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I don’t need to be told who Luigi De Santos is referring to, it’s quite evident.
“Anyway, Anisten, I’m sorry you had to see that, but by the way my son watches your every move, I say it’s not long until you’re officially a part of our family.”
Part of the De Santos family? I can’t think of a more loving family to be a part of.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
“What did you think, baby?” I ask the second we’re out of my parents’ driveway.
“I loved them, Luc. They’re wonderful people and made me feel so welcomed.” She stops for a second, her finger to her lips. “But I just realized your dad is Lu, you’re Luc, and your brother-in-law is Luis. Don’t you find that funny?”
I smile at her observation. “Yeah, never thought of that before. As you most likely figured out, we don’t see Luis often.” I leave it at that, but I’m positive Anisten will have follow-up questions.
“You don’t like him?”
I let out a very long deep breath. “I’m thankful he saved my sister, for that I’ll always be grateful, but I think he used the fact and manipulated her into marriage. I’m not sure if you can tell, but she doesn’t love him, and gratitude doesn’t keep you warm at night.”
“Your parents dislike him, I assume?” she asks.
“Luis is eight years younger than Dad. So, let’s just say it wasn’t his idea of what he wanted for his little girl. As you were witness to tonight, my parents are resentful of this hold he has on her. He keeps her close and never comes to family dinners. And if we’re being honest, Isa is beautiful. And Luis is just plain. He’s very clingy and possessive of her time. He’s not dumb, he knows Isa still loves Murph. And Murph will never love another woman. I sometimes think Luis is plotting the death of Murph.” I’m not kidding either. “Isabel and Murph look at one another like they have since they were young.”
“I’d only seen it once, with Murph and your sister. It’s hard to deny they love one another dearly,” she explains, and I’m not surprised. Their connection is very obvious.
“If you saw it, Luis sees it all the time, and I swear Murph tries to get a rise out of him. And I don’t think Murph is against the old man keeling over from a heart attack.” This isn’t a conversation I wish to continue, releasing my fingers from the console, I cover Anisten’s hand with mine.
“But, enough about that drama, what ways should I fuck you tonight?” I’m still not joking. It’s so easy to change the subject, especially when I’m thinking of every way I’ll take my Heaven tonight.
* * *
“I’d like you to consider replacing me on the case with Ms. Atkins.” This is what Harry asks of me the second he barges into my office. Shaelyn must have stepped away from her desk because no employee can walk in unannounced.
“Surely, I’ve not heard you correctly this morning, Harry?” I begin, not looking up from my computer.
“No, Sir, you heard me right. The woman doesn’t….”
“Careful with your next words, Harry.” I’ve not hidden the fact of Anisten’s and my involvement.
“She doesn’t listen to me. I give her my opinion, and she veers in the complete opposite direction. She’s trying to make me look like an idiot in front of you.”
This is interesting, and I let him continue because Anisten has not mentioned anything about Harry since the beginning. But he wants to dig his own grave because I can’t be unbiased with Anisten, I’ll admit.
“The only person making you look like an idiot right now is you, Harry. She initially expressed that you two didn’t work well together. But Anisten knew what she needed to do as the professional she is and hasn’t said a word in weeks. She’s not made it an issue, so maybe you should find a way to work with her like the adult you are and stop tattling behind my girlfriend’s back. I won’t put up with it. But continue, if you must.” I wave my hand in the air, giving him the opportunity, stupid motherfucker.
“You just said it, you’re biased when it comes to her. I won’t work with Ms. Atkins anymore. I’ve never told you no in the many years I’ve been with you, but now I am.”
This has just gotten good. I push from my feet and lean forward to get as close to the asshole as I can.
“You’ve never told me no because you value your job. I’m a person you will never say no to, Harry. You’ll work with Ms. Atkins, or you’ll find you won’t havea jobwith me anymore.”
I sit down, my attention back on my computer, and his stare is still fixed on me, I can feel it.
“You’re dismissed, Mr. Lane.”
He walks out, shutting the door behind him, and I wonder what sort of mischief my girl has gotten into. Knowing her, she won’t back down when she believes in something, which has me smiling.
* * *
Music plays throughout my apartment. I'd received a cryptic text from Anisten at four this afternoon, right after the ultimatum I'd given Harry. She told me to be home by six, and maybe she had a surprise for me. Anisten rarely leaves work before seven, and her proposition has me intrigued.
