A BILLIONAIRE'S DEVOTION

HAPPY READING Reyon Menture POV I lead back in my chair looking up at the acoustic ceiling. Today was a quiet but very long day, all I needed to get done made the day seem even longer. I lean my neck from side to side, extend my hands, stretch and sigh. "Alright then, almost through," I say to myself. Having zero tolerance for error, I've been going over the contract before me for hours adjusting and tweaking, to perfect it down to the very last detail. Glancing at the clock on the wall it is late, 12: 12 am and I'm tired but being meticulous I couldn't help being careful and precise. Everything had to be in order, dotting all the I's and crossing all the T's perfectly. "You're still here?" Ryon asks at my door. "Still, a lot of work to get done," I say sitting up in my seat and looking at him. It is who I am and being born a Menture, I pursued perfection, demand it really even if it meant burning the midnight oil, being over calculating and not very forgiving of mistakes. I'm Intolerable of it when it comes to business. Of course, it was known that the Menture brothers are workaholics, passionate, smart thinkers with integrity and morality, working always for the greater good. People may also say we are closed off and ferocious, we never argue about it either, never. It made business so much easier, who's to complain about that... "Why don't you go home? Start fresh in the morning," Ryon says leaning his head through my partly unlocked door, opening it wider but not moving further. "Why are you still here," I ask annoyed. "You know me, work late and play even later," he says with a satisfactory smirk. I snicker, Ryon is my older brother, the second born of the Menture brother and everyone knows he is a ruthless playboy with a devil may care attitude, and dynamic but there is so much more beneath the surface, he is affable among other things. "You have school, you should get some rest," he insists leaning on the door frame, still not moving. I shake my head, it's infuriating that they still think of me as the baby because I'm the youngest of the three brothers. I frown looking up at him. "It's was a suggestion," he says throwing his hands up. I know he may be trying to be protective but it comes off as being treated like a child. I nod. "I don't know how you do it," he says. "The same way you did," I say looking back at the file in front of me. "Get some rest Reyon," he advises and I hear his shoes click on the marble floor, receding. Relaxing a little my mind immediately travels to school. It was no surprise when I was accepted into Harvard University after high school and pursuing my second MBA in business and economics came as an advance, Technology was my first major. Closing my laptop, file and schedule for my final evaluation, I couldn't help the smile on my face. Feeling proud it's my final two months as a student and university will be another conquest in my path. I glance out the window and stare up at the moon, it illuminates the dark sky shining proudly. I want to shine that proud, bold above everything. The street lights twinkled in the dark it was getting really late. People weren't moving in the streets or seated by the sidewalk cafe only vehicles going to and fro. My father was impressed with my resume even though I'm yet to complete university. Being a Menture my position as head of Microsoft was created long before I was born. In my third year at university, I had my first-hand experience in the industry and I became endlessly devoted to the business. By no means was it easy. It was days in, nights out, studying hard, managing the company and getting my fingers even dirtier with photography. I chuckle to myself, here I was my mind running away from me when I should be getting out of here. I pack everything into my backpack, my eyes could use a good sleep but today proved to be impossible. Well, I'm done for the night well technically it's morning. Living at home had its perks but I can't wait to enjoy my independence. Best of all my quiet personal space. Cleaning, laundry and cooking I didn't care for... weren't on the top of my to-do list but I don't mind the work so I would probably hire someone for the job. I promise I'm not spoiled but hey it needs to get done... Right... Well, maybe a little spoiled. I walk out of the building, and into the parking garage. Unlock and slide into my Roll-Royce Ghost. It is time to go home. I walk up to the boxwood entrance, unlock the front door and enter the living room. "Hi mum," I say confuse she would be up by this time. "Hi son, you look tired," mum says concerned sitting in the living room. "You're up late, anything the matter?" I ask curiously. "A lot is weighing heavily on me," she says getting off the L shape and stepping past me. "What about?" I ask empathetically, moving further into the living room wondering what could have her up this late. "How's school? You're almost through." "That's true and I'm elated for my next move." She nods. "You know Reyon, we appreciate you for stepping up after your father's retirement. But you must take some time for yourself," she says gently. I nod. "What's wrong mum?" "I'm so proud of you son. I knew you could do it, my precious baby," she cheeses her voice brightening a notch, showing she was proud. I look at her cautiously, "thank you, mum," she's my biggest supporter even though it was dad who pushed the technology major and Reign who encouraged the business aspect. "Come sit by me, let me have a word with you," mum says and knowing her- it is her usual talk of my future. With all the essays, participation marks, end of year finals and final papers almost behind me, I couldn't help think about my next move. The future has been heavily on my mind for quite a while. Even if mum thinks I'm not ready. "Sure but you're up," I say wondering why she moves past me. "Stay right here, I will be right back," she says walking off in the direction of the kitchen. Wondering if it was something other than the usual, I take off my suit jacket and backpack placing them on the arm of the chair. "Have you any other plans for your future," she says walking out and placing the tray she has in her hands on the end table beside me. "I have," I answer confidently because I did for a while now. Some of which she is aware of. "What are the new directions son," mum takes her seat looking directly at me, putting her hand over mine, on my knee, and she gives it two taps. Fantastic, it is the talk. I take a deep breath, "mum my plans hasn't changed much, you know what I want," I say leaning back in my chair. "I want to hear you say it Reyon. Tell me," mum says looking at me directly. Her brown eyes gaze at my head like she is trying to pick my brain. "First comes the condominium, moving soon after graduation. Then marriage, possibly before age twenty-five. After the wife and I can begin to build our empire. This you already know mum," I say. "I inquire ever so often expecting to hear a different answer but every time it's the same thing with you boy," she says getting annoyed with me. "Because it is what I want mum." "Why so early Reyon? What is the rush? Why move out and rush into marriage when you're only twenty-three years of age. I really want to know?" She says with her brows knit tightly together in concern. "It is simple, I know what I want." "I'm not doubting that, I am simply asking you to build your empire, grow, explore and live a little for Christ's sake." Her eyes scan my face watching me closely with pleading eyes. One certain thing was finding my mate and I didn't want to wait. "That is the problem mum. Men always want to eat with women who haven't struggled with them. I want my wife and I to build in all things. Career, love, friendship, family and our future." "I can understand that Reyon but is it too much to ask you to take your time, to think this through, to wait a little..." Mum sighs heavily. "I keep telling you to wait, give it a little time, a little time to think it over," she adds. "Mum you don't think I have, I don't want to lose my zest over this. I am a final year student, I already worked and save up quite a bag, all I need is my empress to take the next level." "A woman like a mature, level headed man, Reyon. Please give some consideration to what I am saying. Take time to know yourself, to know what and who you want." "You think I am not level headed and I do not know what I want?" I ask a little offended that mum would say that. I may not know a whole lot, I can be stubborn in my ways, and maybe have the worst track record with women but I know what is best for myself. And I believe I will know when I find her. "I did not say that. I just want you to be ready, marriage is not an overnight thing..." I cut her off "Reign did it, look at him and Delsa, isn't that proof that it can be done." "Stop... I am not saying it cannot be done... your brother and my daughter were much older than you are. They made their decision and stuck by them, even when times were rough. Are you ready for all that?" "Mum I heard you curse, screen and fight with Reign and Ryon to get married. You even threatened them with murder, I am not running from it I want to get married," I stand looking down at her "Reyon only fools rush in son, breaking their own heart in the process. You are my baby, you're no fool, I did not raise one. I cannot stay silent pretending I am alright with any of this. Your brothers are older more mature men and everything I want for them, I want for you but at the right time. At least think about it, is that too much to ask for? Please." "I promise," I say kissing both cheeks to remove her deep frown. "Don't worry mum, I am aware of what I am doing." The famous Menture brothers although constantly in the media, make a fool of ourselves isn't one of them. Mamma did not raise any fool. "Please give it another year or two." "I give you my word to think about it." "Are you dating?" Mum asks. "Not at the moment," I shake my head. "So why in heaven's name are you talking of getting married in the next year when there isn't a mate." "Trust me mum the universe has its way." If I learnt anything, it is important for reasons unknown that fate will always take its course, Reign found his wife and I will mine. I know mum means well, I understand all she said too but she is doing what all mothers do the best... worry. And no matter how old her sons are she will continue to do just that. Maybe she is right, maybe she shouldn't let me, maybe it might not work out but what if it does? What if I find her? What if she was looking for me too? I am not claiming to be some great philosopher or some high on marriage specialist. I just know what I want. "Oh please, you almost gave me a heart attack thinking my precious baby will run off and marry so young." "Trust me I am not running," I say facing her. "What are you even looking for in a woman?" mum asks "A fine ass woman," I say with a smirk to aggravate her. She slaps my chest. "Ouch.." "See that is why you're not getting married. I'm not allowing it," she says in her direct motherly tone. I straight face her. At this age, she still thinks I'm a baby. "Boy, do not make me take my broomstick out of retirement, I swear I can still whoop that ass," mum says with a straight face. No matter how grown we are the woman still thinks she can chastise us. The woman still thinks she can flog me at this age. I refrain from rolling my eyes. I chuckle, my mother is an amazing woman. I am lucky to have been birthed to her. Even if she questions my every move, wants to flog me or thinks I am a baby. But what she does not know is I am always two-step ahead and always thinking two steps ahead of that. I turn to her seriously, staring into her eyes to seal my seriousness "I'm looking for an honest, authentic, independent, intelligent, confident, supportive, empathetic, compassionate, kind, strongly consistent, reliable woman, that will meet me halfway and wouldn't sacrifice her cherished values. She must be classy, sexy, playful, inspiring, down to earth, passionate, all the qualities you are and then some." Mum blinks a few times, she opens and closes her mouth twice, then after a few seconds she says "hm very detailed list." "See I know what I want." And it was enough to shut her up. At least for now. I kiss her forehead, "get some sleep mum. We can talk tomorrow." Well currently it's today but who's counting. She nods and I walk away, jogging upstairs and going to my room. Putting away my jacket and bag, I lay back on my bed staring at the ceiling, I listen to the tick-tock of the clock in the still of my room. 1:45 am. I thought so much about my future but I couldn't begin to imagine what was going to happen next. But at the back of my mind, I wonder if I will ever find her... I sigh heavily, get up, strip out of my clothes and walk to the bathroom. I did my routine; brush my teeth, shower, deodorise and get dress. I know just what I need. I wasn't a fool to just sit and think of romantic notions all day or what her tender touch and warm embrace would do to me. It will happen when the universe is right and ready until then... I need a temporary distraction, the kind that walks in heels, comes with curvy hips, two long straight and slender legs to wrap around my waist or edge on my shoulders. And I know just the place to go...