Page 151 of Unwritten Rules

As I slide across the backseat, he looks over his shoulder.

“Where to, miss?”

“DeMarco Holdings HQ on Wall Street.”

* * *

When Alex arrived back in Manhattan four weeks earlier, I’d bumped into him – yes, literally bumped into him in a city with a population of over 8 million people – in Little Italy, at the restaurant where Els works to cover the cost of her living expenses.

He’d been surprised to see me, but said it was a sign from above that we were both here at the same time as he’d just “lost” his latest PA – I don’t need to know the gross-as-fuck details behind why – and as I’d helped at DeMarco in London the past two summers, I had a leg up on the other would-be PAs.

It’s an easy role and has kept me busy while waiting to hear more about my book’s future, and the staff are some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met.

“Morning, Mila.” Cherie, the office manager, smiles widely from her seat behind the massive oak reception desk as I disembark from the elevator.

DeMarco Holdings, whilst owning an entire building in London, takes over just three floors here with 360-degree views of the Hudson and the surrounding Wall Street landscape. The top floor is reserved for the big brass, as Alex’s right-hand man, Grayson Hunter, claims.

The same man greets me, throwing an arm over my shoulder and tucking me in against his side, a broad grin on his way-too-handsome face.

Grayson is Alex’s Chief Financial Officer, or CFO. He’s happily married with infant twins, and everyone here worships him. It would be hard not to like the 6’3” blonde who reminds me of Chris Hemsworth with his easy charm and quick smile.

He’s also very easy on the eye!

“Good morning, good morning!” he sing-songs theatrically as we walk through the open-plan office space, his usual antics not drawing a single ounce of attention.

Grayson flashes his perfect teeth. “Your brother is at a meeting and asked that I talk to you immediately.”

He stops, clasping his hands on either of my shoulders.

I scrunch my face as I tilt my head back to stare up at him. “Why?”

Something feels off. And my gut is proved correct a moment later when Gray’s lip tics like he’s trying to suppress a smile.

“The big boss is in town today. Alex thought you’d appreciate the heads up.”

My stomach sinks. I’ve not seen or spoken to Henry in weeks, having successfully avoided his calls and just responded vaguely in our group chat.

“Does he know I’m here?”

Grayson nods slowly, squeezing my shoulders in quiet support. He’s been somewhat of a confidante during my time here, so he knows at least half of my reasons for being in Manhattan.

“Alex had no choice but to tell him. Though there’s no doubt Henry already knew, Mila. The man is omnipotent. He knows all.”

Very true, but still, I don’t take comfort from that fact.

“Mouse!”

Gray’s eyes blow wide when he looks over my head as Henry’s voice calls from behind us. “And that’s my cue. Alex also said to make sure that I remind you of your meeting tonight—”

I wave him away. “Yeah, I know. Thanks, Grayson.”

He lets go of my shoulders, nods at Henry over my head, and turns back towards his office.

Slowly, I spin about to see my eldest brother intent on me.

“I’ve cornered you at long last.” Before I can speak, Henry tugs me into his embrace. “Come on. Let’s talk in my office.”

I draw back, brow puckered. “What?”