Page 101 of Merging Wright

“She’s our best account executive, Ashe. She’ll get the job done and then—”

Account. Executive. A valued employee. I stay late and arrive early. I work weekends, holidays, and vacations.

I work, and I work, and I work.

I give, and I give.

And he takes.

And now, Machlan Wright has personally used months of my life.

“I don’t want to lose her. Impact needs her.”

Pressing off the wall, I’ve heard enough and turn toward the kitchen, exiting through the side door.

It’s time to take one for me, not the team. Not the town. And definitely not Mr. Wright.

48

Playlist: “Breaking Hearts” – Sam Smith

[Mach]

When I can’t find Jane after my upsetting phone call with Tucker, I search for her, eventually going to the last place I wanted to visit. Myles has a construction office outside of town. Building supplies, work trucks, and miscellaneous items fill the massive yard outside an old warehouse. With Jane and I sharing my truck, no vehicle gives away her presence here, but I still need to check.

With a heavy tug on the front door of Myles’s warehouse, it doesn’t take me long to find my brother and my wife. A corner of the wide, open space is sectioned off with floor to ceiling glass panels allowing anyone within the warehouse to see within the office.

And what I see is my brother hugging my wife. “What the hell is going on here?”

Myles quickly steps back, taking a seat on the edge of his huge, wooden desk while Jane stands before it. Her arms are folded around her middle in a protective stance. Or maybe she’s holding herself together as her fingers clutch the sides of her sweater.

“Just what the fuck?” My body vibrates like I’m strung tighter than a chain saw cutting wood. Jane swipes at her cheek which appears dry.

“What did you do to her?” I point at my brother before swiping a hand up Jane’s spine to comfort her. Only, she bristles under my touch and steps to the side. “What the fuck?”

I face Jane, who keeps her side to me. Out of the corner of my eye, Myles shifts. “I think I’ll give you two some privacy.”

“Right fucking answer.” I stare at the side of Jane’s face. She doesn’t look like she’s been crying. My strong girl hardly sheds tears. Even last night, the reality of the fire didn’t fully hit her.

“You should stay.” Jane focuses on Myles.

“This doesn’t concern him.” I narrow my eyes at her before craning my neck to peer at my brother. “Or does it?”

Is something going on with them? Am I not seeing what’s before me? Is this Tracy all over again?

“What does that mean?” Myles snaps back, his tone as defensive as mine.

I turn back to Jane. “Are you in love with him?” The question rushes out of me, guilt imposed on her. Is she having an affair with my twin?

Jane turns her head and glares at me, flames as intense as last night’s fire in her eyes. “You’re an idiot.”

What the fuck? My head rears back.

“I’ll stay now,” Myles sneers, settling in by crossing his ankles and resting his hands on the edge of his desk.

“Get the fuck out,” I demand, turning on him. Stepping forward, I’m ready to lay out my brother, but Jane’s arm flails outward to block me.

“Please stay.” Her voice strengthens as she addresses Myles, and the hairs on my neck rise.