-red lips. Since Sofia and I got together, she toned down on threatening to cut my balls in my sleep if I hurt her best friend. That smile says I've won her over. "Nice party," she scanned the lounge, "and I'll make myself scarce for the night." She winked at Sofia, sauntering towards the bar.

I kissed the side of Sofia's head, "you're killing me here, baby."

She patted my chest. "I know."

My response was cut short when Mr. and Mrs. Correia of Correia Distillery approached and offered their congratulations. From then, I'd been in a protective mode, hoping the swarm of strangers hugging Sofia, offering her help in our wedding preparations, dinner, and spa dates, wouldn't overwhelm her. Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on FindNovel.net. Visit FindNovel.net to read the complete chapters for free. Every time we got separated as my business partner's better half or girlfriends hugged her, I tugged her back to my side, keeping a steady hold on her hands.

For a first-timer stepping into my world, Sofia handled herself pretty well. She laughed at my associates' jokes and complimented women's clothing and jewelry, offering her insights on good vacation spots from her travel experience. So when I had to take an important call from my secretary in Boston, I knew Sofia could handle herself for ten minutes alone.

I walked inside the hotel and stepped into the first room I saw. It was an office with chairs and tables still wrapped with protective plastic.

"Sir, apologies for calling at this hour," Regina's apologetic tone greeted me.

"It's alright. What's the matter?" I asked, frowning at the panic in her tone.

"Mr. Carrey just informed me that he will not be selling the Evergreen to us, Sir."

Evergreen was the condo I'm buying in Miami. We've already drawn a contract, met his price even though it was highly unreasonable, and he'd back out? My team was halfway through planning the renovations, for f*ck's sake!

I clenched my fist, keeping my anger at bay. Regina doesn't deserve to be at the end of my anger, even when I wanted to punch someone right now. "Did he say why?"

"Uhm..." she hesitated. "Yes, sir. He said someone bought his building at a more reasonable price."

F*cking ba*ta*d! "Who bought it?"

"Someone named Avlonitis."

My frown deepened. That name doesn't even ring a bell. "Do me a favor, Regina. Gather every information on this Avlonitis."

If he could go above the price I offered Carrey, he's someone I should watch over.

"Right away, Sir."

I needed a minute to calm my anger before going back to the party. But when I stepped out of the room, I bumped into a soft body, instinctively reaching to the elbow of the woman about to fall on her as from the collision. "Are you okay?" I asked, steadying her.

She needed a minute to gather herself, giggling as she smoothed a hand over her tight blue dress. When she looked up, recognition struck me like a lightning strike. She was the blonde in the blue co*ktail dress. "Sammy?"

Her unsteady gaze settled on my face, a smile breaking off her face. "Chase!" she squealed and threw her hands around my neck. "It's so.... Goood to see you!".