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The idea of anything—anyone—hurting her was one I couldn’t stand.
Which meant I had to overlook the fact that I was hurting her now.
We hadn’t talked about it, and there was no way we really could. Because access to James Industries was something I wouldn’t sacrifice, and though I tried my best to insulate her, I wouldn’t let it go.
I also wouldn’t tell her the truth, the full truth.
She didn’t need to know it, and finding out would only compound the hurt she felt now.
So she could try to build her wall, keep her distance, but one thing was certain.
I wanted her, and I had no intention of letting her go.
She was still upset, but she would get over that.
And what would happen after? I’d figure it out when the time came.
I lingered at my desk, listening as the building got quiet, then quieter, until I was almost completely alone. Then, I was on the move, headed for my most important meeting of the day.
I liked the silence in the building, but when I was here, like this, I thought about all the people, not just Amy, but the others who believed the lie. Took some small comfort in the fact that it wasn’t only me who was benefitting from it.
“What do you want, Raphael?”
Just seconds ago, I had entered the conference room on the main floor and turned when I heard Raphael approach, noting that he was punctual as always.
He smiled.
“No hello, Josh? Or should I say Mr. Petrosyan?”
“Raphael, I’m in no mood for your games. What do you want?” I said, not bothering to hide my annoyance. He’d insisted on a meeting and acted like he had the right to make any demands of me and my time.
I’d have to correct that misunderstanding. But first…
“We need to renegotiate,” he said.
“Renegotiate? Have we negotiated before?” I asked.
“I thought we had,” he said.
“My family being kind enough to give you a tribute in exchange for me working here is not a negotiation,” I said.
It didn’t surprise me that Raphael was trying to press his imaginary advantage. Still, I would be patient and hope he didn’t force me to demonstrate how little power he had here.
“You have to admit that me telling you about what Amy had found counts for something,” he said.
“You mean you think selling out your fucking daughter should win you brownie points?” I said, keeping my voice calm while my blood was boiling.
He shrugged. “I didn’t sell her out. She’s always been nosy and too smart for her own damn good. That’s not my fault.”
“You’re her father,” I said.
“She’s a grown woman,” he countered.
My disgust for the man hit a new high, which I hadn’t thought possible. I’d hated the way he treated Amethyst even before all this, but now…
“Do you know what we would do to a man like you in my country?” I said through gritted teeth.
“No, and I don’t care to. I want to talk about money,” he said.
