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His, what Bradley probably thought was a devastating grin, toward Jezebelle inched up Brick’s edginess further. She would never be Bradley’s. But if it made him feel better to think so…
A light squeeze to his hand had him relaxing. He had needed that reassurance from her. He tightened his hold in return to say thanks. He obviously wasn’t hiding his annoyance well enough. By the subtle smirk Bradley flashed his way, he knew how much he was bothering Brick.
They finished walking around the art gallery where Jezebelle and Bradley did most of the talking. He wasn’t much into art, and most of the time when they came across some sort of abstract piece, he only saw a messy jumble of paint. Although, he enjoyed hearing Jezebelle’s take on each canvas. She looked deep and pulled out some amazing things he would’ve never considered.
Lunch was tense, at least on his part. He interjected now and again, especially when her mother said things he didn’t like, but for the most part, he kept quiet. He could tell every time her mother brought up Jezebelle’s new job at the law firm, it bothered her. Yet, unlike yesterday when she told her mother she would never be happy there, she didn’t say anything to the effect today. With her frequent nods and short smiles every so often, it seemed like she had accepted her fate.
Living an unhappy life with a job she’d hate.
Next to a man he definitely hated.
If it was the last thing he ever did, he’d make sure Jezebelle refused her mother’s demands. Even if he didn’t end up being with her.
He was grateful when lunch ended. The devious smile filtered his way by her mother had his skin crawling with unease. It said so many things. Like perhaps his brother had already talked to her today—after his visit—about signing those papers.
He had to put a stop to that.
His eyes glided to his grandmother’s ring sitting so beautifully on Jezebelle’s hand as they traveled to the first apartment.
How could he ask her to take it off? How could he give in to his brother, in to that witch’s demands?
The first apartment had his eyes bulging for a brief second, but not long enough for Bradley to see.
Gleaming with elegance, with the dapper doorman to the glittering chandelier hanging in the lobby to the view from one of the apartments—of course, on the top floor—Brick knew he’d never be able to afford something like this. The gorgeous view of Central Park was enough to make him wish he could.
Jezebelle sounded excited, her eyes shimmering with joy as she toured the apartment. Bradley looked way too smug at her adoration of the place, like he was winning a portion of the silent battle they were in.
Was this what Jezebelle wanted? To live in a glamorous place with a rich asshole?
His apartment was nothing to talk about. Hell, he lived above a bar. A tiny room where he shoved a bed and one small couch into the small space.
“The view is spectacular,” Jezebelle said with awe as she stood next to Bradley.
Brick hovered in the kitchen. While he wasn’t a master chef, he enjoyed cooking on occasion. Most of the time he ate bar food. But when he had the chance to chill out in his zone, he liked to cook. It was a good way for him to decompress. Based on the kitchen alone, he’d take the apartment. Sure, the view was great, but the state-of-the-art kitchen with gleaming counters, double oven, large fridge, and a pantry that had him salivating was what made him love the apartment.
Well, if he was rich, he’d love it. But since Bradley wanted it, he hated the entire thing.
“What do you think, Brick?” She turned toward him, her smile stuck between sweet and nervous.
“The kitchen is great.” He offered a grin in return.
“I’ll be hiring someone to cook meals for me. Keep the fridge stocked and the place clean,” Bradley replied in a smug tone.
Of course, he’d hire someone to do his every bidding. Brick barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
“Well, I wouldn’t make a decision until you’ve seen the other two.” That was all Brick would say. Because he didn’t care what apartment the guy picked. If he had his way, Jezebelle would never be stepping inside one of them ever again.
They toured the other two places—both equally rich looking—but Bradley decided to take the first one.
They parted ways with Bradley saying he’d see Jezebelle for breakfast—again.
Were the five days over yet? That was all Brick could think as Bradley said good-bye with his parting words—and the infuriating way he hugged her and then kissed her on the cheek.
Only he was allowed to touch her in such a way. Well, as long as they were fake engaged, anyhow.
He drove them back to the bar. She reached out and touched his thigh, although didn’t make any movements. Her light touch was enough to light his body on fire. He grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers. One, to keep her from enticing him with anything further. Two, because he enjoyed holding her hand.
“You okay?”
