Page 66 of The Reluctant Hero

“Let’s get to work.” I’m starting to sound like an exercise instructor. I need to sit down.

I settle at the mini desk they have set up, pull out my phone and hit play on the first song I find. Then I turn it up until I’m wincing and start highlighting. I can feel them glaring at me, so I shove the box in front of me to block the view.

Most of my music is heavy metal, and I’m sure that’s eye-opening for several of the people around me. He should have left me my headphones.

No one says a word to me for hours. Or they might have, but I’m too busy jamming to pay attention. Until the box slides out of the way, and I take in Mikael’s lurking form. My singing stops abruptly, and so does the music when he hits pause.

I can’t say anything to him as he stares down at me with a disappointed look.

I notice a phone ringing, and then it gets picked up.

“Yes?” Matthias says in a deadened tone that gives me chills.

Mikael slides out of the way, and I can see the frozen man twirling that pen between his fingers. He’s staring at the door as if the call is already boring him.

“Hey Matthias, how have you been?”

At the sound of Loser’s voice, I wilt in my seat. Like all the energy just got sucked out of me through a straw. Mr. Matthias certainly has my wary attention now.

“Well enough, and you?” His eyes shift until I’m in his sights and narrow on me.

“We need to catch up! Have lunch with me. I found a few properties you might be interested in.”

My brows go down in confusion. Is he really selling property? How? And what properties is he talking about?

“Oh? I don’t remember looking for any,” Matthias watches me as the call continues. My mind is starting to try to join up pieces, but I don’t have enough to make a picture—until I think about my complex.

My eyes widen, and I scribble down the address and the name of the complex, slapping at Mikael’s hand to give it to him.

He’s startled by the violent action. I doubt he felt anything. He’s a rock. The note is taken from me, and he glances at it with a frown. Then he nods, walking over to slide the paper to Matthias.

“On the other hand, I am interested in hearing you out. We can meet at Le Chique.” The change in tune surprises me a little. He’s looking at the note with a dark scowl that’s a little severe for the simple phone call.

“Actually, I was going to ask for a meeting at your office,” Loser answers with a slight chuckle. “Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.”

“Do tell,” Matthias leans back, the chair creaking in the silence.

“It seems my wife is working for you. Did you know that?”

My head tilts in confusion. Based on how much information he seems to know, this isn’t a surprise. But why bring it up to the boss? Did he see them at the complex? Crap, he probably recognized one of the vehicles if they’re buddies.

They couldn’t be friends. Ace despises the man. It’s why I like him so much, among other reasons.

I start shaking my head with wide eyes to get him to deny it but Mr. Matthias smirks at me.

“I did, actually. She’s rather entertaining.”

I slap a hand over my face to hide my grimace.

“Is she?” Loser’s tone is strained. He almost sounds angry, which makes no sense. What right does he have to know anything about me or my life now? None.

“She seems to always have a joke waiting,” Matthias says in a cold tone. My hand drops to glare at him. He seems smug about calling me out, which I would usually yell at him about, but not if he’s siding with Loser over it.

“Oh,” he chuckles, but the tight sound is forced. “I’ve told her several times her humor isn’t appreciated. I’m disappointed she’s fallen back into bad habits.”

Mr. Matthias raises an eyebrow at me as if he agrees.

Look at that. It’s time for me to take a break. Anywhere other than this carbon copy of my ex’s location.

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