Chapter 11
Brody
"It’s the condition for Arthur giving me access to my inheritance.” I shrug.
Old man likes the drama, so I keep my face like stone. I knew he was going to bring this up, though why he picked today of all days to do so, I’m not sure.
"You said you’d be happy to marry the woman I chose for you." Arthur curls his lips.
Unlike my brothers, I've never bothered to fight my grandfather’s maniacal pursuit to marry us off. Since I never intend to fall in love, marrying a woman of my own choosing didn’t seem a possibility. It seemed simpler to marry a woman he chose for me.
It has the added advantage of making Gramps happy.
I'm the only one of my brothers who seems to genuinely care enough to want to make Gramps happy. I’d be lying if I said I don’t hope it’ll pay off with Arthur being benevolent with me on the business side of things.
Ultimately, the marriage, itself, is a transaction to help me access my inheritance.
So why would I care who he chooses?
“I did,” I agree with him.
Lark’s eyes widen in surprise. She seems like she’s going to ask me about it but stops herself.
“James is here to witness that I’m doing my part of the job, as well as when you refuse to accept my choice.” Arthur’s expression is one of satisfaction and anticipation.
I flick James a sideways glance. He seems as bemused as I feel.
“How do you know I’m going to refuse you, when I don’t even know who your choice is?” I incline my head.
“You do now.” Arthur turns his stare on Lark.
I reel back.
What’s he talking about? Surely, he’s not implying what I think he is?
Lark, too, must realize what he’s implying, for she draws in a breath.
"Is this some kind of joke?” I growl.
James looks between us, then at Arthur. He seems gobsmacked. Welcome to my life—the one Arthur keeps turning upside down.
And I let him, because I respect him too much to say otherwise.
My grandfather sighs. "As I predicted, you don’t seem agreeable to this wedding."
No shit.
I committed to marry whoever he chose for me. But Lark? I flatten my lips. I didn’t see that coming. I bite off the retort which hovers at the tip of my tongue. I don’t want to be rude to my grandfather.
She’s my employee. My executive assistant, who I’ve identified as a possible next in line for my role as CEO. Our relationship is strictly professional. I don’t want to unsettle her, and Arthur, with his very insensitive declaration, has done just that.
In fact, thanks to him, we’re in breach of half a dozen HR rules. We’ve left ourselves open to potential lawsuits which could hurt us.
Not that he cares. Gramps makes his own rules. One of the reasons my brothers and I restrict his interactions with the office.
Also…Lark as my future wife? My muscles coil with tension.
Lark, who’d wear my ring. And walk down the aisle in a white dress.
And who’d sleep in my bed. And wake up next to me?
Lark, who I’d fuck until she couldn’t walk straight?
Fuck. Lust tightens my groin. I’m going to be sporting a very uncomfortable chub, in front of my grandfather, my employee, and my friend, if I’m not careful.
Now that the initial shock of Arthur’s words is wearing off, I can’t help but admit that this might have possibilities. Not least of all because of the explosive chemistry between us.
“Umm, I thought this was supposed to be a work meeting.” Lark’s expression is one of disbelief.
“It is.” Arthur smiles. “This concerns Brody’s future and a sum of money that he can’t access unless he does what I ask of him.”
She stares closely at him. “You’re serious?”
“He is,” I cut off whatever Arthur is going to say.
She turns on me. She seems to be struggling with her thoughts. “This is a surprise,” she finally blurts out
“For me too,” I say honestly.
“Me too.” James holds up his hand.
I scowl at him. He shrugs with a ‘don’t-mind-me-I’m-the-innocent-bystander watching-the-fun’ expression.
Typical of Arthur to ensure there’s a spectator to my being completely blindsided.
As for Lark? Her features reflect first disbelief, then wariness, then some deeper emotion I can’t name.
When she has a grip on her emotions, she turns to Arthur. “I… Uh… I’d say I'm flattered. Except, I’m afraid what you’re suggesting is impossible.”
Arthur looks taken aback. “Explain,” he says in a brusque manner.
He’s not used to being contradicted or anyone telling him off. I smother a chuckle at the shock on his face. Not too many people can claim to have taken Arthur by surprise.
"I understand you want to see your grandson settle down, but I can’t be the person he marries because I have a fiancé."
"A fiancé?" Arthur’s bushy eyebrows draw down.
What the—? My jaw drops. "You’re engaged?"
"I am…” A flicker of something crosses her features.
She doesn’t seem exactly happy about this. In fact, she doesn’t fit the image of a blushing bride to-be. Where’s the excitement? The anticipation? The— I glance down at her left hand.
“You don’t have a ring!” I’m aware my voice comes out in an accusing tone, but I can’t stop myself.
“It’s, uh… At the jewelers, being resized.” She looks away as she says it, and I know without a doubt, she’s lying.
Likely, the bastard she’s marrying did not give her a ring.
What kind of a loser is she tying herself to?
Is she aware of how gorgeous she is? How perfect.
How deserving she is of all the best things in the world.
Things that make her happy, like an emerald engagement ring that would complement her eyes and look incredible on her finger.
Not that she needs jewelry to amplify her beauty. She’s ravishing as is.
Arthur, who’s seemed at a loss for words, finally splutters. "That’s not possible.”
I wince. That’s the wrong thing to say.
Sure enough, Lark straightens her spine. “Pardon me?”
Arthur seems to realize his mistake. “I don’t mean it’s not possible that you’re engaged. You’re beautiful and intelligent. Of course, you have a beau.” His gaze clouds. “Unfortunately, my enquiries didn’t reveal that.”
“You had me investigated?” She stiffens.
“Every employee who joins the company undergoes a background check.” I try to mollify her. “It was in the employee contract you signed when you joined.”
She relaxes a little, but the cautious look in her eyes doesn’t fade.
"For the record, I’m sure you made the right decision." Arthur folds his arms across his chest.
“In which case, I’m off the hook.” I lean back in my seat.
Arthur scowls. “What do you mean?”
“Ms. Monroe is engaged, and we should respect that.”
He sets his jaw.
“The one time your grandson was ready to abide by your choice, you got it wrong.” I allow myself a small smirk.
I love Gramps, and respect him, but goddamn, I can’t let up on this opportunity to have a little fun at his expanse.
I turn to James. “You’re witness to seeing the mighty Arthur Davenport stumble.”
Arthur’s brow darkens. “Be that as it may, it doesn’t mean you can get out of this. You need to get married, and before the end of the year.”