Fateful Hearts: Revel Rose Billionaires, #3

By K E Osborn

A Fake Dating/Marriage Billionaire Romance from USA Today Bestselling Author K E Osborn.

 

Some might see me as heartless…

Because at work, I am cold, calculating, ruthless, and I demand nothing but the best.

No exceptions.

But when in fact—I'm craving the woman I can't have.

 

We all know there are rules that can't be broken.

I made the mistake of wronging my business partner, Nash, once before. I won't do it again, not if I want to keep my position by his side in this company.

But my eyes are firmly set on his PA.

Zoey Zavorelli—the sassy, single mother. Sexy. Methodical. Alluring.

Far too tempting.

There's only one problem—no office romance. 

Nash's rules are strict.

But an opportunity presents itself when Zoey's ex tells her he's getting married, and I can't help myself.

I tell him we're dating, and now we have to pretend to be in a relationship for the next two weeks until his wedding.

Will this be exactly what we need, or will it cause our fateful hearts to break?

 

Fateful Hearts is a Fake Dating/Marriage Billionaire Romance.

There is steam, angst, and the villain you will want to throw things at repeatedly. But hold on to your hats because you'll fall in love with this cinnamon roll alpha, and how he treats Zoey's seven-year-old daughter will melt your heart.

Immerse yourself in the world of the New Orleans billionaire lifestyle and fall in love with an alpha. HEA guaranteed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K E Osborn
• Release date: Jan 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224878567

Book preview

Grab your exclusives...

––––––––

WEBSITE

K E Osborn Author

Click Here

where you will find all my ‘special edition’ books and so much more!

––––––––

NEWSLETTER

Want to see what’s next?

Sign up for my newsletter.

Click Here

BLURB

––––––––

A Fake Dating/Marriage Billionaire Romance from USA Today Bestselling Author K E Osborn.

Some might see me as heartless...

Because at work, I am cold, calculating, ruthless, and I demand nothing but the best.

No exceptions.

But when in fact—I’m craving the woman I can’t have.

We all know there are rules that can’t be broken.

I made the mistake of wronging my business partner, Nash, once before. I won’t do it again, not if I want to keep my position by his side in this company.

But my eyes are firmly set on his PA.

Zoey Zavorelli—the sassy, single mother. Sexy. Methodical. Alluring.

Far too tempting.

There’s only one problem—no office romance.

Nash’s rules are strict.

But an opportunity presents itself when Zoey’s ex tells her he’s getting married, and I can’t help myself.

I tell him we’re dating, and now we have to pretend to be in a relationship for the next two weeks until his wedding.

Will this be exactly what we need, or will it cause our fateful hearts to break?

Fateful Hearts is a Fake Dating/Marriage Billionaire Romance.

There is steam, angst, and the villain you will want to throw things at repeatedly. But hold on to your hats because you’ll fall in love with this cinnamon roll alpha, and how he treats Zoey’s seven-year-old daughter will melt your heart.

Immerse yourself in the world of the New Orleans billionaire lifestyle and fall in love with an alpha. HEA guaranteed.

DEDICATION

––––––––

To Addison.

I feel like you are my mini-twin.

There’s so much of us that is the same in our lives, and I think that is why this book means a lot to me.

Because parts of this book remind me of us.

Of our lives.

You are truly a blessing in my life, and I love you so much.

You are so brave and so special—I love you more than anything.

Keep being the most beautiful person you are.

Because no one shines as bright as you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

––––––––

BLURB

DEDICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

EPILOGUE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CONNECT WITH ME ONLINE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER ONE

––––––––

Zoey

They say that when you become a mother, there is no feeling like it in the world. I can personally attest to that fact.

When I look down into the sparkling blue eyes of my twelve-month-old daughter, Hailee, I know I would move heaven and earth for her. I would do absolutely anything for her.

Kill for her.

Die for her.

Walk over hot coals for her.

So why the fuck am I sitting here at three in the morning, holding Hailee as she cries, waiting for her asshole of a father to come home to us again?

This routine is all too familiar. Every time she cries, I hold out hope that Kyle will be here to dry her tears, to change her diaper. Hell, let me be the one to shower in peace. It’s so fucking hard when I’m raising this gorgeous child all on my own, and he is off doing some shit every night.

Kyle thinks I’m stupid.

He tells me that because he is growing his business, he needs to spend his time working at all hours. But you tell me, what construction worker works all day and into the night and is still out at three in the morning? Then comes home smelling of perfume and booze?

The kind who’s out cheating on his girlfriend, that’s who.

So yeah, he thinks I’m an idiot.

And maybe I am.

Because, for some reason, I sit around waiting for things to change.

Sniffling, a tear slowly falls down my cheek, and I shake my head while giving her a bottle I know I should be trying to ween her off of. But, honestly, it’s the last thing I’m focused on.

Kyle and I have known each other since high school—being high school sweethearts—is the only reason I have stayed this long. But the fact we have a daughter, and he still won’t commit to me, still won’t put a ring on my fingers, tells me everything. And I’ve overlooked it for far too long.

I’m wasting my time.

He’s no good for me...

... or, more importantly, for our daughter.

And I, one hundred percent, must do what’s best for her.

I’m drowning, and if I stay, I am going to take Hailee under with me.

That is unacceptable.

Placing my foot on the floor to steady it, I stand from the rocking chair. I pull in a deep breath as Hailee continues to scream her lungs out, then I walk over to my cell. Picking it up, I swipe the screen even though I know it is three in the morning—I have to do this before I lose my nerve again.

When I find my father’s number, I hit dial.

It rings a few times before he sleepily answers, Zoey, sweetheart... it’s three in the morning... there’s a small pause, then, ... is that Hailee screaming? What’s going on?

Holding back the sob threatening to escape, I walk back to the rocking chair and slump down. D-dad... my voice breaks.

Oh, Zoey, I’m right here. Talk to me.

Hailee begins to soothe, finally taking the bottle as if she can sense I’m calming down hearing my dad on the other end of the line. His peaceful tone gives me the strength I need. Maybe I should have called him sooner. Kyle is out again, and Hailee won’t settle... I feel like I am drowning, Dad. And I am. How can I be Hailee’s everything when I can’t keep my head above water?

He exhales a long, drawn-out sigh. Want me and Mom to come over, help with Hailee until Kyle makes an appearance?

I inhale a stuttered breath and nod even though he can’t see me. Then, with a heavy heart, I start talking, I’d like you to come over, but not to help with Hailee. I want you to help me pack. I can’t do this anymore, Dad. I need your help. I want to make a life for Hailee and me. Kyle wants me to stay at home and be this supermom... I pause, sniffling. "I love taking care of Hailee. I do, Dad. I swear I do. But I need more... I want to be out and working. I want to bring in money for us. I want to build a life for her. I want her to be proud of me, and right now, I’m a shell of a person being trodden all over by Kyle, and I’m the idiot letting him do it to me." I let out a long breath, feeling relief the second I get all that out.

Dad sighs heavily and clears his throat. "Zoey, my darling girl... I have never been prouder of you than I am in this moment. Your mother and I have been watching you decline over these past few years with Kyle, and we hate how he treats you. But we knew you’d have to come to this decision on your own. So, baby girl, we will leave right now. We will bring the truck, and we will help you pack as much of yours and Hailee’s stuff as we can. Then I will come back and get the rest tomorrow. You can stay with us for as long as you need until you get back on your feet. And I know you will. You’ll find a great job, you’ll make a go of your business degree you started in college, and you’ll do great things, Zoey. I feel it in my bones."

My heart floods with the love I am receiving from my father. He has always been my number-one supporter and my biggest champion. He’s always backed me, and even though I knew he hated Kyle the whole time, he still let me make my bad decisions because he knew it had to be a learning curve only I could complete.

And boy, have I learned something from this.

Just because you feel loyalty to someone doesn’t mean they’re loyal to you. And sticking something out because you think you should, doesn’t mean it is good for you.

Dammit, Dad! I should have left sooner. I should have stayed in college, gotten my degree... I take a deep breath. I’ve fucked everything up, Dad.

You listen, and you listen good, baby girl. You made choices, and out of those choices, you received an incredible gift... an amazing little girl we all love and adore. It may not seem like it now with her restless like this, but Hailee will be the most amazing thing to come out of all this mess. You mark my words.

I glance down at my daughter in my arms, her red face blotchy from her tears, and I feel her pain right along with her. We’re gonna be okay, aren’t we, Dad?

He chuckles down the line. Zoey, if anyone can make a life for you and your daughter, it’s you.

Straightening my shoulders, I nod with a newfound sense of purpose.

I can do this.

For me.

For Hailee.

Fuck Kyle and his bullshit treatment.

We deserve so much better.

I’ll see you soon, Dad. I will start packing.

There’s my strong girl. Won’t take us long, honey. I love you, Zoey.

Love you, Dad... and thank you. Thank you for always being there.

See you soon. He ends the call, and I place my cell on the chest of drawers, then run my finger along Hailee’s red, wet cheek. Shh, Starshine. We’re gonna be okay, you and me. We don’t need your father to make it. I’m gonna take great care of you on my own. You’ll see.

And as if she understands me, she instantly latches onto the bottle, her crying subsiding, and she calms right down, quietly sucking away on her bottle. I let out a relieved exhale and sniffle my tears away. See, we’re gonna be just fine.

And we will be.

I’ll make sure of it.

I’m going to feed my girl, then start packing, and if I know Kyle like I think I do, we’ll be packed and gone before he even gets home. We’ll be on our way to starting our new life before he realizes what he has lost.

Because he is the one losing here.

Taking this step is me choosing life.

A new life.

A better life.

A life for Hailee and me.

And I will grab it with both hands and make it the best life I can give her.

I won’t stop until I give her everything she deserves.

It’s just you and me against the world, Starshine... just you and me against the world.

CHAPTER TWO

––––––––

Zoey

Six Years Later, on a Friday Evening

As I turn off my computer, a sense of accomplishment flows through me.

I did well today.

I managed to complete a heap of work on time.

And managed to put out spot fires all over the place, considering Lucas is out of the office.

I also managed to keep myself from going insane with Kyle texting me every couple of hours about how his girlfriend is giving him the best sex of his life.

Newsflash, Kyle—I. Don’t. Care!

Just because I am legally bound to keep in contact with you until Hailee is eighteen doesn’t mean I need to hear your life-fucking-story. But as I straighten out my shoulders, a bright smile lights my face, and I glance around the offices of Ensure Asset Management.

I love this place.

Sure, when I went to college to study for my business degree, I wanted to be like my employer, Nash, running my own mergers and acquisitions firm. I wanted to be a lady boss.

I had plans.

I had ideas.

I could have made something of myself.

But I dropped all my plans so I could stay home with Hailee.

Because when I got pregnant, Kyle insisted he had to stay on at college and be the ‘man,’ get the job of his dreams, and I had to sacrifice everything I wanted because that is what the ‘woman’ does.

Do I wish things were different?

Do I wish life didn’t throw that grenade in my lap so I could have been the successful woman I wanted to be?

No.

Because Hailee is the most precious gift I could have ever asked for. And giving her up so I could live a different life is unfathomable.

I would do it all again.

Plus, being a PA isn’t so bad.

Nash lets me handle things way above my pay grade because he knows I will always strive for more—that I want to be a part of that life—so he lets me catch a glimpse of it every now and then to keep me satisfied.

And it’s enough for me.

This job, finding my way to Nash Harrington, was a godsend. He’s been the best boss I could have ever asked for. He understands I have Hailee to care for and I am a single mother with a demanding ex. I have kept nothing from him, and our working relationship moves ahead in leaps and bounds because of my honesty.

I may be his PA, but I basically run the entire show.

His COO, Lucas Grant, is the complete opposite of Nash. Where Nash is reserved and calm, Lucas is boisterous and cocky but not in an obnoxious way. He is endearing and, I guess, the fun one of the bunch.

Then there’s Blake Branson.

He’s the newest to the company.

Before Blake worked here, he worked for a rival company which also happens to be Nash’s father’s firm. So as you can imagine, there was drama between Nash and Blake, but it involved Nash’s girlfriend, Brianna. She grew up with Blake, and they were best friends before she even met Nash. Then when Brianna and Nash started seeing each other, it caused tension.

It was all so incredibly complicated. Even though Blake and Nash were archrivals, they came to a truce to please Brianna, and Nash sold forty percent of his company to Blake. They became co-CEOs of Ensure Asset Management, and the rest is history.

That was two years ago, and I guess you could say Blake is focused and ambitious.

Actually, all the workers here are ambitious, but Blake really goes after what he wants. He attacks any problem head-on, with full force and enthusiasm. Sometimes he can be seen as a little too ruthless in his pursuits as clients can call him a little too cold and calculating. But if you want the best results for your account, Blake is your man. There is no question about it.

The thing is—he works hard, always being the last to leave and the first one in. It’s like even though he has been here for two years, he still feels like he has something to prove.

And to me, that’s sad.

Glancing at his office, I see him typing away on his computer. Then I take a peek at my watch and see it’s almost time for Lucas’ party at Revel Rose bar, the bar the guys head to after work to unwind with their group of friends.

I rarely go. Being an employee, I don’t feel like it’s the right thing to do. But Lucas invited me tonight because he’s showing off his baby son to everyone so it seems important that I go.

There’s a whole story there about how he didn’t know he had a son until a few weeks back, as his ex took off when she found out she was pregnant because of his issues. But they have sorted their shit out, and now she is back, and they are happily together as a family.

I am so glad for him because I know what it’s like to have a child, and I can’t imagine being deprived of the first few major milestones of life. But he and his on-again girlfriend, Paisley, seem to be doing well. They’re living together and raising their son, Jackson, who I am meeting tonight at Revel Rose.

I need to get a move on if I am going to make it on time, and Blake will need a swift kick in the behind if he’s going to make it too.

Grabbing my handbag, I walk over to his office door, gently rapping on the glass pane. He glances up, the dim lighting from his desk lamp illuminating his gorgeous face. His five o’clock shadow seems a little longer today. It suits him. When he spots me, his lips turn up in a panty-dropping smile as he raises his brow at me. Hey, you’re still here? he asks.

I chuckle. Could say the same thing about you.

Touché... He tilts his head. You getting ready to go home to Hailee?

I smirk. You forgetting something, Mr. Branson?

He furrows his brow, turning to his computer to look at something. Do I have a meeting in the morning I need to prepare for? Fuck! I thought my schedule was clear until lunch?

I chuckle. Mr. Grant’s baby-introducing dinner at Revel Rose?

He slumps into his seat and flops his head down onto the desk. Shit. He groans like it’s an inconvenience, then snaps his head to look at me. Am I supposed to have bought a gift? I don’t know the protocol for this kind of thing. And I don’t want to piss off Lucas.

I chuckle. No... it’s so you can meet baby Jackson. I think it will be good for you. Team bonding.

He glances at the clock on the wall and scrubs at his chin. You’re going?

Nodding, I smile. I’ll be there. Kyle is picking Hailee up from Little League tonight and taking her to my parents. I should be fine to stay as long as the night needs of me.

Blake smiles again.

Oh my God, that smile lights up the room and makes me clench my thighs together to dull the ache.

Fuck, he’s gorgeous.

Don’t think that way, Zoey. This man is practically your boss. 

Swallowing a lump in my throat, I shift my eyes from his as he flicks off his computer and stands, hoisting his suit jacket from his chair and throwing it over his shoulder.

God, the way his shirt clings to his body like that is so. Damn. Sexy.

Stop it, Zoey!

Then we should go... I don’t want to be late and give Lucas any reason for dramatics, he jests.

I smirk, remembering how Lucas took a while to warm up to the idea of having Blake as part of the team, especially when he came in technically as a higher rank than him. But once the three men got into the groove, it started working itself out, and the company functions smoothly now.

Everyone has their place and knows where they fit, like one giant jigsaw puzzle.

We’re a well-oiled machine.

I internally giggle at my analogy, thinking back to how much trouble there was when Blake entered the fold.

I think you and Mr. Grant are getting along much better. He’s calmer now he has his son and not so ‘fly off the handle’ at everything, if you know what I mean?

Blake chuckles. I know what you mean. Then, grabbing his things, he walks toward me. Even the way he carries himself has a damn swagger.

The guy is a walking fantasy.

I need to stop looking at him like this.

His eyes meet mine, his intense browns hit me, and I swear they have flecks of gold. They glitter back at me like a sparkler, illuminating my soul. They’re so intense. I’ve never seen eyes like his. They’re so captivating that I would almost think he was wearing some kind of crazy contact lenses if I hadn’t seen him put on his reading glasses in his office while he was working.

Unique.

Stunning.

Perfectly him. 

My skin prickles as he steps up beside me in the doorway of his office with a slight smirk then his eyes wander me up and down.

Fuck. Me.

You wanna get out of here? His voice is laced with insinuation, and I widen my eyes.

Ahh... what? My voice gets caught in my throat.

He grins knowingly. You wanna head to the party, or whatever it is, before Lucas throws a fit at us for being late?

Jesus, Zoey, get a damn hold of yourself!

Clearing my throat, I nod. Yes, yes, of course. The party is what you mean.

He raises his brow. What else would I mean?

My eyes widen as I step back and start walking for the exit. Nothing at all. I’ll meet you there. You okay to lock up? I call out, practically running away from him as he watches me rushing for the elevator.

The bastard’s smirking the entire time. It’s reflected in the mirrored wall as I walk away. Finally, I look over my shoulder and say, I’ll see you there.

Getting to the elevator, I press frantically on the button, hoping by some miracle it will open quickly and swallow me whole. My attraction to Blake is becoming out of control.

The thing is, Nash, my boss, Blake’s business partner, the man I respect and who has given me this amazing job, has clearly stated there are to be absolutely no office romances at Ensure.

It’s company policy.

So we couldn't act on it even if Blake felt anything for me, which he clearly does not. Not without there being a problem, and I love this job far too much to lose it over an office fling.

I won’t give up my career for another man.

No way, no how.

But I am getting way ahead of myself.

Because I am planning contingencies with Blake when I am sure he doesn’t have any attraction toward me whatsoever.

So this rapid cycling is all for nothing.

Get a damn grip, Zoey.

The elevator dings, and I step inside. Blake watches me as I enter, so I give him a weak smile and push the button for the ground floor. He returns the gesture as the doors close.

I let out the breath I was holding and fan my blouse in and out from my chest. Is it hot in here? Why is this elevator so damn hot?

Man, I need to get laid.

Glancing at the mirrored wall, my face is completely flushed, and I shake my head. Zoey, you’re far too old and mature for this kind of thing. You have a seven-year-old daughter who needs all your focus. Pull yourself together, woman! Straightening my shoulders, I swipe down my dress skirt and do exactly that—pull my shit together.

Sure, it’s been years since I was with a guy sexually.

And Blake is so damn attractive that seeing him in his office right across from mine every day is an absolute distraction. But that does not mean I will allow obstacles to get in the way. My job is far too important, and allowing my inhibitions to escape would be a disaster. I need it to keep food on the table for Hailee.

Hailee.

My bright little star.

A single thought of my starshine washes a calmness over me instantly.

The bell dings, the elevator doors open, and I step out, feeling a weight lifted from my shoulders. Yes, Blake unravels me, but thoughts of Hailee always put me back together.

She is my glue.

She is my foundation.

My absolute rock.

And I would be lost without her.

Honestly, I think even though Kyle is a pain in my ass, he gave me the most precious gift I could have ever asked for, and I owe him everything for that one thing.

Walking out of the Hancock Whitney Center, I reach the parking lot and jump in my car. Quickly glancing in the rearview to make sure Blake isn’t nearby, I let out a relieved breath as I watch him coming out of the elevators.

I can make a clean escape.

Pulling out of the park, I connect my cell