Page 125 of Ice Rebel

“Don’t forget corrupt. If only I could be as ruthless as my father. He’s broken countless laws over the years and has yet to be arrested. Or lose business. Just crazy.”

“I’m sorry you’ve lived with that. If only you had proof.” She laughed, the sound so bitter. She was suffering just like Cole was.

My heart ached. I leaned my head back, unable to get his handsome face from my mine. “Oh, I have proof.”

“How?”

“I’m a curious girl. Just a few details I found a couple years ago. Don’t tell Jagger, but I might have hinted I had something so dear ole Daddy would give me a year to prove myself. Don’t ask.”

“Maybe you are a bit like your father.” She cocked her head and I turned mine at the same time.

An idea popped into my head. “You know what? My birthday is in a couple months.”

“I hate to tell you this, but I don’t think the Kendrick family will want to celebrate with you.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” What in the hell was wrong with me? If I could be as conniving as my father, maybe I could beat the man at his own game.

“Okay, I’ll bite, but if you’re just going to turn around and hurt Cole or my parents, I will go all shifter on you.”

“Let me ask you a question. Do you know any attorneys?”

“Not personally, but my boss might have a recommendation. What are you planning?” At least Samantha hadn’t tossed me into a swamp.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but can you try and trust me for a little longer? If you don’t like my idea after I tell you and don’t want to help me, then I’ll be out of the condo by the end of the week and you’ll never see or talk to me again.”

“O-kay. I’ll bite. But first, why?”

“I already told you. I’m falling in love with Cole and while he might hate me forever, I won’t let his life be ruined because of my family. And I do have the means to keep that from happening, but I will need your help.”

Samantha shifted in her seat. “Alright. Deal. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. I am a ferocious beast.”

“Fair enough.”

“Then what do you need? And don’t you dare make me regret this.”

I rubbed my fingertip across my bottom lip, trying to think like my father. I’d had enough experience seeing him in action. “A suit and not one purchased at a discount clothing store.”

“That I can do easily. What else?”

“A name of an attorney, but he’ll need to work on contingency until my ship comes in. But if he or she helps that occur, the ship will be full of gold.”

Samantha straightened up in her seat. “That could be a tedious task, but I have a way of convincing people to do what I want. Plus, I’m extremely curious as to what you have in mind. Go on.”

“Third and equally important. I need you to talk to and convince my brother that what I’m doing and him assisting me with is the right thing to do. Do you think you can do that? Do you think you can spend some time with the possible enemy?”

I knew why I adored Samantha and right now, I was extremely grateful she hadn’t automatically tossed our friendship aside. “I’ve been known to soothe the savage beast. I’m in.”

“Good. Then let’s get started.”

What I had planned was crazy, likely impossible and would cut ties with my mother and father, but it was important, possibly more than anything else I’d done in my life. While it was entirely possible Cole would never trust me again, it wouldn’t be for the lack of trying.

Or doing the right thing.

* * *

For the first time in my existence, I felt like my own woman. Unfettered by self-doubt. Perhaps that was blowing things a little out of proportion, but in a little over two days, I’d learned a lot about myself, business, corporate law, and myriad other things I’d never had an interest in before.

Now it was time to put it all into motion.