Irresistible Bachelors: Books 1-5 by Landish, Lauren (bts books to read TXT) 📕

this fast. And just like you did with the property, you saw the truth and did the right thing . . . so I want the world to know that I love you too. You said you’d burn down Wesley’s estate to make me happy. Well, how about we work together and save the place where we fell in love?”

“You sure that’s what you want?” I ask, my throat tight. Hannah nods, and I get up, going to her and pulling her into my arms, kissing her softly. She wraps her arms around my neck, and I hold her close, tears of happiness trickling down my cheeks as I feel complete again. “Hannah, I swear to God, I’ll be the man you deserve.”

Oliver looks from Hannah to me and laughs. “Yeah, I guess I looked about that stupid when I walked back into the Beangal’s Den and went to get Mindy back. Hannah, Tony’s told me all about you two. But let me call my lawyers, see what we can do. You two . . . well, go get that phone number because we’ve got some important business to handle. And guys, don’t get too sidetracked,” he says with a grin and a raised eyebrow.

* * *

We’re back down in the basement. Because of the time difference between here and Hawaii, it’s late, but for Wesley Mobber, it’s just past lunch. Wesley is sitting in his meditation room, but of course he’s going to have good Wi-Fi in that place. it’s one of those weird things about him, the balance of ecological with modern high-tech. “It’s nice to see you again, Tony. And nice to see Hannah with you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Wesley,” I say, smirking when a familiar squawk sounds and Mo Mo settles on his shoulder. “You too, Mo Mo. I wish I could be saying this is under happier circumstances.”

“Wait,” Wesley says, smiling that strange little smile of his. “First, before we talk about what you emailed me, there’s something I have to ask. Have you two talked?”

“If you mean have we told each other how we feel, yes,” Hannah says, reaching over and giving my hand a squeeze. “But Wesley, us being in love isn’t the reason we called. It’s Aurora and your legacy, your estate.”

“You know what a legacy is?” Wesley says, chuckling. “It’s what people who don’t have anything else to leave behind comfort themselves with saying they have. My legacy, if there is one, is going to be the people I’ve been able to touch and influence. So tell me, how have I touched you two?”

“You gave us the chance to fall in love,” I reply immediately. Behind the computer screen, Oliver raises an eyebrow, but he sits back silently. “You taught me that there are things more important than money, work, and rules. There’s people. And the Aurora plan is to eventually take the heritage of Alani’s village and destroy it, turn it from something to be treasured into some plastic trinket to be hawked to tourists for ten bucks and a side of fried plantains. I can’t just sit by and let that happen.”

“They are rat bastards, I agree,” Wesley says.

“Rat bastards!” Mo Mo squawks, and Oliver sits up, surprised, and I have to hold back a grin. Welcome to what I had to put up with. It gets better.

“So we have to—” Hannah says, but Wesley grins. “What?”

“You two have taken me to be a man with a lot of money who’s more than a little off his rocker, right?” Wesley asks. “Wait, don’t answer that.” Wesley continues, and I have to laugh. “But I made my money by being the coldest blooded shark in an ocean of sharks. Do you have a copy of the contract?”

“Of course,” Hannah says. “Why?”

“Turn to page seven, paragraph 31E,” Wesley says. “It’s a minor little paragraph, but . . .” As he talks, I can see the shrewd business acumen glinting in his eyes. We might have misjudged him, underestimating him the whole time because he very clearly has a trick up his sleeve.

Hannah’s already flipped over her pages, and we read it together. He’s right, it is minor, but it’s a very clear out, and Wesley can trigger it unilaterally without getting us in trouble.

“Hawaii has some very strong laws on exploitation and land use, and I’ve added to it here,” he explains. “Their plans give me an out. So . . . Oliver, are you there?”

“I’m here,” Oliver speaks up, coming around. “It’s nice to talk to you face to face again, Mr. Mobber.”

“Here’s the deal,” Wesley says. “I’m willing to sell my property to you, with a few new clauses to the contract.”

“What new clauses?” Oliver asks.

“First, I realize that you’re not looking to lose money, but the spirit of this land must be preserved. I thought I was careful in narrowing it down to just you or Aurora, but I should’ve known better. With that in mind, I’m going to require that you have a permanent live-in manager on the estate. They would have to be approved by myself and my wife first.”

“I think I can find some people who might be willing to do that,” Oliver says, glancing at me. “Although from what I know, they’re a pain in the ass at times.”

Wesley grins. “Okay. I’ll contact Aurora and tell them I am triggering clause 31E. Tomorrow morning, I’ll call you. Oh, and one more thing.”

“What’s that?” I ask.

“You came to me. This time, I’ll come to you. Alani would like to see some of the mainland, and I’ve heard that there’s a hell of a coffeehouse in the family, and a hell of a singer. Alani happens to be a fan of Heartstopper. Think we can arrange something?”

Oliver laughs. “Wesley, you get here, and we’ll make it happen. It’s a deal.”

When we’re done with the call, Hannah hugs me tightly. “Thank you, Studmuffin.”

“Studmuffin?” I ask, and Oli grins, getting his laptop and recognizing