Orion's Belt: Linus Rockwell - Shameless

Chapter 1

ANNA

"That lady's drink won't do you any good, Baker. How about a shot of Vodka?" The pulsating bass music filled the air, drowning her voice suggesting in her usual tone of sarcasm.

"Thanks for the advice, Betty, but I prefer to stay sober." Wrinkling my nose, I took a sip of my drink and leaned against the polished bar counter.

"Doesn't seem like it," she remarked, staring at me with her discerning eyes that could spot any trouble. "Ever since you visited your dad, you've been acting like a doddering b***h. Where the hell is your head?"

"It's nothing," I deflected, choosing not to discuss the issue, and sat there wallowing in self-pity.

The reflection in the bar mirror revealed my figure that resembled a deflated loaf of bread from a neglected shelf.

Ugh! I hate looking like a saggy loaf of bread from Walmart. I'm a queen; I should exude confidence, yet here I stood, battling my inner demons.

Betty subtle hum hinted me that she detects my troubles.

"Is it about the money or the company?" She probed.

"Both, Betty." Giving in to her question, the weigh of the burden was evident in my groans. I was about to slump when I felt Betty's folded fan hit my back, a silent reminder to maintain my poise.

"Don't slouch, Baker. Models don't slouch," she admonished me firmly, raising her eyebrows.

"I need to get laid," I moaned, hearing her disapproving scoff.

"Do you mean you need a wealthy man who's crazy about you, willing to lend the money your dad needs to revive his company, and bring back the luxurious lifestyle you're used to?" Betty's words cut through the air, correcting me in one breath.

Furrowing my brow, I considered her suggestion. "Hey, Betty, you mentioned spending time at the golf center, right?"

Giving me a look that signaled a forthcoming lecture, she said, "Are you feeling desperate? A woman of your caliber ahould not compromise her values for any man."

"You're the one who brought it up," I argued.

"It was just my smart-mouth, Baker. Haven't you learned?" Her voice in blend of her sincere concern and harsh wisdom.

"Well, if that's what you call it, then yes, I am desperate." Placing my manicured hands on my chest, I declared, "I'd use a man and be a gold-digger if I have to, just to save my dad from being locked away in a facility."

"So, you're willing to risk your dignity and self-respect? That's not the way, Baker. Have some pride in yourself."

Pride? I have pride, but life has pushed me into a tub filled with dirty water.

"You're young, beautiful, and intelligent. Why act stupid now?"

"I think I'm losing my mind," I confessed, this groundbreaking situation is tearing the floor I'm standing on.

"Keep it that way, or you might end up in a mental institution before your father," her sharp words silenced me. "Do you really want to help your father?" She admonished.

"What makes you think--"

"Yes or no, Baker," she interrupted, raising her penciled eyebrows.

Rolling my eyes, I nodded. "Yes."

Betty placed her slender hand on my temple, guiding me to look behind me like a puppet.

"Through the crowd, do you see the man in the front row?" She leaned in close to me and asked.

Snorting, I curled my upper lip. "There are many men there, Betty."

"But whose face stands out to you?"

Scanning the front row of attendees, my eyes landed on a man with a masculine presence, sitting with a casual yet captivating demeanor. His intense eyes appeared bored, as if he was reluctantly present at the event.

Dressed in a black shirt with a couple of buttons undone, paired with black slacks, his mysterious aura was accentuated by a gold buckle on his belt and a thin gold chain around his neck.

"Holy hell, he's hot," I commented, trailing my eyes down his arms, which strained against his shirt, and further down to what's in between his muscled thighs.

My throat felt dry.

I've encountered many men in my social circle. I know what an attractive man looks like, and I'm familiar with handsome faces in my industry.

But... s**t, that man's face is mesmerizing. He could have the whole world kneeling before him.

Feeling a droplet of saliva forming under my tongue, I nearly choked on it when his eyes suddenly locked onto mine, as if drawn by a magnetic force.

"You good?" Betty chuckled.

"Oh, shit..." I groaned and wiped my lips with the napkin she handed me.

"Like him?"

"What?" I asked, initially confused but eventually grasped her meaning. "You mean, he's the man I should pursue desperately?"

"Why not? He seems perfect, right?"

Glancing at him discreetly once more, I almost spat out the little food I had eaten that morning when I noticed his unwavering gaze still fixed on me.

"And he looks like a man worth sacrificing your dignity for."

"He's still looking at me," I informed her. I felt my body paralyzed, his intense stare burning my skin.

He's dangerous!

A man holding a torch isn't worth playing fire with. I can, but I wouldn't risk burning my versace.

"Why wouldn't he? He knows who you are," Betty said, causing me to furrow my brow.

"Is he stalking me or something?"

"He knows you because you're the daughter of the company owner he took down a month ago."

My jaw dropped, and my blush turned to irritation. "No way!"

"Yes way, Baker. He's the guy you've been cursing to hell. Linus Rockwell has stepped into his father's shoes as the president of Sturdy Rockwell Inc., and that marked the downfall of Baker Industries."

My face sour, couldn't stop myself from twitching in annoyance over at him.

"The famous architect of the Baker's torment," she recited with a gesture her hands, seemingly touch the arch of a rainbow. "That's a good title for an article. I should suggest that to my paparazzi friends."

"Nothing's good in this world," I groaned, mentally scolding myself for lusting after the man I despise.

"But you still have the upper hand." Lighting a candle, Betty turned to me, finishing my drink. "Seduce him."

I must have misheard her. "Excuse me?"

"He's member of Orion's Belt, and men like him are easily swayed by women like you."

"So, he's one of those predators on that infamous s*x island?"

"Exactly," she replied enthusiastically. "I've heard he enjoys the chase, he's dominant, and he hates losing. So, make him believe he's won."

"He already won when he caused my dad's heart attack."

"No, he hasn't. Baker Industries is still standing, and with you at the peak of your career, you can use your charm to outmaneuver him."

Nibbling my lower lip, I began to contemplate that plan. I'm no stranger to this game.

One man is no different from another. They're all the same.

"Distract him from his work, drive him crazy for you, and then... leave him."

"Just like in the movies, huh?"

"But make it more dramatic."

Lifting my chin, I turned to Linus's direction and found him still gazing at me with his cold, unblinking eyes.

Crossing my legs and swaying them slightly, I noticed his eyes briefly flicker down before returning to meet mine.

"Yeah, this will be a piece of cake," I whispered to myself.

I smirked at him, and daring a blow of a kiss thag sealed our unspoken challenge.

Linus, you'll regret messing with my family.