Devotion - Billionaire Contemporary Romance Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

of history, and it deserves a better fate than to be gutted out by some real estate wanker like Harvey Zale seeking discounted riverfront footage.  When I look at something like The Old Main Post Office, I see a lost treasure, marred by the greed of modern life threatening to destroy it.  In a world that values so little and disposes of so much, there are few untouched gems like The Old Main Post Office left in the world.  And I am determined to protect it.”
    “I think it’s a worthy endeavor, Phillip.  I had no idea that The Old Main Post Office meant that much to you.”
    He circled his finger along the surface of his glass desk, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Many things mean more to me these days than I dare share…” 
    He rose from his chair and paced across the polished hardwood floors. “The Amway deal will go through with Zale as planned, and he will reassign it to Colovos.  But Zale will also buy The Peoria from me, and then, he will turn around and flip it Isbon or McCallister or Weiss or any one of the other sharks looking for their next meal in the pond.  Any of them will be more than willing to overpay for a prestigious building like The Peoria, and in turn, they will compete against my ex-business partner for potential tenants.  But not I.  I’m tired of the misery of it all.  Let them all be miserable together.  I simply want a bit of peace.”
    Phillip stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned his angular jaw towards the windows.
    “I know what you’re thinking,” he confessed softly.  “That I’m simply giving up without my usual fight.”  He looked down, pretending to be preoccupied with his diamond-studded cuff links.
    “No,” Isabel said cautiously, realizing he was revealing a rare glimpse behind his steely façade.  “No, not at all.  I want you to do whatever you feel is right for you.”
    Their eyes locked.  She wanted him to know that she understood him.  Nothing more needed to be said.
    “By the way,” Phillip said slowly, hinting at his desire to change the focus of their conversation. “Lucy told me you called in late because of Aidan.  How is he?”
    “Sick.  Fever.  I apologize for being late.”
    Phillip cut his hand through the air like no apology was needed.  “Our business dinner last night with Stu ran later than both you and I expected, and I imagine you were up well after that caring for Aidan.  Is it serious?”
    “He’s four, Phillip.  And I’m his mother.  So every illness seems serious.”
    Phillip nodded and allowed an unspoken moment of connection between them. They rarely discussed their personal lives.  As a matter of routine, he preferred to maintain a cold professional detachment as part of his British formality.  So whenever Phillip made a conscious effort to inquire about her son, he always disarmed her.
    “Is he still interested in dinosaurs?”
    “And airplanes. Right now, his dinosaurs and B52 bombers trade off eating one another.”
    “Brilliant.” Phillip smirked, waiting to hear more. 
    “Then, at the end of the day, they all make up and are fast friends by bed time so they can all sleep together under his pillow.”
    Phillip’s eyes danced with delight. “As they should.”  Then, the light quickly faded and his tone grew serious. “Unfortunately, Isabel…I need you again tonight.”
    “The Watercross gala?”
    He nodded.  “I would like you to accompany me.” He gazed at her cautiously, as if he was preparing for her refusal.
    Isabel grew silent.  She knew about tonight’s gala.  She knew that Phillip had always planned to attend—just not with her.  And now, she assumed there was a high probability that Phillip’s ex-business partner and Phillip’s ex-fiancée would both be there—together—although she knew better than to acknowledge it.
    After a long pause, she nodded with a smile. “Don’t worry, Phillip. My mother can watch Aidan tonight. I will be there.”
    “Thank you,” he