Chapter 9 #3
And why would he? My specialty has always been security, an aspect of the hospitality industry that doesn’t rely on being friendly or approachable.
In my line of business, the customer is rarely right.
I can be downright rude if the situation warrants it, and being intimidating comes naturally to me.
I scare people without trying. Or most people.
Grace Hamel being the notable exception.
“After the accident, I did a lot of self-reflecting,” I explain, although it’s hardly news to Rory.
“I’ve been thinking for a while that I need a new challenge, something that doesn’t involve seeking out the worst in people.
” I lean forward, putting all my weight behind the request I’m about to make.
I need Rory to take me seriously. I’ll do anything to keep Grace near.
I need her. “I want to take on the Brimstage project.”
“Fuck off,” Rory says without the slightest hesitation.
“Rory–”
“Maddie would kill me,” he says, referring to Ash’s sister-in-law who’d had the final say in selling what had been her family’s estate. “It took months convincing her to sell it to us, and I had to agree to all kinds of caveats.”
“And we’ll honor those promises.”
He checks his watch and gets to his feet, deciding an exit would be the most efficient way to close down the discussion.
“I’m not asking to change your plan,” I say forcibly. “I just want to deliver it. I want to do something with tangible results that doesn’t involve court proceedings or the recovery of stolen property.”
The more I talk, the more I can see the appeal in trying something new. I come out from behind my desk and follow Rory to the door.
“Dad’s been on my back about broadening my interests,” I continue. “This could be the perfect opportunity to expand my skill set.”
“Speaking of Dad,” Rory says, deftly changing the subject. “He’ll be back from his travels next week and wants us all home that weekend.”
There was a time when we’d find any excuse for a family get-together. Not so now. “Will Meri be there?” I ask, remaining at the door my brother has escaped through.
He pauses at Edison’s desk. “I haven’t mentioned it to her yet.”
My shrug is a poor attempt to pretend it doesn’t fucking hurt when I say, “Tell my sister if she wants to go, I won’t. I’ll plan my visit around her.”
“Dad will want all of us there.”
“Then tell Meri that.”
My sister hasn’t spoken to me for the last eighteen months, and it’s going to take more than an invite from Dad to change that. Rory knows it and simply nods, then gives me a wave as if that’s our business concluded.
“Damn it, Rory,” I say, raising my voice as he strides off in the direction of his office. “Are you going to give me an answer? I’m serious about the project.”
Big brother’s steps falter and he stills. When he turns, he shoves his hands in his pockets and hunches his shoulders. “I’d still want oversight.”
“Of course,” I say, my chest flooding with relief. “I’ll let Noah know I’m taking over.”
Rory hears the excitement in my voice and stares at me for the longest time.
He’s gone still again and the only movement is his eyes.
They narrow on a spot just over my shoulder.
He’s clocked the missing nameplate. He doesn’t ask what happened to it.
He guesses rightly that I won’t give him a straight answer.
“Be sure to let Mrs. Hamel know too,” he says at last.
I don’t react. I don’t fucking need to because it’s my PA who gives a start at the mention of Grace’s name. Nice one, Ed.
Rory notices everything, but says nothing as he wanders back to his office.
I glare at Ed. “I thought I fired you. Why are you still here?”
My PA outstares me. “I was rearranging your meeting with the police commissioner.”
“Well, once you’re done organizing my calendar, you can leave,” I tell him. I let the silence stretch for dramatic effect, but my intimidation tactics are as useless on Ed as they are on Grace. “Take the rest of the day off, asshole. You did good today.”
Rather than thank me, he huffs. “I know I did, but I’d rather not get dragged into any more of your Machiavellian plots,” he says. His eyebrows arch. “She seems nice by the way. I can see why you like her.”
Edison has been my PA long enough to know me almost as well as my own family.
In relation to Grace Hamel, he knows me better.
Calder might have caught me sneaking Grace into my room, and there’s been a family debate about who she is, but only Edison and Max are aware of the lengths I’d go to get Grace back in my life.
My PA’s gaze drops to my crotch. My cock hasn’t completely softened, but I didn’t think my hard-on would be noticeable. “You might want to change before you see anyone else,” he suggests.
I glance down to where the damp patch from my precum is ever so slightly visible through my dark grey pants.
Fuck. I hope Rory didn’t notice that too.
Before my cheeks can turn scarlet, I scowl at Ed.
“Fuck off out of here,” I tell him. “Just make sure you’re here bright and early for my nine o’clock appointment tomorrow. ”