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She headed back to the office and found Billy staring at paperwork. “What’s going on? You’ve been taking longer with that stuff lately.”
“It’s my eyesight. I think it’s going. Maybe I’ll really have to retire this time.”
“Could it be cataracts?”
“Probably. The doc mentioned them last year, but I didn’t take him seriously.”
“Surgery might correct it, and you can keep working.”
“We’ll see.”
“In the meantime, let me help you with that stack. She took a good chunk of the work from his desk.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you about the guy who tried to break into the Ricketts Estate. What’s going on with you two?”
Heat flooded her face. “Nothing.”
“Eh. No need to lie about girl. It’s written all over your face.”
“He seems to like me, but I told him I didn’t want a relationship with him.”
“May I ask why you did that when you’re clearly smitten with him?”
She let out a mirthless laugh. “A relationship with a New York billionaire is not something I’m ready for. It doesn’t matter how much I might like him. I can’t go there.”
“That’s silly. How much money a person has shouldn’t matter, and people can move, so geography isn’t that huge an obstacle. If you care about each other, you’ll make it work.”
Sam focused on the paperwork in front of her. There was no way she’d convince Billy of what she knew in her heart. Taking a risk with Gavin would devastate her in the end.
Masonleanedagainstthemarble fireplace and watched Brittany as she addressed envelope after envelope, her hand gliding across the parchment. The inkwell beside her was near empty, a testament to the fact that she’d spent hours mastering the art of calligraphy under his tutelage. She kept her eyes focused on her work avoiding any careless smears.
“Your penmanship is improving. Keep at it, and you’ll soon be adequate.”
“I’ve completed the task. May I go now?”
Mason chuckled. “You’ll remain with me this evening. Tonight’s menu is fillet mignon, I trust that’s to your liking?”
He was fairly certain the girl was one of those insufferable vegans, but she’d eaten the caviar without complaint when it was served to her. Employing a tactic similar to the one the military used in basic training worked well for training women. He broke them down and built them up. It was usually a task left to Warden, but since Mason was staying at the estate for the next couple of weeks, he was only too happy to participate in the process for the current round of girls. It brought him pleasure to see them find the humility they lacked when they arrived. Brittany turned to face him, her eyes filled with fear.
“Nothing to fret over, darling, I’ll need two more cards. One for Grayson Garrison, plus one. And another for Gavin Garrison, plus one?”
Brittany’s eyes widened. “You’re going to invite them to the same place where there sister is being held captive?”
He leaned close, his eyes boring into hers. “Dare you speak without permission?”
She lowered her head, and he raised her chin with a gentle finger. “Look at me when I’m talking. The Garrisons have money, power, and influence. Cate was invited, and by extension, you were invited into our ranks so that the Continental Alliance could gain from their prestige. Cate failed, but we can still entertain her brothers. Perhaps even her father. They are influential people. And once they see the good we do, they’ll want to join our mission.” He dropped his hands to his side and stood to his full height. “Finish your task and I may even allow you to act as hostess for the party.” Unless Vanessa found a way to redeem herself by then. Then again, perhaps he’d choose someone else entirely. So, many to choose from.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gavinsatatthebreakfast bar in the lodge’s kitchen. He’d decided to forgo a big breakfast in favor of a bowl of cereal. As he ate, he scrolled through his emails on his cell phone. Nothing noteworthy that he hadn’t already addressed.
He glanced at the time, and then dialed Ben. His assistant should be in the office by now.
“Hey, boss. Need something?”
“Just checking in. How’s everything at the office.”
“Snail mail is piling up, otherwise everything’s under control. Want me to fed-ex you this stuff?”
