Page 41 of Charming Deception

Thanks, bro.

Megan’s eyes cut back to me. “I can’t believe you fired him.”

“So I could hire you,” I point out, my voice low.

My brother raises an eyebrow at me.

I do not want to continue this conversation in front of him. Not when my blood is boiling like it is. It’s not anger. I want to explain to her that I’m not always an asshole. She’s just caught me at a very, very bad time. “I was trying to help you?—”

“Because Cole asked you to. And I do appreciate it, but?—”

“This is you being appreciative?”

“This is you helping?”

“This is how you talk to your employer?”

“Not usually.” She glances at Graysen, looking embarrassed and frustrated. “You have to hire him back,” she tells me.

She’s trying to tell me what to do. In front of my brother.

Heat spreads through my chest. My fingers twitch, and I have to clamp them down on the arms of my chair.

“I can’t do that.” It’s amazing how calm my tone is, considering I’d like to drag her across my lap and spank her round little ass right now. Teach her some manners. Without witnesses.

“Why not?”

“Because I gave you the job. How many gardeners do you think I need on salary?”

She takes a deep, silent breath. “Okay. I understand. And I quit.”

What?

“Wait.” I get to my feet.

Megan looks at Graysen again, who’s standing back like he’s watching an enjoyable rom-com. “Again, I’m sorry for the interruption,” she says—to my brother. “Have a nice day.” Then she walks out.

“Megan—” I growl, but the door shuts behind her.

Graysen smirks, which is terrifying, since Graysen never smirks.

“Do not say it,” I bark.

“Say what?”

“Whatever the hell you’re thinking right now. She’s not available.”

“Too bad. She might make a great Mrs. Vance. Who is she?”

“I thought you already had your future Mrs. Vance picked out,” I mutter.

“I didn’t mean for me.”

“Ha.” I snarl as I drop back into my chair, and Graysen’s brow furrows in a way I don’t like. I can feel his brain running calculations again. It’s goddamn creepy.

Then he pronounces, “She’d do.”

“And you know this, because…?”

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