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Now I’m really irritated. I hate it when she figures me out, especially when she rubs her righteousness in my face. “Well, what is it? Why did you lure me out here? I don’t have time for games. I’ve got shit to do.”
“Stop being obtuse. You know why.”
Damn it. “No.”
I down my own booze just as quickly, ignoring her as she rolls her eyes at me. I toss the cup into the small sink, enjoying her flinch from the harsh clank ringing off the vibrating metal. I’m out. I’ll find someplace else to get wasted. Without all the noise or drama.
“She’s perfect for you. I know it and you know—”
“Please do not tell me you hired her for me.”
The jackhammering in my head grows stronger from the realization of what she’s done. Unlike most people, London’s not terrified of me and doesn’t back down from my glare. Like the lunatic she is, she thrives under my fury.
“Of course, I did. She’s sweet, smart, submissive. Exactly what you need because as much as you hate to admit it, you’re bored with the sluts you usually fuck. And, besides, Gaspar would absolutely adore a nice girl like her for his oldest son.”
I wince from the mention of my father. He does want a daughter-in-law who’s good and docile and innocent. Seraphina’s exactly that and more. So much fucking more.
Damn London for being right. I have very few weaknesses, but she’s one of the only people who knows exactly what they are and how to use them against me. “I can find my own women.”
“Yeah, but the ones who suck your dick under the table at Ardono’s aren’t the kind you can bring home to your father. You think he really wants a whack job stripper like Josie to bear his grandchildren?”
Absolute exaggeration.
Kind of.
Josie isn’t that bad, especially when she stays off the molly.
“Besides, I’ve invited her to go with Reid and me to theJustice for AllGala, and you’re going to be her date. Because even though you’re an asshole, I still love you.”
Now I regret disposing of my glass. I definitely need more alcohol to deal with this bullshit.
And she thought Josie was nuts. “When did I turn into a fucking charity case? You’ve never cared about my love life before.”
The nonchalant shrug is as fake as her hair color. Her nervous turn of the huge diamond around and around on her left ring finger reveals the truth. I should have known.
She’s dumping me.
Reid’s taken over her world now. Hell, she might even pop out a kid or two. Which I didn’t think was possible with her formerly frigid heart, but I guess love does that to you. I never thought she and Reid would make it, let alone get married. Now she has bridesmaids and bouquets and boutonnieres.
And I’ve got…nothing.
Except someone besides my father who loves me enough to want to see me happy too. But I refuse to admit it. Or let her know it.
If I’m doing this, it’s on my own terms. “I’ll think about it.”
“Damn it, Balthazar, I’m only trying?”
“Save it. You’re wasting your breath and my time.”
I twist my wrist and tap on the platinum face of my new Audemars watch for emphasis. If I leave now, I’ll catch my dad before he meets with Volkov.
As the Russians attempt to encroach closer and closer to our territory, I need to make sure the spy we’ve infiltrated in their ranks understands the consequences he’ll face if he fails to deliver on my father’s demands.
Ignoring the insults she pelts at my back, I jog out of her office and back to the lobby. Where Seraphina stares intently at her screen, short crimson fingernails rapidly tapping on the keyboard. So dedicated and focused, she doesn’t notice my approach at first.
Strands of silky hair sway over her shoulder when she hears my shoes on the porcelain and jumps up again. I’m rewarded with another glorious smile brightening her heart-shaped face.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wiseman. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.”
