Page 15 of Sweet Nothings

And again, in the courtyard when I had Madison’s mouth wrapped around my cock.

I swallow the thoughts of Laurel as Perry slides the top paper out from his folder and hands it to me. I quickly read over it.

Everything Perry is saying is true.

The handing over of the company and all of our family’s belongings only happen under the event I marry a Branford within thirty days.

Having nearly taken on every major legal case, both civil and criminal, in the Boston city area for the last thirty years, the Branfords have built their own reputation here.

I think back to last year when he’d tried to pawn Laurel, the niece to the head of the Branford law firm, onto me and my brother Jude the night we’d met at Eclipse for one of our weekly dinners.

Her dark, raven-colored hair. Those large, bright indigo eyes. Laurel sat across from me in her tight-fitting dress and her red-painted lips. It took all the strength I had not to stare. She thought I hadn’t recognized her. Remembered her. I could see it in the way the corners of her mouth tilted down into a ghost of a frown.

But I did remember her. It’s impossible to forget a face like hers.

The two names at the bottom of the condition of marrying catch my eye.

“Both Monroe and Laurel are listed here,” I point out, attempting to keep my voice even toned.

“They are.” Perry winces. “Although it appears you are given a choice, it isn’t quite that simple. One of them is currently married.”

My beating heart drops into my stomach like an anchor into the sea.

“Monroe has been married for a few years now,” he explains. “Her sister Laurel, however, is single as far as I’m aware.”

The truth in Perry’s explanation hits me like a barreling train to the chest. My father may have given me the choice to marry whichever Branford sister of my choosing, but ultimately, I’m left with no other option.

Laurel istheonly option.

The woman with raven hair and indigo eyes.

I look back at the gold painting hanging above the bar cart. The anger I felt staring at it earlier has subsided. Perhaps it’s the alcohol. Perhaps it’s reality setting in.

Thirty days until the company is mine.

Thirty days to convince Laurel Branford to marry me.

This is either the easiest business deal I’ve ever made or the most foolish one.

FOUR

I should have been a professional poker player.

I’ve spent the better part of two hours attempting to keep a straight face for a potential client. A case my uncle insists we need to take on, promising we will receive a large sum if we secure it.

“What do you think my chances are?” the man asks around a mouthful of the sandwich he’s just bitten into. He doesn’t wait for me to answer before taking another bite.

I fight the strong urge to gag at the sound of his chewing.

“Well…” I sigh, tapping my finger on the table. “Not good. I’m not sure you even have a case, Mr. Wright.”

“What do you mean?” He’s shoving some of his unchewed food into the corner of his cheek. His giant, meat-stuffed sandwich falls from his fingertips. “My wife is cheating on me, Ms. Branford.With our gardener.”

“I’m aware.” I nod, biting the tip of my tongue. “But you admitted to also having an affair with the gardener. At the same time.”

Mr. Wright lifts his napkin and wipes his mouth with more force than necessary. Crumbs from his sandwich fly out, landing in front of my own plate that I haven’t touched for over an hour.

“Listen,” he sneers. “I didn’t make a call to your uncle expecting him to set me up on a meeting with his incompetent niece to talk me out of suing my wife for her infidelity. I was under the impression you were going to help me. In fact, I would be doing you a favor if you took on my case. The way my name announced as one of your clients would thrust you, Laurel Branford, into the spotlight would do wonders for your career. You’re a new lawyer whoneedssomeone like me.”

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