Page 134 of Brutal Kingdom

“Straight to the point. I like that in negotiations.”

He might, but he doesn’t practice it, because this is the longest lead up ever.

“I wanted to offer you a solution to your problem. To help you, even the playing field, if you would.”

I get a weird feeling about where this is heading, and if the end of the trip is what I think is, I would not.

“I’m a man of considerable money and resources. An alliance with my family would be beneficial to your cause.”

“You’re not about to suggest I marry your son?”

“You’re friends, right? You care about him, and I’ve seen the two of you together many times in my home. You have a great camaraderie and genuine affection for each other.”

“We’re friends, and I care about Noel, but I’m not in love with him.”

“No one’s suggesting you are, but you can grow into it. And if not, so what? We could draw up a contract that has an expiration date and when it’s over, you’re free to leave and marry for love. Though I don’t know what that confounded emotion has to do with the longevity of a marriage.”

It has everything to do with it. When I thought about marrying, it was never based on who has the most resources on paper. “Even if I thought this was a good idea. Noel would never go for it.”

“That boy is my son and he will do whatever I tell him to do.”

Wow. These stuffy old farts really don’t get the concept of allowing children to follow their hearts. This just makes me more thankful Summer, and I were gifted with the parents we have. They stressed love and friendship. Autonomy of our decisions and understanding the consequences of our actions. I might’ve done some questionable things last semester and dad would surely give me his, let’s try that again look, but I knew what I was doing and I’m prepared for any consequences I might face. Teaming up with Mr. Hansen, that’s not one of them.

He’s here pretending to offer help, but what he’s really trying to do is stack the deck in his favor by tying me to his son. I care for Noel but not like that, and I won’t let him or his dad pull me further into whatever this feud the Hansens and McKays have going on. I’m hurt and angry at Logan for fooling me again, but I’m a realist and right now, my stubborn heart still belongs to him.

“You need powerful people in your corner, Jordanna.”

“I already have that.”

“That old battle ax Pepper Dane, and that thug?”

Name calling. Now that’s cute. “I’d be careful what you say. This building has ears.”

He looks up at the roof. “Right. I just mean, you know who his father is. You should be careful who you associate with.”

“I’m associating with the son. Just like I’m friends with yours. I think it’s best if I leave my hastily formed opinions of people’s parents out of my decision to befriend them. Don’t you?”

“Parents have a wisdom from years of experience that you young people lack. In our world, fathers have a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed. I’m trying to share that wisdom with you since-”

My back stiffens. “Careful Mr. Hansen. Because it sounds an awful lot like you’re about to say something you can’t take back. I’m willing to listen to you spout on about your love for your son and pretend to believe you’re trying to help me when I sense the offer is really all about helping yourself. I’ll listen to see if I can glean some wisdom about how the Kingsley Hollow billionaires operate. But what I willnotlisten to is you saying one disparaging or offhanded comment about how my mother raised me after my father’s passing.”

“Jordanna?”

I hadn’t noticed anyone moving closer. I really should start paying better attention to my surroundings. “Yes?” I grit through my teeth.

“Everything, okay?”

“Everything’s fine, Noel. Your father and I were having a lovely chat. He gave me so much to think about. I think I might write an article about it.”

Noel snaps his head in his father’s direction. “For The Guild?”

That’s right, Noel. Remind dear old dad that I write for The Guild. The paper edited by Logan McKay. Go on and tell him he’s the last person you want me writing an article about.

“Yes. Well, it’s a thought. Nothing’s been decided yet. Mr. Hansen, did you have any more words of wisdom you wanted to impart?”

“No. Um. I actually have a meeting I need to get to. Son. Walk me to my car.”

Noel looks at me as if he’s not sure he should leave me here alone. I shrug. Makes no difference to me what he does with his dad. “I’ll catch up with you later, Noel.”

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