For fuck’s sake, here we go.
“And what did you tell her?” I lean forward over my desk, steepling my fingers.
“Just that she’s a new employee here and assisting you with some things.” He reaches over, stealing a handful of gummy bears from my bag. “I didn’t rat out that you two were sleeping together.”
I ignore his deduction about my sex life as I indulge in another gummy bear. Whatever they’re made up of is a thousand times more addictive than caffeine. “Why is she concerned about Ash? How in the hell did she even get on her trail?”
“She’s fucking creepy like that, Winny. You know she is. Remember that one time I wrecked one of Dad’s sailboats? No one was around to tattle on me. There weren’t any cameras watching when it happened. I bottomed out on some rocks and nearly drowned, but I made it out of there. I’d barely made it into the house before she was all over me demanding to know what happened. My point is, she knows shit she shouldn’t before everyone else. Always.”
It’s true.
Mother’s tentacles are deep and far reaching in this city. She’s connected with the wealthy and has her fingers in the dirt too, just so she knows about every damn person that might try and threaten the Constantine name. It’s part of the reason I’m so ruthless. I have my mother’s blood running like ice through my veins.
“She knew about the Baldridge building,” Perry throws out.
“Because Anthony told her.”
“Well, it’s beside the point. Someone told her about the sailboat. Someone told her about Ash Elliott.”
“Speaking of the Baldridge building,” I say, changing the direction of our conversation from Mother’s super sleuth skills to something of importance. “I spoke to Duncan on Saturday.”
“That guy is such an idiot.”
“Agreed. But a loyal idiot when he feels threatened.” I lean back in my chair, thinking about the phone call I received first thing when I walked through the door at seven this morning. “Apparently there were eviction notices posted on every door, even to his office. He was pissed to say the least. Now, he’s bloodthirsty.”
“Morelli didn’t waste time,” Perry marvels. “I wonder what they plan to do with that building.”
“It doesn’t matter. They won’t have it long. I imagine Leo thought he could show his big brother how good at Monopoly he is, claiming the last piece on the board for their empire. But he forgot a very important detail.”
“The Constantines own the board he’s playing on?”
I flash my brother a sinister smile. “Precisely. You learn quick.”
He preens at my praise, reminding me of Ash. It’s nearing eight-fifteen and she’s still not here. I should have negotiated something regarding her tardiness. A spanking for every minute late would have been something to look forward to. As it is, I’m just annoyed she’s not here.
Those fuckfaces could have given her trouble this morning, and I wouldn’t even know about it because I’m already at work.
This wouldn’t happen if she lived with you…
Again, that’s not happening. Ever. I can keep her safe, but that doesn’t mean I have to do it under my own roof. I’m not meant to have a roommate, and I’m certainly not moving her into my bed. It’ll give her the wrong idea, and as much fun as we have and as much as I want to protect her from those lunatics, moving her into my place would have her thinking something we’re not.
She’s my entertainment.
A sexy toy.
Expensive-as-shit whore if we’re being frank.
I can keep her safe and available to me without upending my entire life to do it. An apartment near my place will have to do. Excellent security and a doorman. Someplace that allows pets so she can take her fucking bird away.
She’ll have to accept it.
I won’t allow her not to.
With a quick email to Deborah, I ask her to secure me an apartment for one of my employees along with my requirements and that I’ll expect a set of keys in hand by the end of the day. Once that’s settled and out of the way, I glance at the clock.
She’s still not here.
I shoot her a text.
Me: Your lateness makes me think your stepbrothers have accosted you again. Shall I send in a white knight? I’m busy doing villain work, but Prince Perry could come to your rescue again.
Her sassy response is immediate.
Ash: All I heard was, “Ash, I miss you and I’m worried about you.”
Me: You heard wrong.
Ash: It’s okay, Win, boyfriends are allowed to worry about their girlfriends. And to answer your question, boyfriend, I’m fine. I slipped out of the house without incident, though Dad was extra attentive. Not sure what you said to him last night, but he’s acting like the dad I remember before Manda tainted him.
Me: Blah, blah, blah . . . I don’t care. I’m not your boyfriend. Why are you late?