Page 31 of Devilish Bully
“I’m aware.” I unclick my seatbelt. “Thank you.”
“Are you coming with me?” he asks.
“I wasn’t aware I had a choice…”
“You do.” He lets out a low laugh and leans closer. “Your niece is more than welcome to join us this weekend, too.”
“I’m not sure she would enjoy a business trip.”
“It’s for my mother’s birthday celebration.”
Oh, right…
“You know, now that I think about it, this trip sounds like it’s something personal, so…” I pause. “Should I just wait until you get back?”
“I would like you to come with me, Kendall,” he says. “Not just as a work companion, though…”
My heart skips a beat at that suggestion, and I struggle to find something to say.
“I have nieces and nephews who are Myra’s age,” he says. “She would like them.”
“I thought you were an only child.”
“I’m the oldest of five.” He smiles. “My parents just like to guilt trip the hell out of me because I’m the only one who isn’t married and prefers to work.”
“Well, let me look into some nearby hotels, and I’ll let you know.”
“Be fucking serious, Kendall.” He presses a kiss against my lips. “I’ll pick you and Myra up Saturday morning. The estate has plenty of space for Myra to have her own suite.”
“I wouldn’t be sharing a room with you, though, right?”
“If that’s not what you want.” He kisses me again. “See you Saturday.”
THE CEO
LUCIAN
That weekend
I’m learning a lesson I’ve seen and heard for years, but it never affected me until just now: Don’t mix business with pleasure.
While music blasts from the speakers, I’m watching Kendall dance with people from my hometown. It’s all friendly, but the sway of her hips, the way her hair catches the light, and the soft flush on her face pull me in with every beat. Men glance too long when she spins, laugh too loud when she brushes their arms, and jealousy burns low and sharp in my chest with every dip of her body.
“Who the hell suggested that I invite the board to my hometown?” I ask Brian. “Find that person and schedule a lobotomy for them asap.”
“It wasyou, sir.”
“There’s no way,” I say. “I would never suggest something so stupid.”
“February 10th, 8:12 pm, location—your office.” He taps his screen and clears his throat. “Brian, invite the board members toone of my mother’s birthday weekends with me. It’ll make them feel like I care and come off like that family ‘B.S.’ that my father swears is so important.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for bringing out the receipts, Brian.”
“You’re very welcome, sir.”
Kendall takes another twirl on the dance floor, but before I can approach, Penelope steps in front of me.
“Can we talk to you in private for a moment, Lucian?”
