Or with any people, for that matter.
“So you’re trying to be me now?” Xander asks after we order, smirking. “Pissing off Dad from the home turf is no longer fun?”
My brother leans back in his chair, studying me as if he could decode my motivations. He can’t. Identical twins don’t get mind-reading privileges.
Of course he would question my sudden interest in acquiring a stake in his company, Merged.
His former company. Six months ago he lost his mind over a woman and gave up his corporate life.
Clearly, he still cares about the insanely successful venture sought by anyone in this world who is looking to expand, to grow, to get richer.
He still cares, even after he foolishly sold his piece of the business to his partner, Cormac Quinn.
I love my brother. But that’s not a reason for oversharing. It’s not like he confided in me when he pulled the same thing and left the family business.
But we’re here, having a conversation, because I might need Xander to succeed at my mission.
The office lights in the building on the other side of the street shine their corporate coolness into the warm night.
Little Thunder is there somewhere. Until tonight, Ithought of her as a chess piece. Getting a glimpse of her shifted something. I don’t have time for the unexpected. I need to stay focused.
My father’s latest demand isn’t a suggestion. It’s a deadline. He never issues one without consequences.
I don’t like it. But discomfort is my familiar territory. A path that sealed my heart in something colder than stone.
Xander left. Built his own empire. Rekindled the family ties when it suited him.
I’m not escaping. I’m finishing something.
“Why would I reinvent the wheel?” I shrug and take a sip of my drink.
He snorts. “Why do youneedto reinvent the wheel? Father has been relying on you more and more. You’re the Stone heir.”
I look away to hide my wince.
Xander continues. “You deserve it, so this doesn’t seem like a move that would benefit you. You don’t need the money.”
Deserve it? The word doesn’t sit right.
The boardroom was never the destination. It has always been leverage. A necessary proximity. I’ve tolerated the suits. The speeches. The performance of legacy.
They are temporary measures. And once the objective is met, I have no intention of staying.
I wipe the corners of my mouth. Things used to be so easy between me and Xander.
Until we weren’t. Not Xander’s fault. Not mine either.
Sterling Stone broke us efficiently. Precision was always Father’s preferred weapon. Collateral damage never bothered him.
My current plan is volatile, but at least it’s three thousand miles away from him. Not far enough.
“Brother.” I flex my fingers. The room is too loud, every sound scraping along my nerves. “He’s decided I’ll marry. Lock family. Business alliance.”
Feel your hands.
I squeeze my fist. The pressure pushes air back into my lungs.
The server approaches with our entrées, giggling at the fact that we look like… well, like twins.
