Chapter 1Managing Assets

After I hired a college guy as my live-in boyfriend, my “one that got away” came back.

He saw us together and his eyes went red. "I'm back. Get rid of him."

But the college guy just kneeled at my feet, his face a mask of beautiful despair. "Don't send me away, Seraphina. I'll do anything."

* * *

It was Leo’s birthday, which also marked three years of him being my perfect stand-in.

I’d ordered him a $2,000 custom cake. He was in the middle of singing me a love song, his face flushed.

The door to the private room burst open.

A man I hadn't seen in three years stood there, holding a bouquet of impossible, gold-dusted roses.

Julian Cole. The new king of indie cinema. My white whale.

The music died. Beside me, Leo went rigid.

My friends, however, erupted.

"Julian! You're back! Sit here, sit next to Sera!"

"You, kid, move! God, don't be so slow."

Leo lowered his head, his hair hiding his expression. He was probably about to cry. My little college boy had such a fragile heart. He'd cry, and his nose and ears would turn the most delicious shade of pink.

I've always loved watching him cry. Especially in bed.

But right now, my attention was on Julian.

Three years had been good to him. His frame was broader, practically radiating male pheromones. His eyes were deeper, his features so sharp he looked less like a man and more like a work of art you weren't allowed to touch.

It made you want to touch him. To shatter that composure.

In the few seconds I was silent, Leo’s entire posture deflated.

"I... I don't want to interrupt," he whispered, his voice thick. "I'll just go."

He slowly put on his coat. Slowly wrapped his scarf.

He was waiting for me to stop him.

I just nodded. "Go home and make that soup. I'll be back late."

He thought his tears were his trump card.

I indulge him because he has value. But I am not managed by him.

Leo’s face went pale. He walked out.

I patted the empty seat. Julian sat, and his deep voice was laced with vinegar. "You didn't stay lonely, I see."

I handed him a glass of champagne. "You're the one who bailed on our engagement to 'find yourself' in Europe. You left. Did you expect me to join a convent?"

He flinched, then downed the champagne. "I was just a trust fund kid. I wanted to be... better. Worthy of you."

I shrugged. "That sounds like a you problem."

Honestly, I'm glad he ran. If he hadn't, I wouldn't be this free. A woman should have her fun. When you're ready, you find a good-looking man to sign a prenup and settle down.

A woman's experience is her greatest asset. The men you've tasted, the places you've seen—they're all part of your story.

My friends were already fawning over Julian.

"Sera never got over you, Julian. She even found a replacement built on your exact specs!"

"She was a mess after you left. Drunk every night, looking for you in every guy."

"But he's just a boy toy. We only ever approved of you."

I let them talk, watching Julian's ego visibly inflate.

Men are so easy to manage.

Hours later, I was curled up in his lap. His voice was rough with whiskey. "I missed you, Sera."

He whispered against my ear, "Don't go home tonight."