Chapter 8
One Year After the Dangerous Escape
Leo dropped his head into his hands and stifled a groan. Fuck, he probably should have called it a night an hour or so before he had. That last video lesson he’d taken on data protection had sailed right over his exhausted head.
He massaged his forehead, then considered laying his head down on the table and resting his eyes. The best cure for an exhausted mind was a double shot of espresso though, wasn’t it?
He straightened and stared at his hands. They were slightly trembling from the three cups he’d already had.
His head was foggy, like if someone asked him what his name was, he’d have to think twice before he answered. He should probably take a nap, but the last thing he needed was for someone to catch him sleeping.
Water and tea. That should do it.
He unbuttoned the cufflinks of his office shirt and rolled up the sleeves. His wristwatch—the damn thing was some sort of a Victorian-but-smartwatch that had cost him more than his rent used to—and calculated he had about seven hours left until he had to get the hell out of this place.
The HR head. That’s what his title was now. His small role in a large company’s HR department years ago hadn’t prepared him for this. Hence why he was spending his nights, after he left Molly’s, learning the ropes to this gig. And so far—
The door to his office burst open without so much as a knock.
No, he’s, um— Craig, Leo’s assistant, shouted before the door was slammed in his face and Knox Buchanan stood in Leo’s office.
Leo and Knox had managed to be civil with each other, but that was on good days only.
Good of you to show up to work, Knox said.
Today was not one of those good days, apparently.
Knox’s lips were pressed in a thin line, the black-rimmed glasses and his sharp, always-clenched jaw giving his face a rectangular look.
The man was such a grumpy arsehole, always too serious, but he had taken to this whole Buchanan inheritance thing like fish to water.
Figured, since the bastard didn’t just live in a plush house; he had attended a private school in Edinburgh and was an alum of Edinburgh University. If that didn’t make you a pompous, tight-upper-lipped blue blood, going to Harvard Business School after all that certainly did.
Why do I have to see your fecking face first thing this morning? Knox was the opposite of a calming presence for Leo’s hurting brain.
Knox stalked towards Leo’s desk and smacked a file down. It’s almost afternoon. So this being the first thing you’re doing this morning is a problem.
If it had been anyone else, they’d have barked that accusation out, with spittle flying. But this eejit was no bam. No, he was a private school twat who spoke with a soft Edinburgh accent and admonished in a low sharp tone without breaking a sweat.
But Leo could see a single muscle near Knox’s right eyebrow twitch. His brother tapped a manicured finger on the file he’d splat over Leo’s desk. It was also the only thing on his desk, save for the keyboard. Did you sign off on the Harrington project?
What the fuck was the Harrington project? Leo flicked the file open, shoving Knox’s finger aside. He wasn’t scared of the eejit. No way. Being raised in Govan and going to a public school there had prepared him for sterner stuff.
Leo squinted at the papers in the file. Only Knox would place the papers in a fucking leather file and use prime quality paper to print stupid things like—
Ah. The protection job for Harrington’s son.
Ah? Fucking ah? Now Knox’s voice was rising, the tick in his eyebrow going wild. This is a multi-million-pound fucking deal, Leo. And our people didn’t show up for the job.
Leo flicked through the papers. Why a philanthropist needed this much protection was beyond him. Still, he didn’t vet their clients. His job was to supply the labour and ensure they had the right people for the job, no questions asked. And he preferred it that way.
Through the haze of exhaustion, he caught words like protection detail, twenty-four hours, yada yada yada. This thing started last night. I’ll send someone today.
Knox slammed a palm on the desk, the sound unwelcome to Leo’s already ringing head.
Fuck, stop that, Leo groaned, then covered his mouth to stifle a yawn.
Of course Knox didn’t stop. He leaned down further. Did you just yawn? Are you hungover?
Leo looked into his half-brother’s eyes, so similar to his own, but Arctic cold. No. I told you from the start this job wasn’t for me—
Stop behaving like a child. You know the rules.
We have to give our all to this place for five years by heading a department.
Only then can you take the money and leave.
So whatever joyride you go on each night, see to it that it doesn’t affect your work.
You can get high, get drunk, and fuck your way through the whole country after these five years are over.
Did this lunatic actually think Leo had the time to fuck his way through Scotland’s population?
He opened his mouth to tell Knox how he was working his way through HR courses with Open University and how he spent his time taking care of Molly and Rose, then stopped himself.
He might be exhausted and needing a nap, but he wasn’t stupid.
Aye, aye, big man. You want this fixed? I’ll fix it. Just get out of my office. Leo gestured to the door. Now.
Knox didn’t move. No, Leo’s words only made him froth at the mouth like an angry bull.
But of course, he didn’t actually show his temper.
I will not be moving. Not unless you finally get these words through your thick skull.
There are some of us here who take this seriously.
And I won’t let you fuck this up for the rest of us.
Leo rolled his eyes. As if a few billion are going to change your life.
Knox slammed his fist onto the table again, not even flinching in pain.
Who knew the man had some rage in him? Not everything’s about the money.
But the stakes are high for each of us—Neil, Alasdair, and me.
If a few billion means fuck-all to you, it doesn’t to the rest of us.
You will play your part in this to the letter, or so help me God, I will hire a fucking babysitter for you.
Maybe someone like Johnny, now that he’s back from Asia.
That did it. Leo’s hands curled into fists. You won’t fucking dare.
Knox tilted his head. Won’t I?
For the last few months since Leo had taken over, Johnny had been an obstacle, despite not being around much.
What the man’s exact role in this place was, Leo didn’t know.
On paper, he was the security head for the Foundation, a role that should’ve been small.
And yet the bastard carried too much clout in their security business.
I hate him, you know that.
Knox shrugged. This is a professional workplace. I don’t care who you love or hate.
When Knox had sent Johnny to Asia this past year on Foundation business, Leo had thought it was mostly to keep the peace between them. They butted heads often. Why won’t you let me fire him? He’s a bastard to everyone.
Molly never spoke about Johnny voluntarily. And Leo was not the sort of arsehole who’d probe and bring up hurtful memories. Not when Johnny had been Molly’s abuser and a negligent father. And certainly not when Molly was working hard to move on.
Johnny was Father’s confidant. He knows the business better than any of us, and he certainly knows the Foundation.
Besides, I won’t explain my decisions to you.
Knox had regained his composed, warning voice.
And a sick glint in his eyes. You have a week to get your act together.
Johnny takes his duties seriously, especially when it comes to you.
Besides, he’s helped smoothen our Foundation’s operations so that we can stretch the resources we have and help more people. That was no easy feat.
Yeah, he’s the perfect guy. Fuck off, Knox.
Knox snatched the Harrington file from the desk. He is the perfect babysitter for you. Turning your attitude around won’t be an issue for the man.
I don’t need someone to change my life. Leo curled his hands into tight fists. Besides, won’t it be more efficient if you sent him away to take care of other business?
Knox smirked. Oh, I am. He’s headed off to North America in two weeks. But Johnny can set you right in that time. He’s efficient that way.
Leo jumped out of his seat and grabbed Knox’s collar. He tended to do that sometimes. He’s not my boss. And neither are you. Actually, Knox technically was, but Leo didn’t care about the specifics. What I do in my own time is none of your business.
Knox smirked, the bastard. If it affects your work, it is. And as a Buchanan and my brother, your personal life is my business. A week, Leo. That’s all you get to pull yourself together.