Page 43 of Fifth Avenue Devil

I’ve watched Cash charm women for most of my life. I’m not about to stand here like a cuckold and let him seduce Annalise.

"Enough, Cash." My voice slices through their exchange like a blade. "She said she’s not interested. Take the hint."

"Touchy, aren't we?" Cash smirks. There’s a question in his eyes now as he gazes at me, a puzzle with pieces still missing.

"I’m not interested in standing here and watching you bully your way into Ms. Gellar’s bed," I growl. Possessiveness suddenly rears its head and demands to be heard. “Or maybe she’ll surprise you by punching you and breaking your nose. Archer Gellar is known to have a mean sucker punch.”

Cash rolls his eyes. But he does take a step away from Annalise. He smiles at her. "I could introduce you to the right people, you know."

She stiffens like a cornered doe. “I just spotted a friend that I haven’t seen in a while. If you will both excuse me–”

Cash grabs her arm. “Wait a second.”

Annalise rears back. Dark intent sparks in her eyes. Immediately I step between them, physically separating her from my brother to keep her from attacking him.

“Go,” I order her. “Cash and I are going to take a walk outside.”

Annalise stares at me for a second. I swear I can see her deciding whether or not to attack Cash anyway. Then she gives a tiny shake of her head. She turns and walks away.

“Jesus, Cash,” I say, once the crowd has swallowed her. “I thought you were supposed to be a smooth operator. What in the fuck was that?”

"Easy, big brother," Cash replies, his eyes wide with mock innocence. "Just having a bit of fun. Sometimes you meet girls that say they aren’t interested, but it’s just them playing coy."

"Annalise didn’t look very coy from where I'm standing." The words are out before I can stop them.

Cash's eyebrows arch. "And since when do you care about Archer Gellar's daughter?"

"I should tell you that Gellar Industries is already merging with ViaLife," I concede through clenched teeth. I hate the need to justify my protectiveness over Annalise. Like it’s a tactical diversion, nothing more.

“A merger?” A laugh bubbles up from Cash's throat, rich and knowing. "Is that all it is?"

"Back off," I hiss, my jaw setting like concrete. "Annalise is young, Cash. She’s certainly not old enough for you to be messing with her head."

“I see.” Cash smirks, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Now about the merger. Did she sign anything?”

“Yes.” I pause. “I haven’t filed the papers with the courts, though.”

“So you’re hesitating. That’s good for me. What's it to you if I kill the merger and make it easy for you to buy Gellar Industries for pennies on the dollar? Are you Annalise’s boyfriend now, Nate?"

His question hangs heavy between us. I clench my jaw and my blood boils beneath my skin.

"Watch your mouth," I growl, and with a swift motion, I grab him by the arm. No one lays claim to Annalise—least of all my brother. “Now let’s go.”

I frog march Cash toward the ballroom door, seething.

Seventeen

Annalise

Isit in my father's sleek corner office at Gellar Industries. The large windows in the cavernous room frame the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. My fingers twitch rhythmically on the desk as I anticipate Nate's arrival.

My stomach flutters with a mixture of anxiety, excitement, and some other unnamed feeling. I'm still not sure how I should perceive him.

I stretch my legs out, still feeling the remnants of a lingering ache. The feeling is bittersweet for me. Nate finally took my virginity. Spectacularly, I might add. I feel like I can finally understand why women in romantic movies lift their feet during a particularly romantic kiss with their partners.

If they feel anything like the fireworks Nate made me feel, they have every reason to let it show.

And last night’s display of Nate’s possessiveness in front of his brother Cash? I almostswooned.

---