The Rule (Ebook)

Tom Marko Has It All. He’s Smart. He’s Confident. He’s on Top of the “Bachelors to Snag” Lists.

Did I mention he’s a self-made billionaire and pro basketball player with a body to match?

But he doesn’t just want me to run his PR & marketing.

He’s made it clear that he wants me...all of me.

He knows my one rule—never date clients. And I don’t make exceptions.

But Tom Marko goes after what he wants.

The minute we meet his clear blue eyes focus on nothing but me.

After he tricks me to spend four days in his Colorado mountaintop mansion, all I want is him.

Everything is different.

The tables have turned. I’m changed, forever.

What’s different with him?

Boundaries are blurred.

Rules shattered.

But Tom Marko has a dark past he’s hiding from me—from everyone.

Now, it's determined to destroy him. Destroy us. Destroy everything.

After knowing the truth, can I really be all in?

Liv 

“Sorry to hold you up. I’m late.” His voice was deep and sexy, and he gazed down at me with crystal clear, blue eyes. 

I stood shocked as I stared up at Tom Marko. 

 Before I could respond, he asked, “Aren’t you Olivia White?” He reached out to shake my hand. He smiled at me with his straight, perfect white teeth, and I breathed in a sexy scent. I was pretty sure his cologne was BVLGARI. 

 How did he know who I was? Tom Marko was GQ’s most eligible bachelor, and he knew who I was? 

He wore black dress pants, a leather jacket, and a plain white t-shirt that hugged his body. It wasn’t too tight and wasn’t too loose. You could see the definition of his chest beneath it, and his broad shoulders led straight into well-defined arms. 

 My heart skipped a beat. He looked like, smelled of, and oozed sex. 

 I’m not sure how long I ogled him. I finally snapped out of it, grabbed his hand, and offered the firm handshake I’d perfected over the years. 

 As our hands touched, I swear a lightning bolt shot straight through my body. 

 “And you’re Tom Marko. I guess we're both late.” 

 His eyes scanned mine. “I’m not normally late, sorry.” I laughed. “I’m not either.” 

He didn’t take his eyes away from mine. 

 “I didn’t realize you were attending the meeting today. Sneaking in, are you?” I winked at him and realized I was still holding his hand and pulled it away. 

 Crap! Did I really wink at Tom Marko? What was I doing? Pull it together, I harshly told myself, and tossed my long, cool blonde hair. 

 I had seen pictures of this famous basketball star and cheered for his team, the New York Volts, many times. Sure, I admired Marko’s appearance from afar, but his in-person presence was doing some severe damage to my nerves. Butterflies did a wild dance in my stomach. 

 “Sorry, I didn’t inform you of my attendance. I hope that’s okay?” He smiled at me and asked for approval. 

 What did he think I would say? Sorry, Basketball God, you can’t attend a meeting for your own company. 

 “Not a problem.” I’m sure you’ll add nothing to the meeting but act like you know what is going on. 

 Athletes filled my clientele list. Most showed up to meetings because their business managers or financial advisors tried to get them interested in some pursuit beyond their athletic career. That way, when they retired, they would have something meaningful to do. 

 I had played the same song and dance many times. Well, I could dummy it down for Tom Marko. I’d done it for so many others. 

 The elevator opened. We were still on the lobby floor. Tom laughed and returned my wink. “I guess you have to hit a button to go up.” He rubbed his hands nervously through his thick, wavy, blonde hair. 

Wait. Was Tom Marko actually…nervous? Surely, I imagined that. Because that wink was also pretty damn hot…. Okay, why did his wink make him hot, whereas I’m sure my wink made me seem like a hysterical schoolgirl? Get a grip, Liv. This wasn’t good. Tom Marko would hopefully be my newest client, and I had a strict policy when it came to clients. It was one of the reasons my company quickly became one of the top PR and marketing firms on the East Coast. 

 People knew I meant business and got results. And I never mixed business with pleasure. Never. And it wasn’t from a lack of offers. 

 The elevator stopped, and a bunch of people walked in. Tom stepped back from the buttons but kept his eyes on me. His head reached almost to the ceiling of the elevator, and his 6’10 frame made my 5’10” frame feel short. 

I only dated tall men, so height wasn't something new to me. I guess you could say height really turned me on. Of course, none of the men I’d dated were Tom Marko. He had the most breath‐ taking body I had ever seen. 

 Extremely tall. 

 Strong. 

 Ripped. 

 I licked my lips. 

 And then he smiled at me. 

Jeez. Now I’m licking my lips at him? I flushed, but his attention drifted from me since the people on the elevator realized who he was. To my surprise, they dared to ask for his autograph. 

I had to give the one bimbo credit. She had a perfect size double zero body. She stepped between Tom and me, giggled and tossed her hair, as she pushed her fake DD boobs against him and asked him to sign her shirt. 

 I saw him try to step back, but he had nowhere to go. He graciously gave everyone their autographs and turned her around and signed the back of her shirt on her shoulder. I‘m pretty sure I saw a bloom of embarrassment wash over his face. Was Tom Marko a humble guy? I guess I always assumed he would be a cocky ass, but here he was, apparently uncomfortable. His neck and cheeks flushed a shade of crimson. 

I don’t know why I thought he would be arrogant. Well, maybe because he was gorgeous, famous, and admired by women everywhere he went? Girls like the bimbo over there who talked nonstop about what a big fan she was and if she could ever do anything for him…. 

I must have rolled my eyes for real. I thought I only did it in my head. Tom saw me and softly laughed while the other people in the elevator gazed at us confused. 

I laughed, too. Our eyes met, and we shared our secret joke. The floozy turned to me, her voice was high and raspy. “What’s so funny?” 

I only shook my head and tried to stop snickering. Tom grinned at me. 

 The elevator doors opened, and the girl gave me a death stare. She got out but not before she caught Tom’s arm and rubbed her boobs against him once more. “Soooo nice meeting you, Tom,” she crooned and batted her eyelids. She grabbed his hand, shoved a piece of paper in it, and closed his fist around it. “Call me,” she purred and delivered another quick boob rub on her way out. 

I rolled my eyes again as Tom turned his lips up uncomfortably. 

Did he really not enjoy the extra attention? I saw him eye the ceiling and let out a bit of air. No, he definitely didn’t enjoy it. It surprised me, as he would be the first athlete in my experience who wasn’t all about bimbos. 

Most of the people stepped out of the elevator. New people stepped in. It got crowded again, but this time Tom stepped all the way to the back of the elevator right next to me. My heart thumped faster. His sexy smell once again made my body pulse. 

The new people had some class. A few told Tom they were huge fans but didn’t ask for his autograph. Tom seemed...relieved. Could that really be? Was he really not into it? 

I tried to figure him out and keep my composure. I reminded myself that I was a professional. It didn’t matter if he was into extra attention or not; it wasn’t my business. I focused on the floor, then sneakily glanced toward him. His thigh muscles hugged his pants in just the right way, and I licked my lips again, as I wondered what it would be like to squeeze my own thighs up against his. 

His hand grazed mine and snapped me back to reality. I panicked and stood frozen with the back of his warm hand, touching the back of mine. My heart beat faster, and heat rushed up to my neck. He gazed down at me—I could feel it. But I wasn’t about to look up because I knew I’d give my thoughts away. 

I pulled myself out of my paralyzed state and yanked my hand away as the doors opened. Everyone got off except for Tom and me. There was one more floor to go, and I started to feel rather suffocated. 

It was only us now. 

My mind reeled. Why isn’t he stepping away? Unnerved, I could feel my blood as it surged through my veins. 

He finally stepped to the side and turned to me. “Glad to see you have a sense of humor. I like that with the people I’m working with.” 

Working with…as if, he had already decided that he was going with my firm? 

I had this funny sense of excitement but also disappointment…client meant he was off-limits to me on a personal level. Get your act together, Liv! It’s not like you have a chance, anyway. I definitely couldn’t be his type. He’s Tom Marko! How could he be interested in my non-fake C cups and size eight body when perfect-bodied floozies threw themselves at him every day? Good grief–why the hell was I thinking like this? 

Tom Marko’s account meant millions in revenue and possible referrals to his other teammates. Not to mention potential work with a few other businesses Tom was involved in, according to his business manager. 

I felt myself shift into business mode. “Glad I could amuse you. Right this way.” I motioned for him to follow me. As we stepped into the lobby, I did my best to straighten myself up and appear confident. 

I usually was confident and never got butterflies. But my insides were flipping.  

This was not like me at all. 

At thirty-one, I had created a firm that would exceed $250 million this year. It was heavily female-run, and we were starting to be really selective about who we worked with. 

We had clients not only in New York but throughout the East Coast and had made some headway in the Midwest. I had long term plans for my firm to go international and dedicated my life to making that happen. And I wasn’t going to screw up my reputation by getting personally involved with a client. 

As we got off the elevator, he handed the piece of paper to my receptionist, Lilly, and asked her if she could do him a favor and throw it away. Lilly was more than happy to oblige. She, like everyone else, apparently, fell under his sexy spell. 

He must get so many offers from women every day that he can afford to be super selective. 

I began to lead him to the conference room, where our business teams would already be gathered. Tom walked behind me. I didn't know if I imagined it, but I seriously felt he was sizing me up. 

I turned my head back at him. He was slightly behind me. “Nice office.” He glanced around with approval. My belly did another flip, happy that he approved. 

Which doesn’t matter, I reminded myself, because he’s out of your league and more than likely on his way to becoming one of your biggest clients! 

I gulped thinking about it. 

We got to the conference room, and he stepped in front of me to open the door. As I walked through the door, he casually guided me inside with his hand on the middle of my back. 

Why did that have to feel so normal and good? Other clients had done that; I’d always stepped out of it. Why was I letting him do it? 

I needed to watch that. Tom seemed interested in me, but surely, he wasn’t? He was only being nice. And, if he did want more, I would just be another mark on the totem pole of girls he slept with. 

No, I wouldn’t and couldn’t be that girl. He’s off-limits, I told myself, as my rule blinked in my head like a neon sign. I went straight to the front of the room. Tom made his way to the last chair directly across from me. Like magnets, we stood across the room and stared right at each other. 

Our teams started chatting…but Tom and I stood there, eyes locked. 

He removed his leather jacket and revealed his well-defined arms and perfect waist. My eyes wandered. I felt myself throb a bit. My face flushed. 

Oh God, what is happening to me right now? I needed to pull my shit together quickly. 

I ran my hands over my red skirt to straighten it out before I sat down. I peeked at my Chief Operating Officer, Meg, who was my right hand and best friend. She knew me better than anyone. 

She gave me a funny face I couldn’t read. Then she slid the timeline to me and gave me a nod to start the meeting. I decided to skip my typical ‘I’m late’ apology and jump right in. 

“In front of you is the new campaign we’ve put together. It’s my understanding that your current agency is not relaying proper messaging, and it’s causing some problems. I’m confident we can fix the problems you’ve discussed with us regarding Mr. Marko’s current PR.” 

“Tom. Please call me Tom.” Tom gazed at me across the room with those eyes… 

“Sorry…Tom.'' I fell once again, into his sexy spell. “The current issues have made an impact in all entities, including the foundation. They have continued to overpromise and underdeliver.” Tom’s business manager, Phil, pulled me out of my trance. 

Focus on Phil, I told myself. 

Phil Laurent was about 6’2”, in his mid-thirties, and wore glasses. I had worked with him previously because he represented Marcus Elliott’s companies. I had only worked on one project with him when he brought me into this current opportunity. My staff and I all enjoyed our dealings with him, and I felt like we’d developed an excellent rapport. 

“That won’t happen here.” Confidently, I looked Phil and then Tom straight in the eye. I think I held Tom's gaze a little too long. When I realized I’d been staring again, I quickly focused my eyes on the other team members. 

Get it together, girl! Heat rushed through my cheeks once more, and I grabbed my water. But no amount could cool the flames inside me, as Tom continued to keep his blue eyes fixed on me. Our teams began to illustrate the plans we discussed. I tried to focus on whoever was talking, but it was impossible. He kept staring...and I could feel it. 

A few minutes in, Tom interrupted them. “Excuse me. I know you’ve all put a lot of time and thought into this. Could I respect‐ fully ask if I can talk with Olivia privately? I think the rest of you can work out the details. But there are some things I need to discuss...with only Olivia.” 

He needed me? Privately? My heart raced. 

The room went silent. Phil and Laura eyed Tom in confusion. Laura Aimee was what I would call his Meg. You could tell she was smart and had the respect of both Tom and Phil. 

Meg searched my eyes in question. I gave her an ‘I don’t know’ glare. 

“Liv, why don’t you take Mr. Marko to your office? I’ll keep filling the team in?” She pointed to the door. 

Tom stood up, grabbed his leather jacket, and slung it over his shoulder. My lower region started to twitch, and I instantly got so wet I was sure my chair was going to have a stain on it. I wasn’t prepared for this...for him. 

“Liv.” Meg nudged me. 

“Right this way, Mr. Marko.” I marched over to the door. “Tom,” he reminded me yet again. 

“Sorry, Tom,” I stuttered. 

I held the door open, but he grabbed it above me. “Ladies first.” 

I glanced up at him. Was this guy for real? Where was the athlete-ego I was used to dealing with? 

I walked out, underneath his arm, as my body grazed against his. Again, I felt him sizing me up from behind. I tried to take a few deep breaths, as I led the way to my office. 

We got to my office. Desk or couches? Jeez, where should we sit? 

Tom made the decision and made himself comfortable on the couch. 

I perched on the armchair across from him. 

“So, people call you Liv?” 

“Not that many. My friends. People I care about. Those close to me.” 

It went through my mind that I kept my circle close and small. I liked it that way. I knew who I could depend on and trust. 

New York was a thrilling city, but it was tough on the heart. I was cheated on and disappointed too many times. Most men didn’t understand my passion for growing my firm, and they didn’t agree with the hours I put in. The fact that I had a lot of high-powered male clients never seemed to be something they could handle either. 

Somewhere along the way, I decided that it was easier to concentrate on business and do what I was good at rather than be disappointed. 

With every sting of each failed relationship, the pain seemed to hurt more. Similar to my work, I would put my heart and soul into it. But, instead of winning, I always seemed to lose. 

And I was used to winning. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to win. I wasn’t accustomed to losing, and every time I got into a relationship, and my heart got hurt, it pierced me deeply. 

If I concentrated on work, I could win, so that is where my effort went. 

However, my decision to concentrate on building my firm didn’t stop the proposals. My rule simplified things for me. No dating clients—ever! Since the majority of my hours were spent on work-related tasks, I didn’t get to meet many people who were outside of work. The men interested in me were always clients, and it was easy to just say no. My rule protected me. It kept me in the driver’s seat and winning. As long as I stayed there, I couldn’t lose. And my heart wouldn’t get broken. I guess you could say that my work isolated me from the pain of failed relationships. 

I glanced over at the man who sat on my couch and intensely watched me. No matter how attracted I was to him, he would be no exception. I wouldn’t act like a schoolgirl just because he was Tom Marko. 

I would win his business, and my firm would continue to grow. But what was this about? I stared at him in question. He smiled at me. “Liv…I like it.” 

I didn’t respond to that. “What can I do for you, Mr. Marko?” “Tom,” he directed for the third time that day, as his eyes pierced into mine. 

I was flustered. “Sorry again. Tom.” 

“I’m going to give one firm my business...all of my businesses. Including the companies, you don’t know about. But only if you are the right firm.” 

Wait, was he actually involved in his business investments? What famous sports star was? 

“What questions can I answer for you?” I sat up a little straighter. I uncrossed my legs and crossed them again. Why was I so jumpy? 

His eyes drifted to my legs. Did I imagine that? Yes, I had to have. 

Damn it. I should not have sat here. I wouldn’t be questioning this if I maintained my alpha position behind my desk, where I belonged. “There are no questions to be answered except for one. Are you willing to really understand my entities and foundation?” “Of course…my firm always—” 

“Great. My driver will pick you up tonight at eight p.m. He will take you to Teterboro. I’ll meet you there. You’ll need to clear your schedule for the next four days.” 

Teterboro…the private jet airport? What? The next four days? What is he talking about? 

“I don’t understand.” I’m sure my face reflected my confusion. 

“If you are going to represent my companies, my foundation, and me, then you need to fully understand what and who you’re working with. You know the current firm is a nightmare, and we have issues to solve. I have a rare four-day break. As you know, we are currently in season. So... it’s now or never.” His eyes bored into mine. 

I tried to process all this.

Now or never. 

“Four days?” I spit out, as my eyes threw daggers at him. “Isn’t that a little extreme? No offense, but I’ve already spent hours with my team reviewing all the companies Phil sent over. I didn’t throw a quick presentation together,” I hurled the words at him, angry that he expected me to clear my schedule with no notice. 

Tom sighed. “Yes, I understand that. I didn't expect anything but that from you. It’s why I’m here. But there are more entities and issues you don’t...you don’t know about. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, I’m willing to give you everything.” 

He didn’t expect anything but that from me? What did he know about me? Willing to give me everything? Why did I feel like he wasn’t only talking about business? But surely this was only about business? 

His eyes drilled into me, challenging me, cornering me to make a decision. I stayed quiet. Four days with him. This sounded legit, but… 

“My jet will be on standby the whole weekend. If at any time, you want to leave and return early, you can. If you stay the entire time and still believe you can do the job you’re promising, then I will give you my entire portfolio to represent.” His voice was steel. 

“And if I say no?” I tossed my chin in the air. Male clients asked me out, invited me on exotic trips, and even had the audacity to ask me to go away with them while their wives were pregnant. But no one ever framed a request like this before. 

The words that came out of his mouth sounded business related, but… 

His mouth…I wondered what it would be like to explore it…. Snap out of it Liv, I scolded myself again. 

“Then I will have to find another firm. It’s important to me that you fully understand what you would be dealing with.” Yep, this was absolutely non-negotiable. 

“Can I ask where I’ll be going?” I didn’t like surprises. I couldn’t control surprises. 

“Colorado.” 

Colorado? 

“Why Colorado?” I tried to sound authoritative, as though I had some control over the situation. 

“You’ll see.” He paused. 

I waited. 

“It’s now or never, Olivia. Are you in or out?” 

I hesitated. “This is required?” 

“Yes.” He didn’t miss a beat. 

Our eyes fixed in a challenging stare. “Then I guess...I’m in.” “Great. See you tonight. I’ll have Laura give Meg more details.” He stood up and walked out as I sat in stunned silence. 

TOM 

I WALKED OUT OF OLIVIA’S OFFICE ON A HIGH BUT CURSED MYSELF. What was I doing? This is why I’d stayed away. 

Phil and Laura had been after me for months to meet Olivia White. Every time it came up, I blew it off and made excuses. “Tom, is everything all right?” Phil asked me in the car. We had just left a meeting and signed a deal with a new company we were buying. 

“Everything is great. Why do you ask?” 

Phil expressed his concern. “You’ve requested us to move all our accounts to Olivia White’s firm, and yet you don’t want to seem to be a part of it. While I’m in full support, if we're going to move all our accounts to her firm, you need to be included in this process. But you haven’t even met her yet.” 

I shrugged my shoulders and tried to act like I had nothing to hide. “You and Laura are more than capable of handling this, Phil.” 

Phil sighed. “You know we can’t move all these accounts over without you being involved, Tom. This isn’t like you. Are you sure everything’s okay? Has he reached out again?” 

My gut flipped at the thought of him. I shook my head. “No. He’s been eerily quiet lately.” 

“Then why don’t you want to be a part of this?” Phil pushed. My mind raced. Why didn't I want to be a part of it? Maybe because I didn't trust myself around her…because I would have to try. And because I had never wanted anyone like I wanted her. It was true. My infatuation with Olivia White had grown, and the more I stayed away from her, the crazier it drove me. More than anything, I wanted to meet her. What started off as intrigue, quickly grew to her haunting my dreams. If it weren’t for the threat of him, and what I had done, I would pursue her. But that would be selfish of me. And unfair to her. 

But I couldn’t tell Phil that. I realized he wasn’t going to let this go. “I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. If you want me there, I’ll go vet her with you and Laura.” That was a few days ago. 

As suspected, I couldn’t help myself. Being in a room next to her was electrifying. My obsession had run deep, but the real-life Olivia White was even more intoxicating than I had imagined. 

As I sat in the boardroom, I watched her and witnessed her discomfort at my attention. I didn't just want to get her alone. I needed to get her alone. 

This is exactly why you should have stayed away! 

I walked back to the conference room and popped my head in. “Olivia is going out to Colorado with me this weekend to learn more about all the businesses. I’ll text you a list of things that need to be arranged, okay, Laura?” 

Laura slowly nodded. “Sure, Tom.” 

Phil raised a brow, then a slight smile played on his lips. I ignored it. 

Meg didn’t even try to hide her shock. 

“Thanks. If you'll excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be.” I walked out, quickly made my way to the elevator and out to my car. The outside air smacked my face, a welcome cool to the heat I felt. 

I got in the car and started texting a list to Laura, as my mind raced with all the things, I needed to take care of before tonight. I damned myself that I put her in this position. 

She must think I’m a complete asshole, I guiltily thought, as I continued to shoot text messages to Laura, my housekeeper out in Colorado, and my other driver. 

Who am I kidding? I am a complete asshole. 

But she has her ‘rule,’ so she won’t let anything happen, I reminded myself. Which is what made it even more unfair of me to do this to her. 

I had learned about Olivia White's rule as I was shaving after practice one day. Not usually one to pay attention to locker room banter, I heard the name Olivia White, and my head about snapped off my neck. 

There was no doubt in my mind. I was going to have blue balls all weekend. 

I’ll be torturing her as well, I thought remorsefully. I could feel how nervous she was around me. I saw it in her eyes as she gazed into mine. I saw her sexy blush as I couldn't control my fixation on her. I was confident she was attracted to me. But she had her rule, so we were both going to be tormented. 

I scrubbed my hands over my face. I should have stayed away, but there was no rewind button. I would have to deal with it. Her face popped into my mind. Her full lips, those innocent eyes…argh. 

I texted Laura: “Ask Meg if Olivia’s rule is true.” 

Find out what happens next in The Rule!

We proudly partner with BookFunnel to safely deliver your Ebook purchases and to assist with any technical issues you may encounter. 

Upon purchase, you will immediately receive an email at the email address you used for your purchase providing a download link to your Ebook from BookFunnel. If you don't see the email, please check your spam or junk folder.

Each ebook you purchased will have a separate link in the email. Click your book link, then, on the BookFunnel page, you can simply click the command to start reading using your browser or click the Get My Ebook button and follow the instructions to download the Ebook to your Kindle, iPhone, Android, Nook or Kobo device.

Note: your purchased Ebook(s) may be downloaded within 14 days of purchase. Your purchased Ebooks will remain available to you to read in your BookFunnel library on the free BookFunnel app.

If you have any issues reading or downloading your purchased Ebook, there is a Need Help? link at the top right corner of the book download page.