Page 10 of Fifth Avenue Devil

"I'm just cautious with men I don't have any reason to know."

The smirk appears on his face again. "You have every reason to know me. Your father wagered a merger between our businesses. And I am here to collect it."

His assertion is so absurd that I can't help the laugh that slips out of my mouth. "You're crazy. No one in their right mind would think that winning a merger in a poker bet would stand up in court."

Nate puts his hands behind his back and studies me like I'm a curious insect that he's about to squash.

"My lawyers would be happy to sue your company. They are a vicious pack of thieves and liars and they're busily sharpening their knives, readying for their next victim."

I roll my eyes. "That's a horrible way to describe the people you employ."

He brushes that fact away with a sweep of his hand. His fingers are quite long. Pairs with being tall, I suppose.

I ball my face up. "So, you're actually here to claim that you have justification to force my company to merge with yours?"

He considers my words for several moments.

"Yes, I believe so. When your father said that he would step aside and name a successor, I imagined it would be someone... well... older. Someone who had run a company before, at least. But instead, I got Archer Gellar's daughter." His lips twist as if he's considering something humorous. "I'm trying to decide whether Archer was joking or high when he named you as his heir."

I bristle. "You really are a prick. Just so you know, my father named me as heir in secret six months ago. I found out about it when the rest of the world did.”

"Come on. You have to be as confused as everyone else." He pauses, thoughtful. "Are you sure you're not in on it together somehow?"

My hands drop to my sides and ball into fists. "You know what, Mr. Fordham? You really are the worst. A no good, no account... scuzzball."

He smiles at me without a trace of warmth, showcasing a dazzling set of perfect teeth. "And you are Daddy's little girl, throwing a fit and messing up what would otherwise be business conducted between grown-ups! But you don't see me rubbing that in your face now, do you?"

What? Is this guy serious? No wonder my dad nursed a grudge against him for fifteen years. Nate Fordham is a complete tool!

My rage is near the boiling point. "That's it! I've had enough of this. I don't have to stand here and be insulted!" I stalk to the door.

Nate is lightning fast, whipping his hand out to catch my arm.

My mouth drops open. I stare at him, dumbfounded. Just who the hell does this guy think he is?

Nate pulls me close, his eyes flashing a warning. "Don't be a brat, Annalise," he hisses.

"Let me go!" I try to pull out of his grip, but he clasps me even more tightly. I can feel the delicate skin on my upper forearm throbbing in the shape of his big hand.

"If you don't agree to this merger, I will execute a hostile takeover of your board and then buy your little company. Do yourself a favor and just give in. It'll be quick and painless."

I clench my teeth. "Over my dead body."

"You have no idea who you're playing with, little girl."

Mustering all my energy, I break free and run for the terrace doors.

Five

Nate

When I enter the building where Gellar Industries maintains their offices and labs, I have a goal. I need to meet with little Annalise Gellar in the daylight, and make her see that the merger between her company and mine is inevitable. After meeting with Annalise, it is clear as glass that I can’t actually expect her to sleep with me because Archer wagered it. But our companies are going to happen eventually... and it will go better for her if she just submits to my will now.

I stride through the lobby, not bothering to stop at the check-in desk. The employee behind it is clearly asleep anyway, and doesn't rouse as I hit the button to call for the elevator.

The elevator door opens with a creak. I raise my eyebrows and step in. The doors wheeze closed. I press the button for the top floor. The light flickers for a second as the elevator's gears grind. Then it carries me up to Gellar Industries without further issue until it arrives at the designated floor. When it stops, something in the machinery overhead bangs loudly.

I dart out of the elevator, reminding myself to take the stairs on the way down.

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