Nash
Cradling my little sister, Novah, to me as she sobs, my chest squeezes tight while watching my mother fall to the floor. Her betrayed scream tears through my soul while my father stands over her with not even an ounce of remorse on his face.
“How could you, Harry?” Mom wails.
My body physically shakes, every inch of me overcome with rage as I sit on the floor trying to keep my sister safe in this madness unfolding before me, but wanting more than anything to step up to my father and beat the living shit out of him…
… but, I’m only twelve.
And he’s huge.
A massive, imposing figure of a man, who is currently slamming my mother with his hurtful words.
“Look, Ingrid… you’ve raised two kids, you’ve done a great job. But Sarah, she’s also raising my children with another on the way… and I love her, Ingrid. I have to go to the family I love.”
“We’re married, you asshole! What in the hell gave you the right to create a whole other family without me even knowing?”
My stomach churns.
I have another family.
But I don’t want to know about Sarah and her stinking kids.
My dad is walking out on us right now, choosing them over us.
How could he do this?
Dad sighs. It’s heavy and labored, but I doubt it holds any regret. “Ingrid, you honestly thought I was away for work all those times… don’t be so naïve.” He yanks himself free from Mom, who for some reason, is holding his leg while I stiffen in fear. “I’m going to marry Sarah as soon as I can. So I will be drafting up the divorce papers. Expect them.”
“Harry, you’re leaving me with the kids to look after on… my… own. You made me promise not to get a job because you wanted to take care of us… be the man I deserved. What the hell am I supposed to do?”
Dad glances over at us on the floor, then back to Mom. “You’ll figure it out. I have to go. I can’t leave Sarah waiting in her condition.”
Novah blubbers, bursting free of my grip, and races toward our father. “Daddy! Don’t go.” She slams into his legs, clinging to him, but he peers down at her like she means absolutely nothing to him and tries to shove her off while I rush over to Mom, who is inconsolable and utterly broken.
I’m so torn.
I want to help Novah—I need to help Mom.
I looked up to my father.
I wanted to be like him.
I’ve never felt such betrayal.
Such loathing.
Absolute hate.
Dad shoves Novah off him like she’s a ragdoll, and she drops to the floor, whimpering. The asshole picks up his bags, then slams the door behind him like it’s the end of an era for him. It’s obvious we are insignificant and mean nothing to the man I used to know as Dad.
Novah races to the window, banging on the glass. “Daddy, come back. Daddy…”
My stomach churns while Novah continues to scream for her father, and I cling to my devastated mother on the floor, rocking with her and not knowing who I should be helping more right in this moment. They’re both beside themselves with grief. I’m torn.
What do I do?
Attend to my little sister who’s screaming at the top of her lungs for her daddy or console my mother who has just lost her entire world.
What I do know is… I am now the man of the house.
I must protect them both with everything I have, everything I am because my piece-of-shit father isn’t going to.
So I do the only thing I can. I race over to the window and grab Novah in my arms, then rush back to the floor, where I hold Mom and Novah as tight as I can to give them some of my strength to help them through this dark, agonizing time. I know I have lost my father, but right now, all I can focus on is my mother and sister. They are my world and will always be.
“It’s gonna be okay. We don’t need him… we’re gonna be okay. I’ll protect you both. I’ll protect you…”
A loud obnoxious noise assaults my ears, disorientating me slightly. My head feels fuzzy when I glance over my shoulder, and suddenly I am bolt upright. “I’ll protect you,” I bellow the words out frantically.
My heart’s racing, sweat trickling down my temples, then I realize I was having the same fucking nightmare I always have.
I reach over, turn off the alarm, and swing my feet out over the edge of the bed, then place my head in my hands.
Just taking a moment.
Just a few seconds to breathe.
It’s been seventeen years since that day, and still, when the nightmare comes, it feels so damn fresh and real.
So much has changed since then.
Mom remarried a great guy, though his standing in the public eye wasn’t the best, and she was happy. Reaper was the president of the NOLA Defiance MC, and while Novah and I never saw the crazy side of a motorcycle club and were kept away from all the crap that comes from being one-percenters, we copped a lot of flak at school for being biker brats, especially because Reaper had two kids of his own, who are now our stepbrothers. The two boys eventually followed in their father’s footsteps and joined the club. I think they all expected me to do the same, but there was no way in hell I was heading down that path.
Instead, I went to college. Got a degree. Proved to my asshole father I was worth something, and to prove my point, I ended up working at his multibillion-dollar financial company under him.
I thought this was a good move.
I was trying to work my way up.
Show him I was worthy of being his son.
That he needed me in his life.
But it all came crashing down when I took on the wrong client—a client who was too good to be true. He was as crooked as they come, and he was laundering money through various other financial companies and me across the States.
I just didn’t know.
My stepbrother, the president of NOLA Defiance, handled the incredibly major fuck-up when I had no one else to turn to.
I shouldn’t have been surprised my stepbrother had to step in for me.
I shouldn’t have been surprised my father turned his back on me.
After all, he’s done it before.
And I should’ve known the second I got myself into some warm water, the bastard wouldn’t be there to pull me from its depths and help cool the situation.
Of course, he wasn’t there.
Of course, he didn’t back me.
Instead, the asshole thought I was guilty and in on the laundering scheme.
Guilty by association.
Because of my connections with NOLA Defiance MC.
I’ve always been standoffish toward the biker part of my family because they were the reason my father was holding me back from being promoted at work. He couldn’t stand the fact that Mom had moved on with a biker, even though my father was the one who took off with Sarah and their new family, one he is still with to this day.
Unfortunately, I was never going to get anywhere or make it any further with my father at the helm. So after everything went down—the laundering scandal and my father’s distrust—I decided with the help of my stepbrother, Hurricane, and his motorcycle club, enough was enough. Once my name was cleared thanks to Hurricane, I told dear old dad to shove his job, I was going out on my own, and that’s exactly what I have done.
Even though Hurricane, the club, and I were at odds for a long time, going to them when I needed help to clear my name turned out to be the best move I ever made. Not only did I stand up for myself with my father, but in a way, it brought me closer to my stepbrothers, and I guess the club too—though I rarely go to the clubhouse.
After all, I have a reputation to uphold and protect.
I’ve lined up some new as well as a substantial number of existing clients I poached from the asshole. I’ve conducted interviews for employment, but today is officially the first day at my new company, and I couldn’t be happier. I am finally out on my own, but more importantly, out of the shadow of my father.
I’m leaving him and his demons behind.
I’m Nash fucking Harrington—I can do anything I put my mind to.
I twist my neck to the side, and a loud crack resounds through the large room. My feet hit the cold marbled floor when I stand, the black silk sheets falling to the bed as I stretch and let out a small yawn. Glancing around the expanse that is my penthouse bedroom, I hit the button on the remote for the blinds to activate. The shutters roll up, letting the early morning sunrise in through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows while I stare out across the beautiful New Orleans skyline. The hues of pink and aqua light the heavens while the murky Mississippi River gently rocks back and forth down below. A sense of home flooding my senses.
Turning for the bathroom, I slide my Calvin Klein briefs down my legs, kicking them off, freeing an already semi-erect cock. Taking the few steps to my bathroom, it’s modern and sleek—too fucking big for one man—but it’s me. I like the overstated look. I turn on the hot water, the double shower head sending a mist of water down both sides of me and smile at how the hot water feels on my back and front.
This is the first time in a long time I feel like I might actually have my shit together. I’m going to work today as the CEO of my own company. A cocky smirk lights my face at the thought.
I need to congratulate myself.
With the water pummeling over my toned body, I slide my hand down and wrap my fingers around the base of my cock. Pressing my other hand against the wall for support, I begin to tug, working up the pressure. The instant the electric buzz filters through my body, tingling all over me as I throw my head back in pleasure, my eyes clench shut, so I tug a little harder. My balls tighten with every single movement. My skin flushes hot when I let out an animalistic growl.
This isn’t going to last long.
I don’t need it to.
As the pressure builds inside my balls, my panting escalates.
I tug harder, using longer strokes, pushing myself closer and closer to the edge.
“Fuck.” I groan as the tingles prickle from the base of my spine all the way to my balls. The sensation washes over me, my muscles tense, my balls pull up tight, and the tension releases with a mighty roar as I explode all over the tiled wall.
Letting out a long breath, I grin. “Now, that’s how to start the day as CEO.” Letting out a chuckle at my arrogant attitude, I clean the wall, then finish up in the shower.
I don’t want to be late.
I need to make an impression.
Making my way out, I choose the clothes for my day—a tailored suit, crisp white shirt, dark blue tie, an expensive watch, and throw on a few rings for an edgier look. I might be a CEO, but I’m not a stiff.
Once I’m dressed, I walk through to my kitchen, grab an apple, make a protein shake, then head out the door. I like to walk to work. It’s literally ten minutes from my penthouse, and the fresh air helps me process. It is my time to get things straight in my mind, ready for the long day ahead.
Once the elevator reaches the penthouse level, I step in while crunching on my apple and drinking my shake, then take the ride to the ground floor and step out into the New Orleans morning.
Right, I need to get my head in the game.
There is so much that needs to happen, and I want it to run smoothly, efficiently, and my goddamn way. I want to prove I can do this and, most importantly, prove I can outmaneuver the master manipulator—my asshole father.
After a short walk, I step up to the fifty-one-story Hancock Whitney Center and can’t help but feel enthusiastic this day has finally come.
The day where I make my mark.
The day when I ensure my father takes note there’s a new player, a better player in town. I recite my motto in my mind…
Launch
Dominate
Rule
Destroy
… while making my way inside. I scan my ID card and head for the elevator bank to make my way to the thirtieth floor, where my office suite is located. The doors open and sitting proudly on the wall is the Ensure Asset Management logo. A sense of accomplishment rolls through me.
I did that.
I created this company.
With no help from the old man.
Walking in, I push out my chest, throwing the apple core into the trash.
A gorgeous woman rounds the corner, holding a notepad. “Good morning, Mr. Harrington. Did you have a good evening?”
“Sure did, Zoey, how was your night?” I ask my PA while wiggling my brows.
She rolls her eyes, taking my shake container. “Still a single mom. So life revolves around my daughter... you know how it is.”
“I don’t, but I give you credit. You’re superhuman. You know that, right?”
“Oh no, just the same as every other working parent out there trying to make a go of it.” She shakes her head. “Your schedule is set up in your office. Mr. Grant should be in shortly. He called ahead a few moments ago and said he was stopping for coffee and beignets.”
Smirking, I tilt my head. “Of course he did. Tell him to come straight in when he arrives.”
Zoey dips her head. “Definitely… and Mr. Harrington?”
“Yes, Zoey?” I ask, turning back and looking over my shoulder.
“It’s going to be a great first day. I feel the excitement all around the floor of the company.”
Smiling, I dip my chin and head into my office. It’s larger than the one I had at Father’s firm. But I guess that’s what you get when you’re the CEO of your own mergers and acquisitions investment company.
Luckily, some of my more loyal clients came across with me, and I was able to poach some of the employees from Father’s business to help me get off the ground quickly—including Zoey. She was my PA and ran everything like a tight ship, so I can’t imagine doing this without her. She’s been with me for years, and I truly appreciate her. There was no way I was starting this company without bringing her across, so I made sure the carrot I dangled of a higher salary and better working conditions was spot on. But in the end, it wasn’t hard to convince her, considering the pittance my father paid and her loyalty to me. It was a no-brainer for Zoey. She packed her shit and followed me, no questions asked. We have a flow that works so damn well. She knows what I’m like. Sometimes I think Zoey knows me better than I know myself. And when all the shit went down with the scandal at my father’s company, she never once doubted my innocence.
She’s special, and she keeps me on my toes.
She’s exactly what I need around here.
Moving into my office, I stand by the giant floor-to-ceiling window, hands behind my back, glancing out at the New Orleans city district. In the distance, the Mississippi flows freely, the sun shining down in what is a glorious morning.
Straightening my tie, I turn back, taking in the grandeur of my office. The wall is lined with the many books I need to reference. An L shaped dark mahogany desk is set in the middle of the floor with a four-seater meeting table next to it, a plush rug underneath with our company logo which gives off a warm, modern, and welcoming feel to the room. On the left side by the giant windows is a lounge section with two black leather sofas facing each other, again on top of a monogrammed rug for informal meetings with a view to die for out the window, not to mention the bathroom off to the right of the room.
Working for my father, I could only have ever aspired to rise to this level. Now, I have it all. It’s amazing what stepping out from the shadows will do for you. Taking that leap when the opportunity presents itself.
Walking over to my desk, I pull out my chair when Lucas, my COO, comes striding in with a tray of coffee and a bag of beignets.
“Good morning. What a great day to start our domination of the world,” he states while pulling out a chair at the meeting table and sits.
Smirking, I shake my head. “Not sure we’re quite in that territory just yet, Lucas.”
He takes a sip of his coffee, then jerks back like it’s too hot. “Well, in any case, today is the start of the rest of our lives. So, who’s our first target?” he asks, grabbing a beignet and taking a bite, the powdered sugar falling down over his blue tie.
I inhale deeply and walk to my filing cabinet and pull out a folder saying nothing.
“Ominous… great suspense you’re creating. Totally killing the brooding, silent CEO type,” Lucas declares.
Scowling, I slide the folder across the table.
He licks his fingers, shoving the last of the sugary treat into his mouth and eyes me up and down. “What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Lucas snorts through his laugh and then coughs when the powdered sugar gets caught in his throat. “Straight to overbearing, I see. I am your right-hand-ma—”
“A pain in my ass more like,” I interrupt, but my smile lets him know I’m teasing.
He grins. “I thought you liked a little pain in your ass… you seem the type.”
“Fuck you! Read the damn file.”
Lucas spins the file to face him and opens the folder. His eyes widen as he takes in the name at the top. “Zeller Industries? The lumber and industrial machinery company who brought in seventeen point five billion dollars last financial year?”
“The one and the same.”
Lucas closes the folder and looks at me incredulously. “The same Zeller Industries that Blake Branson stole from you at your father’s company?”
“Correct.”
Lucas’ lips turn up, and he sits back in his seat, throwing his hands behind his head. “You want to steal Zeller back from Blake?”
“We need a big-ticket client. Zeller can do that for us, Lucas. We land Zeller, everyone in the industry will take us seriously, and I kill two birds with one stone.”
Lucas grabs his coffee, takes a long sip, and leaves me hanging.
Impatiently, I raise my brow. “Well? What do you think?”
“I had to just sit in the moment.” Lucas chuckles with a wide smile.
“What do you mean?”
“Bask in the knowledge that I left your father’s company and came to work for you.”
I furrow my brow. “You having second thoughts?”
Lucas smirks. “On the contrary, I’m sitting here thinking how fucking incredible this is going to be when we rip Zeller out from under Blake and your damn father. I can’t believe I am going to be here to watch it all unfold… to be a part of it all. Seeing their faces is going to be… well, priceless.”
Chuckling, I sink into the seat and grab a beignet from the bag. “Yeah, it is! Time to get a little revenge and make our mark in New Orleans. You ready for the ride, Lucas?”
He grips my shoulder. “I’d follow you anywhere, Nash. Let’s go get these fuckers.”
