Page 36 of Ruthless Wars

Coop

We enter the Long Multinational banquet hall on Thursday night, Allison in a sweet little number Simone helped her pick out, and I’m as dressed up as I get, sans the necktie. Allison’s hands are clutching the crook of my elbow so hard, her claw prints will be permanently embedded on my suit jacket.

My hand warms over the both of hers as I tell her, “Don’t be nervous. You look beautiful.”

By the way she tightens her death grip on my arm, she hasn’t heard a word I just said.

“You should’ve brought someone else,” she says meekly, fidgeting with her own fingers beneath my hand.

“Nonsense. This is where the real business happens. Where you get to know people outside of the boardroom. Connect over other things you have in common. And see what some of the most powerful women in the business world are like when they let their hair down. They’re just people like you and me—”

My words stop cold as I notice Margot across the room, flanked by a pair of beefy, good-looking men who could’ve been draft picks in the NFL.

Attentively, both fawn over her. One whispers something in her ear, making her laugh in a controlled, ladylike manner. I instantly hate him.

The other snags a flute of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray, handing it to her with enough pomp and circumstance to make me want to shove each of my favorite Santoni leather shoes straight up the guy’s ass.

Correction. I hate them both.

“Mr. Byrne.” Jean steps over to greet me with the warm charm she’s known for. “We’re so glad you could join us tonight. And Ms. Williams, you look lovely.”

“Thank you. So, do you,” Allison says, finally releasing her vice grip on my arm. Good thing, too, as the damn thing nearly fell off from the lack of blood flow.

“And what about me?” I say with mock offense. “Jeez, Jean. I put a lot of effort into this.” I motion for a server, grabbing a champagne for each of the ladies before taking one for myself.

“Of course, Mr. Byrne. You’re the absolute belle of the ball.” Jean’s words are fun and light, playful enough to encourage Allison to relax her hold.

“Please, call me Coop. And you and Alli have something in common. I have it on good authority you’re one of the best cuddlers in Dallas.”

“Really? Jean, are your snuggling capabilities so legendary that all of Dallas knows?” Evie says, barging into the conversation and instantly snatching Jean’s glass from her.

I offer Jean my untouched glass. With a wide grin, she graciously accepts it.

“Cuddler,” Jean says, correcting Evie.

“There’s a difference?” Evie asks, smirking suggestively.

Allison’s laughter at their exchange lifts my mood. This is exactly where she should be, surrounded by the strongest women in Texas. They can teach her more than I can.

“I was thinking of volunteering,” Allison says.

“To snuggle?” Evie asks, intrigued.

“No, to cuddle,” Jean says, correcting her again. “Babies, at Dallas Children’s Hospital. I’ve been doing it a while, so I guess my reputation as a lead cuddler has overshadowed my success at ball-busting negotiations.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Allison says warmly, practically gushing. “I’d love to help.”

Distracted by Margot, I’m losing track of the conversation. Apparently, it’s feeding time for the maneater, who’s heading to the lobby with her defensive linemen friends.

The fuck that’s happening. “Alli, I need to make the rounds.”

Jean jumps in. “Don’t worry. Alli and I will be engrossed in baby talk for a while. Not sure what the hell Evie will do.”

“Hey, I like babies,” Evie says quickly. “I can drop the f-bomb all I want as long as my tone is light and my smile wide.”

I give a rushed thanks to Jean before I dash through the lobby, with a few perfunctory greetings and handshakes along the way barely slowing my pace.

I dash toward the exit, but the ding of the elevator catches my attention. I follow the lighted numbers as they jump, floor by floor, until they stop at the floor where the conference room is located.

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