The Family Business (Warren Honey #1)

Prologue

“No!” I shake my head so hard, I can feel my hair coming loose from the ponytail I had thrown it in at the start of this conversation.

I always tied my hair back when I was stressed and Lola’s request was close to causing a panic attack.

“Absolutely fucking not. Find somewhere else.” I know I was being stubborn but I knew that whoever this new employee was, they were going to piss me off if they moved into my space.

“Or better yet, postpone getting them started until the new office is built!” My voice was taking on a whine that I wasn’t proud of. I was already overly pissed off and they wouldn’t be arriving for a few more days.

Lola crossed her arms and smirked at me, the little brat. “You know we can’t do that. He needs the time to set up before the tours start in five weeks.”

The problem with Lola technically being my boss and my little sister was that she knew how to phrase any and all arguments in a way that would eventually have me giving in.

I don’t know how she did it every time but I’m assuming it was some type of mind trick Dad taught her before he passed away.

It might also have to do with the dumb fact that I loved her or something but I wouldn’t admit that until I was on my deathbed.

“You know how I am about sharing my space, just ask Mabel!” I gestured wildly to our older sister, who has suffered through the experience of sharing a living space with me. Lola rolls her eyes as Mabel chuckles.

“The demonstration on medical amputation that Mom turned that into taught me two things I’ll never forget.” She can’t stop the grimace as she remembers what happened to the doll she left on my side of our childhood room one too many times.

“Oh yeah, and what’s that?” Lola asks even though she had to suffer through Mom’s demonstration with the rest of us.

“I will never, ever work in the medical field and stay out of Elle’s personal space unless given written permission.

Notarized.” Lola snorts and I offer a small bow as we remember how our mother tried to put a positive spin on my slightly over the top reaction to her doll in my space.

To be fair, the amputation did its job, I got my own room.

“And that was just a doll! Imagine how much damage I could inflict on a real human person. I’m older now, too. Consider how much more twisted my imagination is! Why do you hate our new employee so much you want to subject them to all of this?” Another wild gesture but this time at myself.

My sisters burst out into twin laughs. “Listen Elle, I know it’s a big deal for you to let someone in your space, trust me, I really do but we were really lucky to snag this guy, he’s been all over and done so many things that make him the perfect addition to our team.

Think about how much paperwork you’re going to be able to do when people sign up for tours!

” I bite the inside of my lip, I would love doing the paperwork but I wasn’t ready to give in just yet.

Lola’s demeanor shifts, she can feel I’m about to give in.

. “I will give you the loft this year if you do this.” Mabel gasps, knowing the loft is the most coveted bedroom at our family’s cabin.

Our parents got so tired of us fighting that the year Lola and Paul turned twelve they created a rotating chart where each sibling got the loft for a year.

We still use it to this day to avoid any strife.

This year was Lola’s turn and I was next so that would give me two years in the loft.

I was drooling at the thought. “Deal.” The words slipped out before I could think of the consequences.

Lola’s face broke out into a dazzling smile and Mabel groaned, no doubt frustrated by my prize and knowing how much complaining would be coming from me in the weeks until the new office was completed.

“Seriously Elle, you won’t regret this.” Lola starts to back out of the room, smart girl, knowing if she sticks around, I will take it all back and force Mabel to host them in her work shed.

Mabel stands up from the chair, clapping her hands together.

“This was fun but I have to finish packing for the market.” She blows me an air kiss as she exits and I let out a giant sigh, feeling like this arrangement with The Intruder is going to take a lot more out of me than I was willing to give.