Page 57 of Fifth Avenue Devil

"She sounds like a handful," Cash smirks. He seems amused by the idea of our grumpy brother dealing with a rebellious teenager.

"More than a handful," James confirms, his frustration evident.

"She's driving me crazy. I’ve caught her sneaking out to clubs and coming home at ungodly hours. This week, she’s suspended from her high school…"

I give James a sympathetic look. “And how is Addison taking it?”

At the mention of his long-term girlfriend, James pales. “Not well. I keep telling her that it’s just temporary. When Derek is back on his feet, I will gleefully kick Charlie out.”

"Good for you," Cash chuckles. "It’s good to have a plan so your girlfriend doesn’t murder you in your sleep."

I scoff, rolling my eyes. "I’m sure James will be fine."

“Yes, well.” A mischievous glint appears in Cash’s eye. "Nate, it’s your turn in the hot seat. Isn’t it time that you came clean about your latest obsession?"

"Obsession?" I feign ignorance. My heart rate spikes despite my best efforts to play it cool.

"Annalise Gellar," Cash grins, practically salivating at the opportunity to tease me. "I heard you two have been spending a lot of time together lately. Tell me the truth. Have you got a thing for her?"

"That’s just a stupid rumor." I dismiss his words with a snort, even as images of Annalise flood my mind.

Her blonde curls, her fiery defiance, the way she challenges me at every turn. The way she looked wearing nothing but my button-up last week…

I grit my teeth. "You know I don't mix business with pleasure."

"Sure, sure," James chimes in, clearly not buying my denial. "Stone cold Nate Fordham. A man never distracted by anything but the bottom line."

"Exactly," I retort. My jaw clenches as I push myself harder. My muscles scream in protest.

But no amount of physical stress can hide the truth. I have definitely mixed business and pleasure. And in Annalise, I’ve found a wealth of desire, a deep well of confusion, and a hint of vulnerability that I refuse to acknowledge.

"Whatever you say, brother," Cash smirks. “She’s just a girl that you know. Right?”

I don’t answer, pushing myself ahead. “I’ll race you to those benches!”

Sweat trickles down my temple just as we reach a row of benches beneath the dappled shade of a cluster of oak trees. We sprawl out, chests heaving and limbs aching from our punishing run through Central Park. Once we start to cool down, Cash resumes needling me.

"All right, Nate," Cash says. "Unless you plan to marry Archer Gellar’s daughter, you need to man up. I’m ready to put the pieces in place to tank Gellar Industries' stock. Tell me that I can go ahead with it."

I pause. Cash doesn’t know I’ve already signed the merger paperwork with Annalise. It wouldn’t hurt my company to tank the stock and let Gellar Industries twist in the wind. But it will complicate things with Annalise.

I know Cash is only trying to provoke a reaction. But the mere suggestion of betraying Annalise sends a shiver down my spine. I push myself up on my elbows and glare at Cash.

“Things with Gellar Industries are in a fragile place right now. I don’t want to do anything hasty.” My intention is to sound detached, but a tremor in my words robs them of confidence.

"What the hell is going on right now?" James asks. "You've never been one to waver with business, Nate. What's different this time?"

I'm acutely aware of their scrutiny. Still, I can't admit that I might have a heart. Not even to my brothers, let alone everyone else. My brothers would lose all respect for me.

I swallow the lump in my throat and force a smirk onto my face. "Nothing's different," I lie, my tone dripping with disdain. "I've got everything under control."

“Give me the word, then. I’ll start lining everything up for Gellar Industries to take a swan dive.”

I swat his words away. "Fine! If it will make you leave me the fuck alone, you can put the pieces in place. But I’m telling you, Cash. Don’t do anything more than that. I'll pull the trigger when I'm ready."

Cash's eyes gleam with excitement. He leaps up from the bench, clapping me on the shoulder. "I knew you'd come around. You won't regret this. We are going to berich."

“We’re already rich,” James says. “Try again.”

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