Page 44 of Ruthless Wars

Tipsy and amused, Evie purses her lips, tightening her giggle. Not so quietly, she apologetically whispers, “Sorry, Mr. Long.”

“Yes,” Margot says, smoothing her words. “Sorry, Dad. No booze for the guy with an overexcited ticker.”

Surprised, I zero in on the comment. He has a heart condition?

Setting a plan in motion to tear down a bastard like Everett Long was easier just a moment ago. But watching Margot wrap her arms around the man in an affectionate hug does something to me. Tugs at me more than I thought possible.

Margot’s not a pawn. And seeing how she dotes on her father—a man I’ve never met before tonight and always hated—does it change things? Sure, they share the same last name, but imagining a close relationship between them was easy to dismiss. Until now. Because maybe she needs him just as much. And perhaps he needs her.

Everything I learned about Margot online painted the picture of a woman who hasn’t been close to her family—and not involved with the company at all until now. Was it because of Everett’s health? Has he stepped down?

The more I watch them, the more it’s clear. Hurting him means hurting her. Margot loves him.

But something else is clear too. I can see by the look in her eyes and the death grip she’s got on the lapels of my jacket, that dress could blow at any second. Margot’s hands grab each side of the jacket, pulling it tightly around her.

“Why don’t we head out. Alli—” Turning around, I find my sweet little niece with Gabe’s hold comfortably around her waist.

Seriously? This kid’s not scared of losing his career or balls?

“Actually, I’m happy to take Alli home.” Before I can object, Gabe continues at his own risk. “I was a TA for several of her early classes while I worked my way through school.”

“Gabe also helped me get through the bar,” Allison says, making the point for my benefit, no doubt.

“Totally untrue,” Gabe says with a smile and a shake of his head. “I just gave you some tips of the trade. You did all the heavy lifting. And you totally killed it, just like I knew you would.”

The man brags about Allison’s accomplishment as if it were his own. The two of them exchange a sweet, silent glance, eliciting an eye roll from me.

Goddammit. I can’t hate this kid. He adores her.

Innocently, Allison bats those big, brown, puppy-dog eyes my way, eyes that are always my downfall. As if she needs permission. Still, a part of me clings to the little girl who will always need my approval.

Opening my arms wide, I welcome her in for a good-night bear hug, not giving a damn how it looks to anyone.

“I know what you’re about to ask,” I whisper in her ear. “And it’s completely up to you.” Releasing her, I extend a welcoming hand, shaking Gabe’s firm grip. “It’s great to meet you, Gabe.”

“Likewise, sir.”

“Mr. Byrne,” Everett says, gazing at me with an intensity that hardens his light blue eyes. “Let’s get together this upcoming week. Just the two of us.”

You bet your ass, we will. “Sounds like a plan.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Margot

Coop’s jacket around my shoulders is enough to keep me smiling the entire way to Evie’s. That and the sound of her light snores coming from the back seat.

“Give that girl a drink and the hum of a luxury car,” I say softly, “and she’s out like a light.”

Unconcerned about our napping passenger, Coop says, “I still love seeing you in my jacket. Even this one that looks like a bathrobe on you.” His hungry gaze washes over me before he returns his attention to the road ahead.

“I appreciate you saving me with it. Again.” I slip my thumb under the lapel, lifting it to my nose and giving it a deep whiff. “I might have to keep this. The cologne on your other one is nearly gone.”

His eyes widen, and the corners of his mouth tick up in a pleased smile. “You kept it,” he says, almost to himself.

“Mm-hmm,” I say. “Wore it the entire way to Austria. Spent a lot of lonely nights snuggling in it.”

“Lonely nights?” he asks, looking at me curiously.

---