Bound To The Obsessive CEO I Only Meant To Distract

My sister, Zara, is a total wreck in love. I, Chase, am a wreck for my sister.

She went after the Hawthorne family scion, Gideon. Naturally, I went after his older sister, the ice-queen CEO, Quinn Callaghan.

Guess which one of us actually sealed the deal? Not Zara.

Worse, Gideon fell for Zaras sworn enemy.

To save my sisters sanity, I ghosted Quinnthe most powerful woman Id ever met.

Then, in a glorious, tear-soaked mess, Gideon dragged us both back to his mansion.

Ill marry Zara if you marry Quinn, he sobbed, his voice cracking. I cannot listen to her sing the I Will Survive version of 'Wrecking Ball' in the shower one more time.

Me: What the actual hell?

1.

When Zara started college, she instantly fell for a fellow freshman. Later, I learned he was Gideon Hawthornethe Golden Boy, the heir, brilliant, and unfairly good-looking.

I told Zara he was out of her league.

Zara told me I didnt know crap.

So, Zara spent the next four years relentlessly pursuing Gideon. She was relentless, and she was humiliatingly unsuccessful.

They went on countless dates, had meals together, but Gideon never once agreed to be official. To everyone else, my sister was just the ultimate simp.

I called her a love-brained idiot, and she cried, saying she was proud to be one.

What was I supposed to do? Weve always been a package deal. Since our parents passed, the sharksour distant relativeshad been circling, ready to tear the company apart. Zara took the initial hit. She worked around the clock, endured endless, sleazy dinners, and even landed in the ER just to keep me safe and the company intact.

She protected me so well that, in my eyes, everything she did was right. And if her heart finally landed on an unattainable ideal, I had to swallow my cynicism and cheer her on.

Until Gideon graduated and announced he was heading abroad for a two-year stint of self-discovery.

By then, Id already taken over the reins of our company. I was far better suited to business than Zara, but even with my talent, it took a brutal amount of political maneuvering to finally win the board's respect.

The day Zara heard the news, shethe one person Id never seen truly breakdrank herself into alcohol poisoning and ended up in the hospital.

I rushed from the office, pure, protective fury surging through me. I burst into her room, and she was mid-pull, trying to rip her IV out.

Im done, she whispered, eyes vacant. How could he abandon me?

My temple throbbed. I grabbed her by the shoulders, giving her a sharp, violent shake.

He went abroad, he didnt die! Do you not have a passport? Are you suddenly broke? Can you not follow him?

Zara froze. Oh. Right! Get me my phone! I need a plane ticket!

I handed it over. She frantically scrolled through her messages with Gideon, and the excitement drained away, replaced by deep anxiety.

Two days ago I saw this girl propose to him, and he hesitated when he turned her down. I got so mad, I blocked him. I kept texting him after, but he never replied. I called him, but

I felt my eye twitch. So, let me get this straight. You have no idea where in the world he actually went?

Zara nodded miserably.

God, Zara. I resisted the urge to scream. Fine. Ill get someone to track him down. Now, stop drinking. You dont want to meet your future brother-in-law with liver damage.

The word brother-in-law made her smile, and the drama subsided. She finally rested, sleeping soundly.

I, however, sank into a cold silence, staring at the text from my private investigator.

Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Hawthornes sister has completely obscured his trail. We cant find a trace.

Gideons sister? That had to be Quinn Callaghan.

The legendary CEO. Rumor had it shed cracked the Forbes list before her thirtieth birthday. It was sickening.

The Eastons and the Hawthornes werent in the same industry, so I didn't know her, had never met her. But if she was actively hiding her brother, I was screwed. What Quinn Callaghan decided to keep locked down, stayed locked down.

If I told Zara this, shed be back to the IV-pulling drama. My head ached just thinking about it.

The next day, I sent an assistant to negotiate with Quinn.

He came back trembling. Mr. Maxwell, Ms. Callaghan said

Said what?

She said she would absolutely never hand her brother over to a useless, emotional wreck of a woman, and that we should forget about it.

2.

I was incandescent with rage.

How dare she talk about my sister like that? Zara might be a sap, a bit of a crybaby, and absolutely terrible at business, but she had a heart of gold.

Quinn Callaghan. That insult was a declaration of war.

Negotiation failed. My next move should have been financiala tempting business deal. But looking at the project's profit margins, I decided Zaras happiness, while important, wasn't worth forfeiting millions.

So, I went with the classic: a charm offensive. I hired several attractive men and women from a talent agency. Who doesnt love a beautiful person?

A few days later, they all came back, weeping and hysterical.

Mr. Maxwell, Quinn Callaghan is a monster! On our first day, she made us run fifty laps around the campus before the morning meeting!

Enough. I decided to take the mission myself.

I told Zara the new plan. You handle the company for a few weeks. Im going to go seduce her.

Zara looked stunned. Seriously? Sounds like you just made up an excuse to skip work.

I gave her a fake, saccharine smile. Say that again and Ill tell you shes right.

Zaras lips started to tremble, a storm brewing in her eyes.

Please, Chase, she whimpered. You have to succeed. If I dont marry Gideon, I swear Ill join a convent.

Dont worry. Im more invested in this than you are.

I successfully snuck in, applying as a regular college graduate and passing the impossible series of interviews to land an internship at the Callaghan Group. I had to admit, the massive corporation lived up to its reputation; even the intern pay was excellent.

But after a week of running errands, I hadnt even seen Quinn, let alone figured out how to seduce her.

Frustrated, I decided to take the executive elevator right up to the penthouse and demand a face-to-face.

The doors slid open, and there she was. Quinn Callaghan.

My expression soured. Hers did, too.

I spoke first. Ms. Callaghan, I need a word.

Do you want to be fired before you even start?

In the vast, silent CEOs office, I threw the ledger Id been secretly compiling for the last week onto her polished mahogany desk. My professional habits kicked in despite my missionI couldnt help but investigate the suspicious entries Id noticed.

The person bleeding the company dry was quickly exposed, and I instantly became Quinns right-hand man.

She promoted me. I was now a high-level executive at the Callaghan Group, the kind of person lower-tier employees had to butter up. This was the exact opposite of my goal; I didnt want to be chained to another major corporation.

However, it was also exactly what I needed: Quinns complete trust.

She even started bringing me along to elite social functions, like the industry gala tonight.

I was wearing my cheapest off-the-rack suit, shadowing my new boss, Quinn, when I ran into Zaraa bizarre, utterly localized clash of worlds.

Quinn clearly couldnt stand my sister. The moment she saw Zara, she recoiled, ice radiating off her. Zara tried to chat her up, but Quinn just stood there, silently stone-faced. My fists tightened. Why was she so rude to Zara?

Zara caught sight of me and immediately started to cry, only stopping because I gave her a sharp, threatening glare.

At the dinner table, the two of them entered into a silent, ridiculous drinking contest. They were glass-for-glass, and even people coming to toast Quinn were giving them a wide berth.

Quinn got drunk. Zara got completely hammered.

The alcohol gave Zara a massive, reckless surge of courage. She stood up and raised her glass to Quinn. To you, sis! May your company crush the competition!

Quinn simply lowered her chin, her eyes narrowing.

Who are you calling sis? I dont have a weepy little sister-in-law.

Zaras resolve shattered. Tears immediately welled up.

I grabbed two full glasses, walked over, and, making sure no one was watching, pulled Zaras hand and dragged her out a side door.

Stop crying! Youre weeping away all your good karma!

Zara hiccuped. But I havent seen Gideon in thirty-five days! You promised when you had her wrapped around your finger

I clamped a hand over her mouth. Quinn is right over there. If she hears that, were both screwed.

Okay. But I really miss Gideon.

What are you two doing?

3.

The voice hit me like a thunderclap. I almost passed out.

I slowly, stiffly turned around. Quinn was standing there, watching us with a chillingly cold expression.

I asked, what are you doing? she repeated. I finally gathered my wits and snatched my hand back from Zara.

I was scolding her, Boss. Who does she think she is, talking to you like that? I was infuriated on your behalf.

Zara nodded along frantically. Quinns gaze moved back and forth between us, sharp and analyzing.

Something must have clicked in her mind, because her face turned even colder.

Chase, get over here.

For the first time, I was grateful that Zara and I had different last nameshers from Mom, mine from Dad.

I scuttled over, head down, while Zara looked at me with a bewildered, betrayed expression. Quinn grabbed my arm and pulled me into a deserted, silent corner. I kept glancing back, giving Zara the Im fine signal.

Quinns grip tightened, and my arm pulsed with a dull ache.

The scent of alcohol wasn't strong on her, but her face was flushed, and the look in her eyes was terrifying. I was too afraid to speak. What if she knew the truth about Zara and me?

Chase, you like her?

I lifted my head, utterly shocked. What the hell was she talking about?

Seeing my silence, Quinn seemed to confirm her suspicion.

Dont like her. Shes in love with my brother. Its never going to happen.

I was not into some weird sibling love-triangle fantasy.

I shook my head violently. No! I dont like her!

Quinns expression immediately softened, the tension easing out of her shoulders. Really? You looked awfully close just now. When did you two become friends?

Honestly, Boss, I just heard she liked Gideon, so I made it my mission to get close to her and talk her out of it.

Thats good. I was actually planning on calling my brother home, but since you dont like her, maybe

Wait! Actually, I do like her.

I smiled the smile of a man facing the gallows. For Zaras future, I had to double down.

Quinns face darkened again. Chase, are you playing games with me?

I put on my most pathetic, wounded expression. The truth is, Ive liked her for a while, but I know shes obsessed with your brother. Thats why I got close to you.

Quinn just stared.

I poured on the dramatics. Could you just tell me where your brother is? I just want to see him once, secretly, to understand what kind of man could capture her heart completely.

She remained silent. I kept the tragic look on full display.

Finally, Quinn sighed, a long, weary sound.

Fine. Ill give you the address. But when you get back, you have to stop liking her. Do you hear me?

Her gaze was deadly serious. I nodded immediately.

You have my word, Boss. I definitely wont like her anymore.

Because I never had.

Quinn believed me.

4.

With Gideons address secured, I embarked on the voyage of helping my sister find true love.

Zara was ecstatic, vibrating with anticipation.

She asked me, How do you think itll go if I re-propose to him right there?

I nodded thoughtfully. I think proposing in the dead of winter is smart. Your nose will be bright red, youll look like a frantic clown, and when he turns you down, you can at least tell yourself you have an interesting life story.

Zara sniffed. Gideon likes me. You just dont get it!

Fine. I didn't get it. I just wanted Zara to be happy.

Through the massive window of the music conservatory, Zaras smile froze solid.

Gideon was inside, playing a four-hand piano piece with a girl.

It was Tamsin ReedZaras absolute, most hated enemy.

Their legendary brawl in college had become campus lore.

Tamsin looked up and smirked. Well, well, Zara Easton. Fancy meeting you here.

Zara looked like shed been struck by lightning. She charged inside. Gideon Hawthorne, how could you do this to me?

Gideon frowned at her. I never gave you any indication that I loved you. Why did you chase me all the way here?

My blood pressure spiked. I rushed forward and, without a moments hesitation, slapped Tamsin across the face. Twice.

Some people just need a reminder.

Tamsin covered her cheek. What the hell, Chase Maxwell! I didnt even say anything to you!

Ill hit you when I want to. Does it need to be Tuesday?

Gideons eyes filled with tears.

Zara, he choked out. You never actually liked me. You just chased me for four years. Were you trying to humiliate me?

Zara was beyond confused. I dont like you? Which eye are you using to see that?

Both of them!

I was watching two emotional toddlers squabble.

The fight ended with Gideon slamming a door and storming out.

Zara was shattered. How could he possibly think I dont love him?

Seeing her so devastated, I finally broke.

I pulled out my phone and immediately resigned from the Callaghan Group.

My phone instantly blew up with calls from Quinn. I ignored every single one.

Come on! Were drinking till we cant remember our names!

I dragged Zara to the most infamous bar in the city.

I was blacked out by midnight.

When I woke up, I was completely tied down.

The room was silent and empty. Had some rival company kidnapped me and Zara? But Id bankrupted all our serious rivals. Where would they get the cash for an international snatch-and-grab?

I frowned, trying to twist my neck. I couldn't move. The bindings were professional. My ancestors would be impressed.

I decided to conserve energy. I looked around and realized I was back in the States, or maybe even domestic territory; no criminal safe house would have this kind of antique furniture.

I took a deep breath.

Im screwed.

If this was a typical kidnapping, it would be about ransom. But the atmosphere felt different. My feet were also tied.

After a moment of silence, I finally called out, Hello? Is anyone here?

No answer. I strained against the rope again. It didn't budge, but the sound was muffled by the soft velvet headboard.

I rolled my eyes. Even the kidnapper was polite enough to pad the furniture.

Footsteps sounded outside, and the door was pushed open.

Dont bother struggling. Im not letting you go.

Gideon stood there, his face streaked with tears.

You kidnapped me. Why are you crying? I tried to reason with him. How about you untie me, and we talk this out like adults?

Gideon shook his head adamantly. My sister said youre a slippery fox. Youll be gone the second I look away.

I chuckled. Your sister thinks highly of me.

We fell into a stalemate. After a while, he wiped his nose.

Arent you going to ask why I tied you up?

You want me to get Zara off your back, so you need my help?

To my surprise, Gideon shook his head.

She doesnt love me at all. She loves my older cousin. But my cousin got married, so Zara just used me as a consolation prize! A stand-in!

I was stunned. No way. Thats impossible.

Gideon gritted his teeth. Its true! I saw her with my own eyes. She was holding a bouquet of roses and standing right next to my cousin. How could that be fake?