Page 73 of The Most Perfect Wrong

“What a bastard,” Leo mutters, shaking his head.

Cooper’s in Newport, waiting for her doting fiancé, and he’s here with his tongue down some other woman’s throat. I’m sure he’ll go home with her and do so much more, while Cooper innocently believes he’s on a work trip.

It’s guys like Brad that give men a bad rap—make girls like Cooper believe that all men are cheaters. My mind races, replaying things she’s said, how she always assumes the worst, that every man she knows cheats.

That son of a bitch. He’s been doing this the whole time. Hell, he’s probably cheated the entire relationship, but Cooper only knows about bits and pieces.Jesus Christ.

Brad’s gaze suddenly meets mine across the room. I don’t look away. I glare at him with every ounce of disgust I can muster. Good. Let him know that I see him. Let him panic, knowing his girlfriend spends every day with me. And he knows she’s attracted to me. Good.Fuck him.

But then a dark thought hits me—will he take this out on her somehow? She says he doesn’t hurt her, but how do I know that’s true? I don’t know this guy. He shows one face to the world and another behind closed doors. Even if he’s not hurting her physically, he’s clearly some manipulative asshole who’s got a grip on her.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath.

Leo glances at Brad. “Shit, mate. He knows you saw him.”

Brad strolls over, straightening his jacket, the cocky grin now replaced with something more calculated—smooth, like he thinks he can charm his way out of this. He nods at me and Leo, keeping his cool, acting like he didn’t just get caught red-handed.

“Leo, Ryan,” Brad greets us, his voice annoyingly steady. “Mind if I join you?” But he’s already lowering himself into achair. “Great spot you’ve got here. This place is something else, isn’t it?”

“It sure is…” Leo pauses, feigning uncertainty. “Brad, is it?”

I stifle a laugh, staying quiet as Brad redirects his attention entirely to Leo, the real target.

“Leo, I didn’t realize you were a member here.”

Leo raises a brow, casually leaning back. “I’m not just a member, I’m a silent partner at this club, Brad.”

I actually didn’t know that—damn, Leo has a hand in everything.

“Are you, really?” Brad recovers quickly, forcing a charming smile. “I’ve been considering a membership myself. I’m here with a friend who’s a member… Listen, I’ve heard about the Midtown deal you’re working on. It’s a big one, right? You’re the kind of guy who leaves nothing to chance. I’d be more than happy to help keep things running smoothly. I’ve handled similar deals; I could make sure everything stays on track. We should talk—see how I can add value.”

Brad’s charm is dialed up, playing the polished, successful lawyer.

Leo takes a slow sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving Brad. The silence is perfectly measured, long enough for the tension to settle, but not so long that Brad could think he’s won any ground.

“Appreciate the offer,” Leo says smoothly, his voice calm, unwavering. “But I already have a lawyer I trust. Loyalty’s a big deal to me—in business and in life. I’ve found how a person handles themselves personally tends to reflect how they conduct business. So seeing how your loyalty wavers…” Leo’s eyes flick briefly to the booth where Brad was caught. “Well, that’s a red flag. Sorry, mate.”

Leo lets the words hang in the air, pointed but not aggressive, just a calm observation.

Brad’s smile tightens for a second, but he doesn’t lose his composure. “I hear you, Leo. Loyalty’s everything, I completely agree. But I want to make one thing clear—I’d never be disloyal when it comes to business. I’ve built my career on trust and respect. I mean, come on, I wouldn’t be where I am if I wasn’t someone people could rely on. Personal life, sure—sometimes things get a little messy. I’m sure you’ve been there a time or two… But business? I’m rock solid.”

Leo doesn’t blink, his expression calm but unmoved. “Problem is, Brad, I need people I can trust in all aspects of life—and no, I’ve never been there. I don’t let my life get messy where the people I care about are involved.”

Brad opens his mouth to respond but shifts his attention to me instead, his tone turning casual, as if he’s appealing to some kind of ‘guy’s guy’ understanding.

“Ryan, we’re cool, right? Look, this is just a one-time thing. A fun night—nothing serious. No need for Cooper to get dragged into this, you know? She doesn’t need to get hurt. Why ruin something good over one night? I love Cooper.” It’s almost impressive how Brad’s able to justify cheating like it’s just a casual night out with the boys.

I feel his eyes on me, waiting for me to back up his bullshit, but I’m not giving him an inch. I scoff. “You have an odd way of showing love, man. Look, it’s not my business to tell Cooper. She’s my coworker,” I say, my voice even, letting it hang for a second. “But it isyours.” I pause, watching his expression shift. “You’ve got a month to do it, Brad. After that? Hard to tell what will happen.” I take a steady sip of my drink, keeping my eyes on him.

Brad’s grin falters again, but this time he knows he’s not getting what he wants from either of us. He chuckles, but it’s hollow now. “Right. Sure. Anyway, think about what I said, Leo. I’m always around if you change your mind.”

With that, he gives a quick nod and walks off, his usual swagger a bit more forced. I glance at Leo, who’s watching Brad go with a look of disappointment, though he doesn’t seem surprised.

Leo shakes his head, watching Brad walk away. “Some people just don’t know when to quit, do they?”

I raise my glass to my lips. “You’ve got that right.”

Leo turns to me, his tone sharpening. “Listen, mate, she needs someone who actually respects her, not some prick like him who treats her like an afterthought.” He gives me a pointed look. “This isn’t about you, Ryan. And it sure as hell isn’t about sex. Sometimes people get stuck in these situations—they don’t know how to leave. Maybe it’s time you stopped playing it safe. She deserves a man who doesn’t just want her around, but actually wants her. Be that push she needs. Show her the difference—maybe blur the line a little…”

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