Page 14 of Ruthless Wars

Chapter Eight

Coop

“Let’s celebrate!”

I’m absolutely brimming with delight at this victory. Loosening my tie, I undo the top button because the starch job on this shirt collar is cutting into my throat. Strangely, my infectious enthusiasm is met by a man obviously inoculated.

“I’ll pass.” Austin’s normally laid-back temperament is gone, replaced by the blaze of a heated stare as he grits out his words. “Richard’s going to murder both of us for this. At least my death will be quick and painless because my only crime was leaving an asshole unattended for a few hours. I’m pretty sure you won’t have it so easy. Something long and torturous. Like, he’ll kidnap you ... sedate you ... and boom, you wake up as a woman. Boobs up to your neck. Pussy and all.”

The comment definitely wipes the smug grin from my face, but I shove back my give-a-shit factor, opting to rest on my laurels.

“Austin, I’ve wanted a seat on Long Multinational’s board for seven years. And not just for me. For us. I was more than happy to buy my way in with Richard, but sneaking in and stealing a seat from under their noses is so much sweeter. Is it my fault they left a big gaping hole in their armor for my kill shot?”

Austin doesn’t answer, letting his clenched jaw shout every bit of his irritation without a word.

“Look, if not me, it would've been someone else.”

Austin scoffs. “Of course it would've been you. There was no one else.” His frustration settles into silence for a moment before he continues. “Enjoy your drink. I’ll be busy packing. Heading out before your universe implodes. If you survive this, and your odds are about a million to one, call me. Maybe your one-track-mind will be back to legitimizing our business and not hell-bent on selling our corporate soul for revenge.”

I push my luck with a cocky grin. “ My odds were over a hundred-million to one. And you can't go. We have a major meeting with Long Multinational first thing in the morning.”

“You don’t need me at that meeting. I’m not the paper shuffler, remember? You’re the mastermind. I’m just the action guy. Take your usual dozen lawyers as your entourage.”

“Allison will be there too," I say, as if it might make a difference. "It’s her first major deal. And a hundred-million-dollar deal at that.”

“I’ll personally give her my congratulations.” Sneering, Austin bares his teeth, and I know he's about to give in. I've won some small victory that means he's sticking around. Even if just to dance on my grave. "Fine, I won't leave town. If for no other reason than morbid curiosity."

Trying to sweeten the bitter pill, I paste on a coaxing grin. “Simone will be one of those dozen lawyers. For a man who doesn’t love paperwork, you sure have a thing for lady lawyers.”

“Even if you had a dozen Simones, which admittedly would be a hell of an enticement, I still wouldn’t be at the shitshow you call a meeting. Consider yourself abandoned.”

Cocking my head, I ignore his pushback and change the subject. “A dozen women at once? That’s ... ambitious.”

“What can I say? I’m an overachiever.” Austin's never been one to harp on an issue, and switches gears. “Speaking of which, the new headquarters is three months ahead of schedule.”

"That is good news." And it's definitely my lucky day. “Three months? Wow. That’s unheard of. You’re a miracle worker.” Okay, I'm laying it on a little thick, but I need him here.

“No, just a guy doing my job. Bricklayer, not babysitter.” With an exasperated glare, Austin heads for the door.

“Austin, come on. Don’t leave pissed off. At least punch me in the gut. Or kick me in the balls. Something. Anything. Don’t leave like this.” Arms wide, I tense my gut, ready for the heated punch I know my cousin is capable of delivering. I can only pray my other invitation will be bypassed, sparing my family jewels from the merciless demolition of his Army-trained kick.

Instead, Austin gives me a quick bro hug, backing away with a shake of his head. “I know why you did it. And you’re too high on your own righteous indignation to see it now. You’re charging at the bull, and I’m just worried it’s going to turn around and gore us, demolish everything we've built. Your little starter empire will vanish like a fart in a tornado when the truth comes out. But,” he blows out a long breath, “I’ll always have your fucking back.”

Austin leaves but his words hang in the air, sucking the wind right out of my high-flying sails.

Determined to keep the momentum going, I decide a celebration is definitely in order, with or without my wingman.

Cell in hand, I comb through a few texts. I’m carrying a virtual black book of Victoria’s Secret models and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and my dick’s dying the wilted death of boredom. What’s wrong with me?

Fuck it.

Raring to go, I head to the nearest bar—an upscale spot just around the corner with the best top-shelf liquor in the city.

Chapter Nine

Coop

Strolling to the bar, I casually scan the sea of faces. Although there are a number of beautiful women who notice me—some licking their lips—I nearly fall over when I see the one I want. And she’s sitting in a booth alone.

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