Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
ELIJAH
Don’t argue. Do what I say.
T he note written on Pen’s business card.
What the fuck?
Despite my better judgement, and because I’m getting nowhere fast, I do exactly what she says and follow Pen out of my office.
One thing’s for sure, I’m going to kill my brother when I get my hands on him.
What the hell does Gabe think he’s doing?
I went to him in confidence, and the first thing he does is blab to Pen. Pen who happens to be engaged and about to marry my biggest competitor. Was he not listening when I uttered those words.
I know he threatened to call her, but he certainly didn’t wait twelve hours. If he had, she wouldn’t be here yet.
I follow her to the elevator in silence. It’s taken a while to get here. Too many of my staff wanting to say ‘ Hello ’, and ‘ Congratulations ’. You’d think she was bloody royalty.
While I’m waiting, I pull out my phone and fire my brother a message.
ME:
What the hell, Gabe
Three dots appear.
GAbrIEL:
You’re welcome.
ME:
I told you in confidence. Told you I didn’t want Pen involved.
GAbrIEL:
I warned you. And Pen is family. I wouldn’t share it with anyone else.
ME:
No, she’s not.
Although I know I’m lying. Pen is an honorary member of the Frazer family, and my parents and siblings all but adopted her years ago.
GAbrIEL:
Not in your eyes, maybe, but to the rest of us.
GAbrIEL:
Don’t be an arse. Be grateful. Pen has your back.
I sigh and stuff my phone back into my pocket.
The elevator arrives, and we step inside. Luckily, it’s empty.
“Gabriel tell you to stop being a grumpy bastard and accept my help?” Pen asks.
I look up and find her watching me.
I grunt. “You think you’re so clever?”
She turns and faces forward, but I don’t miss her grin. “That’s because I am. My IQ is?—”
“I know. You reminded me every day at university. You’re also a smart arse.”
“And don’t you know it? Smart arse meets grumpy bastard. I wonder who’s going to win?”
Before I can say anything more, the elevator pings, the doors opening onto a busy reception.
I ignore her. I know she’s trying to needle me, snap me out of my funk. She used to use the same tactic when we were at uni together, especially after I broke my ankle.
I hold out my arm, motioning for Pen to lead the way. She smiles over her shoulder, and I can practically hear her words.
“Always the gentleman.”
She steps ahead without argument, giving me time to take in her appearance. She’s wearing blue designer jeans that hug her tight ass. An off-the-shoulder light jumper exposes her tanned shoulder. Her hair is scooped up in a messy bun, knotted at the base of her long neck. Her shoulders are back as she carries herself with an air of confidence. For someone who’s just flown in, she looks surprisingly refreshed. She’s one hundred per cent the powerful and assertive businesswoman. Although her underlying sassy attitude hasn’t changed, or at least where I’m concerned. Despite all the stress of the past couple of days, I realise I like that.