Chapter Three #2
I roll my eyes. “Then it’s him. My father is definitely involved. What the hell’s he hiding?”
I don’t wait for an answer. I storm through the corridor, ignoring the greetings and curious glances, until I reach my father’s office.
I knock once, out of habit, not respect, and push straight in.
He looks up from his computer, calm as ever. “Warren. Something wrong?”
“Where did you find my secretary?” I demand.
He sighs, setting his glasses down. “This again? I told you, I liked her résumé.”
“Bullshit.”
His brows lift, mildly amused.
“Did you run a background check on her?”
“Of course I did,” he says easily. “I do one for all employees.”
“Liar,” I snap. “There are no records.”
His expression doesn’t change. The man always had a good poker face.
“Why does this woman matter so much, Warren?” he asks coolly.
“Because her brother deals drugs for us,” I bite out. “You expect me to believe that’s a coincidence?”
“Purely.”
“I don’t believe you.” I step closer, palms flat on his desk. “There’s a reason she’s here. You know her, or her brother, and I want to know why. I’ll dig until I find out.”
He leans back in his chair, studying me like I’m an impatient child. “You’re better off leaving it alone. Trust me.”
“I want to know who’s working for me. How the hell can I trust her?”
“She’s no threat,” he says with a smirk. “You’ve seen how clumsy she is. I doubt she even knows her brother is on our payroll.” He chuckles. “Stop worrying about her. She isn’t important.” His eyes narrow, that familiar edge of mockery returning. “You’re not fucking her, are you?”
“Christ, I have taste!” I snap, my temper finally slipping. “I had Anthony beat her brother for stealing money and drugs. Now he’s holed up in her apartment… which, by the way, is another fucking coincidence, because she just so happens to live in the same building as me.”
My father’s brow lifts slightly. “Really?” He turns toward the window, watching the skyline like it holds all the answers. “I didn’t look at the address on her résumé.”
“Likely story,” I bite out. “I don’t know what game you’re playing or what she’s ever done to you, but remember this, she’s unaware of us, of what we are. She doesn’t need to be dragged into anything.”
He glances back over his shoulder, smirking faintly. “You seem awfully concerned about the girl. What are you hiding, Warren?”
“Maybe I just don’t like you keeping me in the dark!” I snap, slamming a hand against his desk before turning on my heel.
The door rattles as I storm out, my pulse hammering. I can feel his eyes on my back, amused, like he already knows exactly what this is, and that pisses me off even more.
Leoni is staring down at her phone when I pass her desk. I scowl, stopping short.“Personal calls are not allowed during work hours,” I snap.
She jumps, then looks up at me with that infuriating smirk. “You dragged me back here. You could’ve let me quit. I secretly think you like me.”
“I don’t like anyone, Leoni. Get to work.”
“How come you’re not married?” she asks. I keep walking, heading for my office. Of course, she follows. “I mean, you’re clearly loaded,” she adds.
“What?” I ask, irritation lacing the word.
“Rich,” she clarifies, like I’m stupid.
I frown. “I know what loaded means. I just don’t see why that would make a difference.”
“Women usually go for personality and looks,” she says brightly. “You have neither, so I picked money.”
“Just because I forced you back, doesn’t mean you can cross the line,” I snap.
She shrugs, completely unbothered. “My theory is if I annoy you enough, you’ll fire me.”
“I assume you followed me in here to take morning notes?” I mutter, dropping onto the couch in the corner.
She waves her notepad at me, grinning. “I could sign you up for a dating site instead.”
“Do I look desperate?” Her smirk widens. “Forget I asked,” I say dryly. “Start with the morning business.”
“Mr Hanke cancelled his eleven o’clock,” she says, glancing down at her notes, “and Ms Winters called to book a lunch meeting. You were free, so I slotted her in at twelve. She said it’d be a long lunch, so you’re marked out of office until three.”
I stare at her. “Ms Winters?” She nods. “She’s coming here?”
“Nope. She’s booked the Marriott.”
I rub my forehead. Nancy Winters—the police chief’s daughter and my least favourite headache. Her father’s as crooked as mine, and she thinks sleeping with me will buy her influence.
“Right,” I mutter, lowering my hand. “You’re coming.”
Leoni laughs. “To lunch?”
“Yes, Leoni. For lunch. Ms Winters needs to think I'm off the market, you’ll help me convince her.”
She almost chokes on her laugh. “What?”
“You heard me—unless you’ve gone deaf.” I scrutinise her outfit, then reach into my jacket and pull out my wallet. I hold out a platinum card.
She blinks at it. “What’s this?”
“Get yourself an outfit. And shoes. Something smart. Professional. Maybe get your hair done and some makeup wouldn’t go amiss.”
Her eyes narrow. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“For once in your life, just do as you’re told,” I say, already losing patience. “You’ve got an hour. Don’t make me regret this.”