The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires, #1)

by Lauren Asher

This is so wrong. He’s your BOSS!

Declan would string me up by the balls on the Castle’s flagpole if he found out I kissed an employee.

Instead of going back to my office, I head toward my house at the back corner of Dreamland.

The kiss I shared with Zahra revealed just how dangerous our attraction is, and I need to stay as far away from her as humanly possible.

Declan’s assistant is pretty in an understated kind of way. Her dark, wavy hair is held back with a bright-colored headband, bringing out the warm tones of her brown skin.

She and Declan work together seamlessly. Despite her younger age, she’s damn good at what she does. He even lets her answer some questions, which is a rarity for him.

I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure the Creators have everything they need to be successful, especially Zahra. She’s my best chance at achieving my goal and getting the hell out of Dreamland.

He’s the Devil, Zahra. Well, that explains why Eve fell for his tricks. If the Devil looked half as good as Rowan, I’d eat the damn apple too. Screw the consequences.

“When you blush, it makes your freckles stand out.”

<3

“Take a breath. I’m not in the mood to call an ambulance when you pass out and crack your head open.” “How dare I consider for a second that you would catch me before that happens.” “That requires caring and I’m fresh out of fucks to give.”

“No. I don’t draw but I know someone who does.”

“Do you trust them to not share the idea with anyone?” His head tilts. “Why?” My eyes drop. “I want to make sure it remains a secret until I present on it. That’s all.”

I didn’t hesitate when I grabbed the half-assed drawing from Zahra’s cubicle. Nor did I even flinch when I purchased a pack of a hundred colored pencils and drawing paper from the local craft store.

There’s no one here to yell at me or make me feel like I’m worthless. I’m a grown man who can handle anything slung my way, including a stupid, harmless drawing. I can do this.

One where Declan becomes CEO with me serving as his CFO. Of Cal finally finding his place within the company once we take control.

Her pin of the day flashes under the overhead light. Today’s choice features a salt and pepper shaker with the phrase Seasons Greetings written below

talent doesn’t disappear—passion does.

This is the second time her trust issues have come to the surface.

My hand swoops in and plucks the sticky note out of her hand before I give it a second thought.

Poked holes in condoms. Failed attempts at extortion. People wanting to be my friend with the sole purpose of reaping the benefits associated with my last name. The list is endless with one universal lesson: Trust no one.

Me: Because life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. Zahra: Of course not. But how can we appreciate the sun every morning if we don’t live through the dark?

For the first time in a long time, a smile spreads across my face before I have an opportunity to kill it.

And after everything I messaged him last night, I expected him to run for the hills. And that’s saying something because Florida is one of the flattest states in the entire United States.

I’m too much of a dreamer who still believes in fairy tales and the possibility of a duke swooping in and marrying me.

If this is what believing in myself feels like, I wish I had done it a bit sooner. Before my ideas were stolen and my spirit was crushed.

“Without you pushing me to try, I would’ve never bombed the interview. And without crying by a dumpster, then I wouldn’t have run into the best opportunity yet! So I now believe in fate. You were right all these years.”

Claire serves us the most amazing grilled cheese I’ve ever had, not because her skills aren’t amazing, but because of everything a simple sandwich represents.

My phone buzzes and I grab it off the coffee table. Zahra: I know you don’t like any kind of gratitude because you’re shy and all, but that drawing is INCREDIBLE. I just left my meeting after receiving a standing ovation. There goes my plan to avoid thinking about Dreamland for a couple of days.

“He’s too quiet about the will which only tells me he’s hiding something from us. I’m not sure what to make of it but I’m keeping an eye on him. It’s only a matter of time before he reveals his cards.”

“How is the wife search going?” I ask.

Iris doesn’t even notice. “I can tell you that I’ve been on more dates with women in the last month than your brother has been on for the entirety of me working for him.”

My father in love was the best kind of man. But my father nursing a broken heart? Disgusting. Pathetic. So lost in his misery that he ruined his own children because he couldn’t stand seeing them happier than him.

Daddy isssues

Declan grabs the paper bag from the middle of the desk and removes Iris’s takeout box. He places it in front of her. Out of all the weird things I’ve seen today, that has to be the strangest thing

Zahra has this way of dreaming that I find intoxicating. It makes me want to create along with her and design something that brings her vision to life. And that alone is terrifying.

it’s been a whole hour since Rowan stopped by and nearly kissed me. And you almost let him.

Scott: You’re unique.

I want fire, special effects, animatronics, and backward tracks.”

He wants me to raise the stakes? Fine. But he might need a ladder to reach the levels I’m willing to go.

After ruining Zahra’s team meeting, I did the same to Sam’s Alpha team. I don’t have the luxury of wasting time on subpar ideas and missed opportunities. Yet you have time to waste on drawing.

If only she knew who helped produce her favorite duke show.

“You’ve got a package.” Martha opens the door to my office with one arm. The other trembles as she holds on to the box.

I run my hand over the Wacom drawing tablet picture on the front of the box.

The rest of the paper is vague, only mentioning an opportunity to join an adult mentorship program for Dreamland employees. I think I heard Martha speak of this during our morning agenda but I was only half listening once she mentioned the word voluntary.

My fists ball up by my sides. I look around the hall before ripping the rest of the numbers. I tuck them into the pocket of my trousers

“Ani, you’re partnered with Rowan.” The brunette beside Zahra cackles. “Yes!” Well, shit. That laugh should worry me.

“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.” “What secret?” “You wanted to see my sister.”

Maybe Ani can give you a better understanding of who Zahra really is.

If there’s one thing no one should look good wearing, it’s bowling shoes. But of course the man who wears thousand-dollar suits can make clown shoes look designer.

Rowan showed up an hour ago with a custom ball and shoes.

“So, Rowan’s cute.” I shoot her a withering glare. “Stop.”