Chapter 1
JULES
“Stop right there, Juliet.”
Damn it. I was hoping he wouldn’t be in the living room. I know he’s looking over his books, and that usually happens in his office. I back-pedal slowly across the open archway. What part of tonight’s outfit could my father possibly find fault in? Can’t wait to find out. “What’s up, Dad?”
He gives me a once-over. “You look very nice.”
It sounds like a compliment, but it’s the start of a fishing expedition. I flatten the stomach of my lacey tank top like I’m checking for wrinkles, despite knowing there aren’t any. “Thank you.”
“You wouldn’t happen to have a date, would you?”
Strictly speaking, no. But also, yes. I can’t tell him that though. “I’m meeting Shannon and Rose for drinks.” It’s the truth, but not all of it.
“That should be fun,” he says. Then he nods at Gino and Teague, who are sat on the couch opposite of him. “You two go with her.”
“Seriously?” I fold my arms across my chest. It’s a reflex, ingrained at this point. “It’s Shannon and Rose, not a summit of the mob families.”
He lifts an eyebrow. “Tone.”
“I wasn’t taking one, I was stating a fact.”
“They’re coming with you, regardless. Monaghan’s been busy lately.”
Of course he knows that. Corporate espionage isn’t solely for legitimate corporations. If it were only Gino, I could manage. But my cousin, Teague, is good at his job and takes it too seriously. He’s elevated brown-nosing my father to an artform. “I’ll take Gino. Teague should stay here and do math. He needs the practice.” I stick my tongue out at him.
He laughs mirthlessly. “We didn’t all inherit your intelligence, my smarty-pants little cousin.”
“It certainly missed you, my shit-for-brains big cousin.”
My father’s face is stony as he says, “I said Gino and Teague are both coming with you.”
I won’t waste my breath arguing. I’d lose. Anyway, there’s still a chance I could ditch them if I play my cards right. “Okay.”
Dad nods. “Very good.”
Neither Teague nor Gino seem to be in a hurry to get their asses off the couch. I’m not worried about being late. I just… I can’t wait to see her. I tap my foot. My heels make an unpleasant click-clacking against the marble floor. Teague looks at me like he’s dense.
“Well, can we go? God, Teague, it’s like you only have two speeds: Slow and reverse.”
That makes my father chuckle. “Best not keep the lady waiting.”
At my father’s behest, Teague practically jumps off the sofa. Gino, while the stoic type, lets slip a hint of annoyance at his overeagerness; I’m glad not to be the only one it bothers.