Page 15 of Breaking Point

It makes me resent the part of myself that needs structure. Rules. Monotony. To a point, at least. I can blame theuntreated ADHD or chronic night terrors all I want. While no day at this job has ever looked the same, at least I know what to expect from it.

“It’ll be good,” I say, determination flooding through me. It isn’t a lie. Because I don’t know what I’ll do if it’s not.

“You always have a place here if things don’t pan out,” Skar adds from beside her.

She swats him gently, eyes widening. “Don’t tell him that.” She twists toward me again. “You do not have a job here anymore. Josie’s been doing great.”

Not having a job here has nothing to do with Josie- my second in command when I was here at Viserion- and everything to do with the fact that Char knows I’m worried about working for Harvey.

I smile, teasing, “Good to know you have my back, Char.”

“I do,” she narrows Skar a knowing look. “Which is why the new job will be good. You won’t need a back-up here.”

“Who’s the optimist now?” I reflect back the words she said to me just months ago.

Her eyes focus on the food at-hand. “There’s enough optimism to go around.”

“How’s Aleks?” I switch gears.

Aleksander is Skar’s younger brother. He was a pain in my ass while I was here. Always sneaking around or staying out at all hours of the night. But he’s a good kid. It seems like he’s finally growing into himself after a rough couple of years.

“He’s been busy. New girlfriend or something.” Skar waves the question off.

I didn’t know Aleks was seeing anyone, but he has never been one to share things freely. As far as I know, things between him and Skar have been easier. They’ve been adjusting to working together at the family company, Omenin, and I’msure that hasn’t been easy. I forget that being the most powerful family in the realm comes with a laundry list of responsibilities.

“I don’t think it’s serious,” Char mumbles as she finishes adorning the pizza dough with a thin layer of sauce and cheese. She slides it towards Taylor and I, along with the other toppings. “Have at it.”

I’m not picky, so I push it toward him because I know he’s a bit more particular. He adds a colorful allotment of veggies before I glance back up. “He’s been adjusting to work alright?”

Skar shrugs. “He’s working closely with me on a deal lately. With your new client, actually. Did you know Harvey’s looking to expand his firm?”

I raise a brow. I did a thorough background check before I agreed to work with him. I know more dirt about him than I should, but that doesn’t mean I’ve paid attention to the kind of business deals he’s been making. Maybe I should.

“I’m not trying to step on toes,” Skar says, holding up his hands as a white flag. “I’ve known the Hughes for a long time. Timing is just a coincidence.”

I believe him, but the idea of them working together still gives me pause.

Clean slate, I remind myself.

“What do you think of Harvey?” Taylor asks.

Skar huffs a laugh. “Have you met him?”

“The man’s got a lot of energy.”

“I was hesitant to do business with him at first, but I’m feeling better about it. He seems… driven.”

“Driven, energetic. Practically synonyms,” Taylor laughs.

Charlotte grabs the assembled pizzas and pops them in the oven before dusting her hands on her apron. “Do me a favor. Please take the work-talk out of the kitchen.”

Taylor tsks, voice dripping with non-nonchalance. “No can do. I try not to owe anyone favors.”

I smirk, shaking my head- and not just because Charlotte mockingly shoves her husband again. The favors thing is an ongoing joke between Taylor and I. I’ve never liked owing people, so anytime either of us does something for the other, we’re quick to repay it.

Skar plants a kiss on her cheek. “I promised no work-talk.”

“What trouble are you getting into these days?” I ask her instead.

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