Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“That’s your problem. He’s your husband.”
“I don’t know why I’m even trying to help you. He’s pulled us all into trouble. He’s pulled Dalton into the mix but you’ll figure that out, when it’s too late.” She starts to walk away.
Damn it, I think, and grab her arm. “Just spit it out.”
“Why? You won’t give an ounce of merit to what I say.”
“I’m listening.” I release her, all too aware, of how bad me touching her would look to Sofia, who is thankfully in the room.
“Fine,” she says, and indicates a small table. “Can we sit?”
I rub my palm over the tension knotting at the back of my neck and drop my hand, motioning that direction. “Make it fast.” I move to the location she’s indicated and sit down with her claiming the seat across from me.
“It’s bad,” she says.
“Talk fast,” I order brusquely. “You have about a minute to get my attention, or I’m getting up.”
Her brow crinkles, and there is a chide in her tone as she snaps, “Don’t be an asshole,” at me, as distasteful as everything else about her. How I convinced myself I could spend my life with her, I do not know.
“Thirty seconds,” I warn. “Not a second longer.”
“I made a mistake,” she says quickly. “Grant and I—”
“You married him, Anna. So, whatever you plan to say, keep it to yourself. I’m not interested.”
“I know I hurt you, and I—”
“You saved me from a foolish business deal that was never going to last. If that is what this is about, go back to your husband, my brother. This conversation never happened.”
Tears well in her eyes, and she must think I don’t know how easily she uses puppy dog eyes and tears to manipulate those around her, or rather, the men around her. “I came here to help you.” She holds up her hands. “I didn’t mean to make this—this. Us.” She curls her fingers into her palms. “He’s—Grant’s gotten involved with some shady investors. I did some digging and there are rumors they have mob ties. I’m certain he’s using these pet projects to funnel money to these people in some way. The health food company he’s dealing with right now, it’s some sort of shell company.”
“Grant is not involved with the mob. Why would he do that? He has full access to the family money.”
She leans in closer. “He’s taking calls privately, throwing around money, and he’s secretive about these pet projects in ways that feel off. If this is the mob, we’re all screwed.”
Grant? I think. That’s impossible. He’s not that stupid. Then again, he’s stupid as fuck at times. “Are you sure he’s not having an affair?”
“That man wouldn’t have it in him to fuck any more than he’s constantly trying to fuck me. More like he’s trying to fuck us all. If he gets in debt to the wrong people or drags us all into legal hell or mob hell, then what? I didn’t sign-up for this kind of foolishness. I can’t live like this. I need out before I go down with him. He’s just so damn competitive with you. I think—I think he sees nothing else. I don’t know what to do but leave his ass.”
“Have you told my father?”
“He’ll blow me off. You know he will. And I’m only sitting here because I owe you.”
No, she’s sitting here, because she’s self-serving, and this is all about saving herself in some way. “I’ll look into it. Go home. Now.”
“That’s it?” she demands. “What if your father gets pulled into this?”
“I’ll look into it,” I bite out.
Her eyes go wide at my tone. “You’re such a dick.”
I shift to get up, when I realize I cannot let my brother fuck us all over. I need her to find out more information. I have to be willing to work with her. “If this is real, we need to communicate.”
“That was the whole idea, asshole.”
“Find out what you can. Contact me with anything of importance, but be smart about how you do it. Use your office phone, not your cell. Grant is volatile. There’s no telling what he’ll do if he sees us communicating.”
“No kidding,” she grinds out. “He has a meeting in a few days with these ‘investors.’ I heard him set it up. I’ll follow him and find out who they are.”
I give a short nod and when I would get up, she grabs my arm. “I regret the day I slept with that man and lost you.” She releases me before I can jerk my arm away, gets up, and walks away. And far away is where I want her. The problem is I know her too well and if she uses me to taunt Grant, it’s going to be hell for all of us. I’m already on my feet, and in pursuit.