Page 50 of Van Cort
“Everett. Of course.” Paul Whitham, one of the partners at Thornton’s, sounds surprised over the phone. He would do, I’ve never used them before, but he isn’t about to turn down the possibility of my money coming at him. “And you’re sure it’s Miss Anderson you want? There are several other senior analysts at the company, her divisional head, even, that might suit your needs better.” I doubt that. She, and she alone, will service my needs extremely well. I’d like his name, though.
“Who is the divisional head?”
“Antony Sidrick.” My teeth grind. That asshole won’t have anything to do with her if I can help it. In fact, he’s lucky I controlled my temper in front of him, because his face would have looked far better slammed into the pavement.
“Only her. She’s been recommended. Unlike her direct boss.”
“Oh. Can I ask who has recommended her over Antony?” l look at the wall in my office, considering how to change her path or even if I should. I could have him fired with one word, or moved away from her. Promoting her over him would be tactical. “Everett?”
“I’m not answering that.” Yet. “I’ll send the dates I’m requesting.”
“I’ll make sure we can accommodate them.”
“I’ll have one of my team email you the details.”
“Of course.”
I put the phone down and look up in the direction of Devon’s desk in the foyer, only to remember that I’ve given her time off so my brother doesn’t get his way with her, too. Still unsure how I feel about any of the fucking situation at hand, I close my computer down and leave.
It’s not an easy thing to reconcile in my mind at this point in my life, and I’m sure for others it would seem overly inappropriate, but the fact is that this is as close to who I am - who we are - as I’ve been for a long time. What difference does it make which one of us is fucking her? Same genes, same minds, same wayward needs in the bedroom. West is simply better at amusement and romance than I am. He enjoys the need for emotional touch, and somehow revels in laughter and light-hearted conversations. I, on the other hand, am wary of emotive effects on me. Not necessarily because I don’t want any of the above, but because I am not sensible when the above creeps into my psyche. Obsession, as I know, is a dangerous path, and no marriage needs that interfering with practical decisions.
And besides, I’m already obsessing over her. I know it, even if I don’t enjoy acknowledging it. He can help me with that if he stops playing games. He’s the only one I trust.
Philip arrives as I’m about to leave the building. “Everett?”
“Philip.”
He waits until we’re alone. “Did you get a chance to look over the contract I gave you in more detail?” The wedding contract.
“Yes. It’s fine. If it needs any amendments, I’ll let you know.”
“Would you like me to run any background checks on her?”
“No.”
“I’d advise against-”
“I’d advise against pissing me off.” He backs up a few steps at my hostility, frowning out his confusion. “Leave this to me until I’m ready to move forward with anything other than a draft contract.” Because the fact of the matter is, I don’t want him delving too deep into anything involving her at the moment. Delving means potentially following, and, as good as West probably is at playing me most of the time, there needs to be a better flow of conversation between us brothers if this is going to work successfully. At the moment, he’s flying free in chaos, and I’m playing fucking catch-up.
I walk away from Philip and call him, unsure what I’m going to say, but needing to say it.
“Rhett,” he answers.
“I’m having her from tomorrow until a time I choose. Don’t try contacting her until I tell you you can.”
He chuckles. “Good. You’re ready to indulge yourself, then?”
“Me? I think I’m indulging you more than me.” I cross the street for a coffee house, dodging an oncoming delivery driver. “And I’m unsure what I’m ready for, but I’m not saying no at the moment, so behave like an adult rather than a child.” Another laugh. “I’m serious, West. You’ll get your way, but only if youstay with the programme and stop fucking around. She can find out if and when I’m ready for that. I control this, not you.”
“Asshole.” My mouth widens into a slight smile. “Where are you taking her?”
“Why the fuck would I tell you that? You’ve had her more than me. Back off and give me some privacy.”Not that he will. And I’m ready for that.
There’s silence on the line for a moment.
“Privacy is an irrelevant term considering the fact that my cum’s inside her.” I’d glare at him if I could. “When can I put more in her?” I shouldn’t smile. I do.
“After I have. My woman. My rules. Where are you staying?”
