Page 14 of The Refiner

Dear Astor,

I know you need solitude on the trip, so I’ll only send you this one letter, then we’ll finish this conversation in my office as planned.

I stumbled across some new data. I think you’ll be pleased with the results. However, it doesn’t change my recommendation, even with this new data. We’ll hold with our previous plan.

I’ll see you in my office the day after you return.

Be safe, my friend.

And please take care of yourself.

xx Piper

My jaw clenches, thinking about the one sentence that mattered:We’ll hold with our previous plan.

Our previous plan took months for me to agree to. Months. I would have never agreed to such a deal if it didn’t come from one of my closest friends. Piper is the only one who’s ever been able to convince me to try. To achieve what I always wanted.

But with every achievement comes a price.

A price that I was still unable to pay.

I glance over at Travis. His eyes are drifting closed when I answer, “I tore up her letter because our deal is off.”

Astor

Vance’s assistant is a tacky bastard.

I couldn’t be prouder.

“Dr. Crotch, huh?” I shove the teenager waiting for me at the airport and snatch the sign held at his chest. “You’re so fired.”

“Thank fuck. I’ve been trying to get away from your brother since you left for yourcruise.”

He huffs like he’s annoyed I’ve been gone for the last six months and left him to deal with Vance on his own.

“Somehow, I find that doubtful.”

Remington, Vance’s adopted son/assistant, shrugs a shoulder, fighting off a grin. “True. The pussy is too good to let your brother’s shitty moods drive me away.”

Part of his statement is true.

My brother can be temperamental.

But that’s not why Remington continues to work at our plastic surgery office, Potter’s Plastics.

“Pussyandmy favorite assistant,” I add, shoving him forward toward the exit. “How’s Halle anyway?”

At the mention of Halle, Remington’s face softens. “Halle’s sane and seems happy with that demon brother of yours.”

I eye his crisp suit and bulkier chest since the last time I saw him. “Seems like she isn’t the only one happy.”

Remington and my brother might seem like they hate each other, but it’s obvious Remington has thrived living with my brother and Halle.

Turning slowly, he narrows his eyes. “You’ve been smoking weed, haven’t you?” He moves his hand up his chest, lowering all the fingers but the one in the middle. “If you’re gonna get fucked-up during office hours, the least you can do is share.” His tone is flat and sarcastic as he turns around and walks ahead, leaving me laughing—hard until I catch up to him.

Maybe I have missed my family. Some.

“So what’s with the haggard look? Too much ass on your cruise?” Remington doesn’t bother turning around when he speaks. He keeps pace like he doesn’t have time to breathe public air.

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