Stephanie's already warned me that Pierce and Darby are awaiting the birth of their first child together, and he will turn me down. It's nothing personal. He's fiercely overprotective and doesn't want to load his schedule right now.
I respect that and will take whatever time and advice he can give me before moving on to interview and hire another contractor.
The men in my family may think this is a snap decision, and they are right to an extent. Purchasing this house without consulting my family was the first step in asserting my independence. An escape from the poor choices and consequences that threatened to ruin me back in Chicago. I haven't shared the true reason behind the decision to leave my old life behind with anyone. It's better to erase the past and start fresh where no one knows the woman I was. A role I played easily to keep up appearances.
I’m aware of what people think of me.
Cold-blooded, cut-throat, ruthless. The Prada Princess with a black heart.
That part of my life is over. It stayed in Chicago with the rest of my regrets and terrible decisions. For years, I gave myself to my profession, my image, and my reputation, not realizing how blind I was. It wasn't until the night it all came crashing down that I understood my reality.
Then I met him. The tall, gorgeous stranger that knew nothing about the Dior Diva and the superficial world she existed in. He uncovered a side of me that had long been suppressed, and for days I lived in an imaginary dreamland. He was the epitome of perfection. For the first time in my life, I understood the pull and connection of being consumed by someone. The little I learned about him, it was obvious there was no place for me in his world.
I walked away with the confidence to change my direction in life. Because of him, I am here.
This is my chance. Charleston is the perfect place for me to reinvent myself.
Chapter 1
Miller
"What's your gut reaction?" Pierce is all business, asking about the house in front of us.
I don't respond.
"Where do you want to start? Inside or outside?"
He goes on, but I can't tear my eyes off the woman standing in the middle of the huddle.
Ashlyn Rhodes is a fucking vision.
A vision I'll never forget. That red hair, flawless face, striking green eyes, that fucking body… all of it hits me like a hammer to the chest. My hands itch to touch her, skim along her collarbone, down her chest, and tease until she whimpers. The sound of her pleasure faintly replays in my ears and I blow out a low, slow controlled breath to keep my composure.
I've had a lot of women in my life. More than most know. But only one sucker-punched me the way this auburn-haired knockout did.
For two days I knew her as Lily.
Worshipping her like no other, neither of us holding back. The woman was insatiable, and I was wrapped up. I tried to get to know her better, but she was a master in switching my focus. She was hypnotizing, stealing every ounce of my attention. Only once did she let down her guard, and I saw a glimpse of the woman inside.
She was hiding something, and I intended to break through.
Three hours later, I woke alone. She vanished, leaving me with nothing but a note. A note she signed with the name Lily.
But now I know the truth—Ashlyn fucking Rhodes.
Vaguely, I hear Evin drive up and speak to Pierce, but I stay focused on the woman I haven't forgotten in almost six months. They go back and forth about this job, rambling about the work involved. I almost speak up when Pierce makes a bullshit comment about referring to another contractor.
Then her laughter fills the air, and her eyes come to me. The crystal green locks with mine, her pupils growing wide with shock. Recognition flickers in her gaze, and the surprise turns into something else. She sucks in a breath, and my skin prickles with the heat between us.
Evin makes a smartass remark, "This should be interesting."
He's not talking about the house. A grin spreads across my lips and I look to my brother. "She's a Prada Princess, huh?"
"You sure you're ready for this?"
"I can handle it."
"I'm going to give you a piece of advice."
"Don't want to hear it." Because why should I take advice from my little brother that has made more mistakes than I can count? I don't