“What the fuck. Does your wife know?”
At the mention of my wife, tension creeps into my neck and shoulders. I roll my neck around. “Does it matter?”
“That depends. Do you care?” Ryder knows why I married Belle in the first place. He married his assistant Paige for the same reason, although that’s a moot point now that he’s in love with her and they’re having a baby together.
“Of course I care,” I say. “Look, this may work out for the best.”
“How come?”
“Didn’t you hear?”
“About what?”
Huh. Maybe Paige hasn’t told him. “Number Three threatened Belle.”
“With what?” Ryder sounds incredulous.
“She said she’d release more dirt on her.”
Ryder snorts. “Like you would care.”
“I don’t, but my sister-in-law does.”
“Aw, shit. I totally forgot about her. Nonny, right? Nice kid, but a little sensitive.”
“Typical teenager. Everything’s life or death.”
“I was never like that.”
“Because you have the sensitivity of a mule on morphine. And she’s not used to the kind of lifestyle we lead.” I lean back in
my seat. “I don’t want her hurt. Aside from Nonny being a nice kid, it upsets my wife.”
“So…I guess you actually have feelings for her?”
“I’m starting over with her.”
Ryder is quiet for a moment. “As in?”
“We don’t have a contract anymore.”
“What? You voided the prenup?”
“Yup. Gonna see where things lead.”
“Damn. You’re serious.” Ryder sounds incredulous…almost aghast.
I scowl. “Got a problem with that?”
“No, I think it’s wonderful…assuming that’s what she wants too. Just don’t do anything stupid.”
“Hey, pretty boy, you’re talking to a genius here.”
“Don’t damage yourself for her,” Ryder says seriously.
I have to smile. “So you do know.”
“I suspected when you didn’t seem too upset about the article. Now you just confirmed it.”