Page 40 of Talk About… History

Hope ignited in my chest.

My exes would have caused issues, they were always combative at best. I’d been able to calm them but seeing this beta, unshakable facing my three alpha brothers, was as if something clicked within me.

He was my mate. Right now he was witnessing the chaos of my life and was facing it head on.

“Oh my god, they just laughed,” Sidney cheered. Nash clapped Cohen on the shoulder and the others took a step back. When Maverick turned to me and nodded, I knew that I had their approval.

Maybe I didn’t need their approval, but having it unknotted my chest. Having it would not only make my life easier, but it made me feel like this decision to accept Cohen was the right one.

When my mate turned my way, seeking me out in the crowd, I knew then and there I was going to give him a chance. I would also do what I could to find out more information about his family. He deserved to have someone in his corner, too. And if that didn’t work, he’d have the Whitaker clan on his side.

Cohen started walking, not stopping until we were toe to toe. My head tilted back and a smile tipped up my lips.

“How did that go?”

“Wonderful. They know we’re mates and they were asking about me and my intentions. I think we’re all on the same page.”

“Good,” I grinned. “And Cohen?”

“Yes, Gorgeous?”

“Kiss me.”

Ford

Working for Kent Banks was like working for the devil himself. He was a liar and a cheat, and anytime a woman, especially an omega walked in, he would upcharge the fuck out of them.

I’d already been on the brink of quitting when she walked in.

The omega was confident, but not cocky, and I hoped she’d be enough to challenge him. I watched from my desk as he chatted her up, his self-inflation going to new heights at the prospect of taking her for every penny she had.

This must be the omega who called in a few days ago. He went out to the property to survey it… alone, like usual. He didn’t want our opinions, just liked to boss us around when it was time to work.

“Oh, we can certainly help with that,” he rumbled, but she cut him off.

“I’m only asking for a quote right now. I’d like to consider my options,” she warned him, refusing to be bulldozed.

“Right, of course. Well, I sent my men out to survey the property in question and checked out the paperwork,” he said, more subdued now but I recognized that slight gleam in his eye. He was fuming at being cut off by an omega and doing his best to not show it.

Mason and I had our usual text chain going and I felt my phone vibrate, pulling my attention from the scene for a moment.

Mason: Remind me why we stay here?

Ford: I’m about to lose it. Wait for it, here comes his best line… “I’ve crunched the numbers, and found you the best deals.”

Kent puffed out his chest as he pulled out some schematics that his staff created for him.

“I’ve crunched the numbers, and found you the best deals,” he said, Mason and I sharing a look across the room. He was perched behind the financing window and I was at my desk, working on plans for a different project. Another one with an over-inflated price.

Even my jaw dropped as he gave her the final numbers. Mason’s face twisted in anger and I stood. Her choked gasp was enough to trigger something in me, my feet moving closer before I could stop myself.

“He’s lying.”

She blinked up at me, shocked. That’s when I was hit with the sweet and tart scent of cranberries, fig, and a hint of warm spice. It almost reminded me of holiday cider.

“Ford,” Kent growled. “You’re seconds away from being fired. How dare you tell lies in my shop.”

I turned to him, my face a mask of neutrality. “I quit… and there is no lie. You up-charged this omega thirty thousand dollars easy, and that’s just today. You’re finished when word spreads how you’ve swindled money out of your clients.”

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