Page 27 of A Game-Changing Christmas

“You’re wrong,” Lance interjected.

Jonathon frowned and pivoted to face Lance again.

“Let’s just get this out since it appears we have space and opportunity,” Lance said, stepping forward where Jonathon met him at the edge of the table. Their families also moved, closing in as tension rose between Lance and Jonathon.

“I never hustled you on the bid like you think I did. You’re just too fucking stubborn to see it,” Lance said.

“Nah, I see it. You knew I had my eye on Windward Pier for months, and you took it right from under my nose. There’s this saying, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice…”

“It was not my call to make. My father told me he was going after it. He didn’t ask me for my opinion on the matter, and he wasn’t aware you wanted it!”

“But you were.” Jonathon dropped his head and peered at Lance sideways. “Weren’t you?”

“He never would’ve backed out. My father thinks it’s a healthy sport for God’s sake.”

“Too bad it’s no fun when you cheat though, is it?”

Lance’s heavy brows furrowed. “What did you just say?”

“Our alliance was thick, Lance. At that time, I considered you my brother. We did everything together and shared all—or most of our secrets with each other. You knew what I was planning to bid and how far I would go, and I’m sure you didn’t blink when you told dear ol’ daddy.”

Lance’s gaze turned into a mask of frustration. “All this time, I thought you were holding a grudge because we won the development, but no, you think I manipulated you to win the bid?”

“Damn right I believe it.”

Jonathon moved even closer, eye to eye with Lance. “You should’ve never been in the ring to begin with it. You’re a manipulator, a backstabber, a son of bi—”

“Gentlemen!” Cadena Winthrope shouted.

The men continued to square off though their conversation had been shut down.

A tight hand was laid on the back of Jonathon’s shoulder, and he knew it was Jordan. Jonathon locked his jaw and gritted his teeth. Without another word to Lance, Jonathon turned to King Winthrope and stepped forward, hands behind his back.

“Rose Security Group will provide cover for as long as you need it,” he promised. “As for a working partnership with the likes of them, my brothers are welcomed to join you, but I’m out.”

And on that, Jonathon pivoted again, and left the room with everyone looking after him.

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