Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 100423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“They’re setting up your home-working situation at the manor in a few days. I scheduled for them to install the secure lines and the full system. Are you still of a mind to stay longer than the initial three weeks?”
I pause, pen hovering. Three weeks was the plan—rest, come back, then maybe stay longer, but that was before her, before those furious, stubborn eyes told me no in a way I’m not used to hearing. I lean back and run a hand over my jaw, my stubble rough against my palm.
I think of the work she’ll be putting in in the coming weeks to get the cottage to a livable state. For sure, it will take longer than three weeks. Staying longer in Montrose will mean I’ll have more time to wear her down and find the cracks in her armor.
“Yeah,” I say, voice low. “I think I will stay longer.” My eyes flick to my Athena, catching the faint lift of her perfectly plucked brow.
“I’ll adjust the schedule accordingly,” she says, jotting something on her tablet.
I exhale and lean back. My mind is restless now, churning actually. Lauren’s not just a problem. She is a puzzle, one I need to solve before she costs me more than time.
“Athena,” I say, reaching for the breakfast she brought. I open the package. Blueberry muffins, the ones I like from Knightsbridge. I take one out and the fruity aroma fills my nostrils. “I need you to find out about the new owner of Sweetbriar Cottage. Her name's Lauren Hutton. I want to know everything about her. What she likes, where she’s from, what she did for a living before turning up in the middle of nowhere, why she’s really here if it’s not to sell. You can get some info from Edward to get you started. Athena’s eyes narrow, just a fraction, but her voice is efficiency itself.
“Yes, Sir,” she says, tapping her tablet again, her fingers a blur. “I’ll have him send what he’s got, and dig for the rest myself. Is there anything specific you’re looking for?”
“I want leverage,” I say, biting into the succulent muffin, but the truth is a lot seedier. I want to know her, what makes her tick, why she’s fighting so hard for a heap of junk that’s barely standing. I want to know how to get her to scream my name as I fuck her hard. “Get me the full picture,” I say, my voice tight. “No gaps.”
She nods crisply. If I know her, she’s already halfway into the task in her head. Just then, the doorbell goes, and there is something impatient and entitled about the length of the ring. Irritation flares fast in my chest as I turn to look at Athena. Our eyes meet, and hers are defensive.
“Don’t look at me. I didn’t tell anyone you’re down,” she says. “And it wouldn’t be anyone from the office either—not this early.”
She moves before I can, crossing over to the door with her usual efficiency, heels clicking sharply on the hardwood. I stay put, grabbing the coffee, forcing a sip—cold now, and bitter as hell after the muffin. I hear a slight edge in Athena’s voice, clipped words I can’t quite make out, then another set of heels, someone forcing their way in. I pick up the muffin and lift my gaze.
Meredith.
Fuck me. That’s all I need right now.
My ex-girlfriend strides in like she owns the place, her blonde hair sleek and shining, her superbly tailored jacket screaming wealth louder than any words could. My stomach twists, annoyance spikes so fast it’s almost nausea. She’s got no right to be here, no reason, and yet here she is, eyes locking on me with that mix of defiance and desperation I know too well.
“Hugh! Hi, I’m sorry for barging in.” Her voice is smooth but rushed, like she’s rehearsed it. “But it’s more or less the only way I can reach you now.”
I don’t move, don’t speak, just scowl at her. How the hell did she know I was here? Are my movements being monitored by everyone now?
“James told me you were at the party last night,” Meredith explains as though she can read the questions off my face. “I didn’t know you were going to be there, or I would have gone too.”
Athena’s already retreating, slipping out of the room with a glance that says, you don’t need me here for this disaster. Meredith steps closer, perching on the chair beside me, too close, her perfume subtle, expensive and exotic, nothing like the dust and earth I keep imagining from that cottage.
“How have you been, Hugh?” she asks softly. “I worry about you, you know. You work too hard.”
“I’m fine,” I reply, looking at the door. “Just stressed as usual.”
She pretends to pout. “You said we could be friends, but you’re not allowing that to happen. Just because our relationship didn’t work doesn’t mean we can’t be on good terms.”