Page 104 of Brutal Collateral

How the fuck did I get here?

Ava goes to the monitor Shane used where he shows her something in the blueprints we got from the architect for the new build. I study her fingers to see what she’s focusing on. But Shane flips between different floors.

She then crooks a finger to Altas, who grunts and stands up. With a smooth gait, he struts to the monitor. After Ava shows him what she apparently asked Shane about, Atlas’ jaw drops.

I cut my gaze to Ares, who looks ready to explode. His fingers press the satiny wood surface of the conference table to stand and he shows us that Greek temper, but Atlas faces his brother.

“I change my vote,” he says. “The new build is a better option.”

Ambrose immediately darts over there and a few seconds later, he’s in agreement.

Ava prances back to the table, all smiles, and after downing an entire glass of juice, she says with pouty lips, “To stay neutral, I abstain.”

Her eyes are right on me, those words slam into me. Abstain. The plan I had to abstain and keep my dick dry has gone down in flames.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Ava

Ares doesn’t even saygoodbye. He storms out of the conference room. The pride of that man will be his undoing. Atlas and Shane retreat to the same side of the table, talking about the new building. Ambrose stands by the window on his phone after giving me a warm smile and a wink.

You did good, kid.

Connor leaves, too, saying he’s got to meet some building inspectors to pressure.

I feel the weight of Griffin’s stare and turn my gaze to face him.

“Where’s your clown boyfriend?” he asks wryly.

“Tied up,” I answer right away. “That’s how I roll.”

When my phone buzzes with a message from my aunt, I look down.

Aunt Lena: Seating arrangements for the wedding are done. I like that Norah Quinlan.

I quickly type back.

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