Page 23 of Chase

“Josephine Rivera,” he says, and I nod, surprised by his knowledge. “How is the feisty bitch?” He chuckles as we pull out of the parking lot into the cold dark January evening.

“You know her?”

“I sure do. And she is as much trouble as you are.”

Chapter ten

The Level Boardroom

Connor

As I stand looking out over the city, I check my watch again. Half past seven. Russell was meant to collect Samantha at six o’clock then drive straight here. It should have taken thirty minutes at most. My bastard brother has once again changed the plan and is doing his own fucking thing. Namely, yanking my chain. His jibes and taunts have become more frequent in recent weeks, both in and out of the office. It’s becoming harder to keep my mouth closed.

“Where the hell are they?” I mutter, starting to pace again. Harrison walks up behind me and places his hand on my shoulder. I stop then turn to face him. Violet, who has been sitting at the table eating raisins by the handful, stands and waddles out of the room, but not before kissing her future husband's cheek. Raisins have been her third-trimester craving; every time I’ve seen her, she’s had a bag in her hand.

“They’ll be here,” Harrison assures me, his voice calm. “Perhaps they’ve been caught up in traffic.” He passes me the glass of whiskey in his hand. “Have a drink. What’s making you so prickly?”

“He likes her,” I state, the worry that’s been eating away at me surfacing. Russell has always been an open book in my eyes; I can tell by his behavior how he feels about someone. To most people, he’s a pain in the ass. My brother likes to upset those around him before they have the chance to do the same to him. But with Samantha, although he’s rude and obnoxious, there’s a softness in his eyes that I’ve only seen with family. And one thing I know about my brother is when he decides he wants something, nothing stands in his way. I can only hope that his sights aren’t set firmly on what’s mine.

“Russell always wants what he can’t have. How many women have you two played this game over?” My friend eyes me knowingly; he’s seen this dozens of times before with Russell and I competing for the same girl, even if one of us is already dating her. “Are you and Sam doing well? From what Violet says, she’s into you.”

“My sister and her big mouth discussing my private life.” He laughs but nods in agreement. “This is different. I don’t want this to be a competition. I couldn’t bear to lose her.”

Harrison cocks his head to the side, his shrewd eyes running over my face. He doesn’t speak, just leaves empty air for my words. It’s a mannerism he has perfected both in and out of the courtroom: the ability to make someone uncomfortable enough to tell him what’s on their mind. “I like this girl. What we have feels…” The emptiness opens up again, and my heart fills with fear at the thought of losing her.

“Feels what?” he prompts.

“Real.” We both stand staring at each other, and he smiles kindly. “She’s the first woman I’ve been with who isn’t interested in my credit card. There are no expectations from her of fancy dinners or expensive gifts. I think she likes me for, well, me.”

“So, what are you worried about? It sounds like the perfect basis for a relationship.”

I shrug, not knowing what to say. The thought of saying my biggest insecurities out loud is unpleasant. Unnerved, I walk back over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over London. It's dark now, so the lights of the city spread out across the blackness. Cars still weave through the streets; it’s silent in our fortress up here, but I know outside the city is bustling.

“I think she likes him too,” I admit, not looking at my friend. “Though I don’t think she knows it.” He wanders over to stand beside me, and we both stare out into the dark.

“Are you psychic?” He asks with mild sarcasm.

“No, just a realist.” Harrison glances at me, concern clear on his features. “You and I both know that it’s obvious when two people like each other. And I see how she responds to him when he’s being an ass. She glows.”

“Why would you ask him to collect her from work then, if you’re concerned about an attraction between them?”

I take another sip of my drink, knowing my answer will probably make no sense to my friend. Russell is a non-negotiable part of my life. My big brother has looked out for me since day one. He’s a necessary thorn in my side.

“Because he’s my brother. I trust him with my life. He’s the first man I would call in any situation, good or bad. I needed help, so I asked him.” Harrison nods fractionally, but his face tells me he doesn’t agree. “And if there is something between them, am I not better knowing now than in a year?”

Just then, the sound of laughter bursts through the door, and we both turn to find Russell and Samantha walking into the room. Her face is lit up as he tells her what I assume is a joke. She looks stunning, relaxed, and at ease. But what’s more disconcerting is Russell; there’s a natural happiness there I haven’t seen in years, not since we were kids. Samantha reaches out and slaps his arm.

“You are such an arsehole,” she teases.

“Guilty as charged,” he agrees, then bows dramatically. My jealousy spikes, and I feel the fury mixed with insecurity build in my chest to a bursting point. My fists clench at my sides. It’s taking all my composure not to storm across the room and punch my brother in the face.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Harrison says under his breath, then walks toward the door.

“Where are you going, Waite?” Russell shouts. “This is a celebration!”

“I’ll go get your sister,” he tells him without as much as a glance in his direction, then exits through the doorway the happy couple just appeared from.

Samantha meets my gaze, and her stunning smile widens. It does nothing to calm me. I only become more furious that time with him has made her this happy. She looks fucking radiant.

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