Page 56 of Fifth Avenue Devil

I slip my hand into my pocket and pull out an envelope stuffed with cash. He looks at me coolly as I hand it over. He gives me a nod as he slips the envelope into his jacket.

"Anything else?" Rahim asks.

I shake my head. “No. Contact me as soon as you have something.”

“Will do.” He shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans, then begins to jog quickly in the other direction.

My fingers tap restlessly against my thigh as I watch him dash away. My mind runs over the information that Rahim just gave me.

Annalise is living a quiet life. No surprise there. But it does warm me to know that she’s not some party animal in the hours that I don’t see her.

What am I doing? Annalise Gellar has wormed her way into my thoughts in a way no other woman has before. I can’t seem to help it. And it infuriates me.

But her determination, stubbornness, and intelligence make me infatuated with her. The fact that it’s all wrapped up in that petite, blonde package drives me wild.

It’s causing me to lose focus on what matters. When was the last time I went to my office to do some work alone? It’s been weeks.

"Get a grip, Nate," I mutter. “Annalise Gellar is just a girl.”

I wind my way over to the Central Park Boathouse, where my brothers Cash and James wait. Their laughter rings out like a familiar song, forcing me from my angsty thoughts. They approach me with wide grins.

"Look who finally decided to show his ugly mug." Cash jabs an elbow into my side.

I can't help but smirk at his playful banter. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," I retort, matching his tone. “You two always know how to treat me well.”

“You bet we do,” James chimes in. “Come on, slowpoke. We’ll get you in shape one of these days.”

“I am in shape!” I protest.

James looks at Cash. At once, they exclaim, “Nahhhh.”

I roll my eyes. Just because I don’t run in the park often doesn’t mean that I’ve ever skipped a day at my gym with my trainer.

We set off slowly, allowing ourselves to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

"Hey, did you hear about Cash's latest conquests?" James chuckles. He glances at me with a conspiratorial grin.

"Conquests?" I raise an eyebrow. “As in multiple? No, do tell.”

Cash smirks, reveling in the attention. He’s such a fucking ham. "I'm simultaneously juggling a supermodel, a lawyer, and a diner waitress. My life's hectic right now, just how I like it."

"Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen," I say. A hint of admiration lurks beneath my words. Cash has always been the Casanova of our brothers. He unapologetically embraces his hedonistic tendencies.

"Don't be such a nag, Nate." Cash dismisses my concerns with a wave of his hand. "That’s what we have James for.”

“Why am I catching stray bullets?” James gripes. “I’m always looking out for you guys, and this is the thanks I get.”

I flash James a grin. “Don’t forget that I’m technically the oldest son by twenty-seven minutes.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m pretty certain that your tombstone will read,Nate Fordham: a decent poker player, a lousy skeet shooter. Oldest brother by twenty-seven minutes.”

His words make me laugh hard enough that I fall behind my brothers for a few paces. By the time I catch back up, Cash is saying, “I've got everything under control. The three girls don’t know anything about each other, and I plan to keep it that way. What's life without a little risk?"

"Speaking of risks," James grumbles. His tone is as prickly as his personality. "I've got enough on my plate without worrying about Cash's escapades. Have I told you about Charlie?"

"Charlie?" I ask, getting winded.

"My best friend Derek’s eighteen-year-old whirlwind," he explains, shaking his head in exasperation. "Derek has been sick, as you know. He’s got stomach cancer. Well, Charlie has been staying at my place because Derek has been in and out of the hospital a lot lately. And she’s been ruining my life. She has temper tantrums like a fucking child."

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