Chapter 2 It welcomed

breaking the silence of the night. The city lights stretched out before me like a sea of ​​diamonds, however, my thoughts were elsewhere. Digressing, how did I end up here, and Los Angeles? A question hammered my mind, and had been with me ever since I accepted my brother Benjamin's invitation to work at the hospital he owned and ran. All the family members were doctors, specialists in neurosurgery. A tradition that began with my paternal grandfather, passed down through my father, brother and now me. He insisted that he needed someone he could trust to take his place, while he managed the board and the surgeries. Not that there weren't other competent neurosurgeons, but Benjamin argued that putting them in his place would overburden them. So, I decided to accept his invitation. Leaving behind my life in Chicago, my hometown, where I finished my neurosurgery residency and began practicing medicine at the same hospital where the Clark family built their history. And here I am! It had been more than two years since I moved to the city. It welcomed me with its pleasant climate and mild winters, very different from the harsh cold of Chicago. The women here are wonderful, always impeccable and with their sculpted bodies, walking the streets with a naturalness that pleased me. But, something bothered me. Despite the stunning beauty of the women, I felt that something was missing. A genuine connection, a soul mate who would challenge me and complete me. And, ever since the blonde devil came into my life, this feeling intensified. She intrigued me, disturbed me and excited me with the same intensity. It was as if a hurricane had passed through me, leaving a trail of destruction and, at the same time, a strange sense of peace. My brother Benjamin, on the other hand, found deep roots in Los Angeles. He married the beautiful Helena, and he, don't listen to me, is mortally jealous of his wife. And he had a son, my beloved nephew Henry. Now, he was competing for his attention with Maya, Helena's cousin. With the purchase of the hospital and the wedding, Benjamin brought the whole family here. According to my mother, Abby, he claimed that he couldn't stay away from his grandson. Pure emotional blackmail, aimed at my father, Charles. Who does everything for her. I don't blame him: the love between them was enviable, and they deserved to enjoy life after so many years of tireless work. When I find the woman of my life, I will do the same as my brother. I want a love like his for his Helena and their son, a love that made them crazy about each other. He was very protective, especially after the accident Helena suffered that almost took them. However, until that happened, I preferred to keep things simple. My motto was: Never repeat the same woman. I don't have time for romance or seduction games. I prefer practicality and the simplicity of casual encounters, so I avoid frustration and maintain control of my life. I wasn't a scoundrel, just a practical man avoiding future problems. I'm just practical! Until the blonde devil showed up and messed everything up. She defied my rules, took away my peace and quiet, and practically made me annulled to other women. It was as if, all of a sudden, I only had eyes for her and the irresistible attraction she exerted on me. I parked my car in my space, set the alarm, locked the doors, and got in the elevator, going up to my apartment. The water from the shower massaged my tired body, washing away the tension of the day. After the shower, I prepared a quick snack and threw myself into bed. Tomorrow would be a new day. With new challenges, appointments, visits to patients in the ICU and in the ward. But one thing was certain: Amy had taken over my thoughts and didn't intend to leave any time soon. What did the future hold for us? I didn't know, but one thing was certain, life would never be the same with Amy Kent in my life. 2 Tyler Clark The shrill sound of my cell phone pulled me from my sleep, the annoying melody echoing through the dark room. Fumbling with the device, the incandescent blue light bathing my still-sleeping face, I unlocked the screen and saw my best friend's name. Cursing him, I answered the call; it was Scott Wilson on the other end of the line. It must be something very important at this time of the night. "It has to be urgent, damn it," I yelled, growling as I answered the call. Already foreseeing that nothing good would come of this conversation. Scott, my best friend and a big businessman in the hotel industry in the country, especially in Las Vegas. He was known for his eccentric personality and his hectic lifestyle, especially at night because of the hotel/casino he managed. His fortune, inherited and multiplied by his business acumen, never stopped him from seeking new adventures. "Ty, you won't believe what I just found out," he began, his voice thick with suspense. "Does the last name Kent remind you of anyone?" he asked. "The only person I know with that last name is the devil," I replied, sitting up in bed and rubbing my tired eyes. "Why are you asking me this?" "I met the most powerful tycoon in Las Vegas, owner of one of the biggest casinos here," he said. "Guess his last name?" he asked, his voice thick with meaning. A chill ran down my spine. Amy, the woman who intrigued and tormented me, had always been a mystery. She was discreet, reserved about her past, and had never mentioned or revealed her life before moving to Los Angeles. "Kent?" I whispered, massaging my temples. The possibility that Amy had any connection to this tycoon spoke volumes: her elegance, her politeness, was refined. "Bingo!" Scott exclaimed sarcastically. "And guess what his daughter's name is?" he teased, irritating me. "Amy!" - I mumbled, the penny finally sinking in. There was silence on the line as I tried to process this explosive information. Amy, the devil, the mysterious woman who fascinated me, was the heiress to an unimaginable fortune. - Holy shit, man - I confessed, my voice low and hoarse. - I don't know anything about her life. She just came from Las Vegas, that's all. - I mumbled, still in shock, looking into the darkness of the night. Scott, always the provocateur, didn't miss the opportunity to needle me. - Quite conscientious, don't you think? That your devil has the same last name as a local tycoon? - he questioned, his voice full of malice, and stirring up my frustration. - I'll try to find out something, man. - I replied, keeping my cool. - But couldn't it wait until tomorrow morning? The son of a bitch was trying to piss me off, I took a deep breath, trying to control myself from cursing him. - Damn, Ty, you should thank me! - Scott retorted, pretending to be offended. - I'm giving you some golden information, you ungrateful bastard! - he said indignantly, laughing on the other end of the line. - Okay, Scott, thanks! - I replied ironically. - Is that okay? - snorting and rolling my eyes