Page 39 of Jael

Christopher was the last person he wanted to be honest to about the subject. “I haven’t really noticed.”

“Fine, you want to play coy? Play coy. I’ve got no problem owning it. But I’ll tell you what, once Jael gives in to what she really wants, it will be that much sweeter.”

Danny couldn’t help himself. “And what is it you think she really wants?”

“You don’t know? You’ve spent more time around her than I have.”

“I had other things on my mind.”

“She’s followed Daddy around her whole life, but she’s almost thirty. It’s time for a real man to take control. No offense to Gregory. He’s raised her well, but now it’s my turn.”

“If she’s a grown woman, wouldn’t it be better for her to take control of her own life?”

“Please. A woman like that doesn’t know how. She plays like she does. That’s the hard-to-get attitude. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a chauvinist pig. I know there are a lot of ladies out there who can look after themselves, but Jael is not one of them.”

“It looked to me like she’s been doing fine on her own with her foundation.”

“What—Vita Nova?” The time he took to give Danny an incredulous gape nearly had them running up the backend of the car in front. After slamming on the brakes and swearing at the driver who couldn’t hear him, Christopher said, “That’s a joke, right? What am I saying? It’s clear you’re clueless. I hope you’re better on the job. What you have to understand is that Vita Nova is a hobby to make Jael feel better about herself.”

“From what I saw, she’s quite passionate about it.”

Christopher lifted an eyebrow. “Passionate? I’ve never seen Jael passionate about anything. Mark my words. Before the end of the year, she’ll get bored and give it up.”

“That’s not how it sounded when I spoke to her.”

“Trust me. I’ve known a lot of women like her.”

“Is that so?” Danny couldn’t keep the jagged edges out of his voice. If Christopher noticed, he didn’t act like it.

“Our families have been friends for a long time. I haven’t had much to do with her over the years, but I know the type.”

Danny decided it was time to change the subject before he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “How long have your dad and Gregory been friends?”

“Since college.”

“They were in college together? With that age gap?”

“Gregory wasn’t a student at the time. My dad was.”

“I’m surprised I never crossed paths with you when I was working for Gregory before.”

“By the time you and I were around, they were in different leagues. No offense to Gregory, but he doesn’t have the same killer instinct that my dad has. If you ask me, that’s why Gregory got out of the business. He couldn’t cut it. He’s done well with Heber Industries, though. Not everyone is made for the underworld. But you seem pretty keen to get back into the game.”

“Work is work, as far as I’m concerned.”

“Until you get caught.”

“That’s what I get for going out on my own,” Danny said.

“Hard lesson to learn. It makes a difference when you have the covering of someone powerful. ”

It was the first thing Christopher had said that Danny agreed with. Although the “someone powerful” Danny was thinking of was very different. “I appreciate you guys letting me have this chance. I recognize what a rare gift it is.”

“My dad trusts Gregory. But don’t expect to sit at our table anytime soon.”

“Got it.”

Christopher was silent for a few minutes, then he said, “So, uh…I heard the old man has you babysitting.”

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