Page 33 of His Rules

“Because it is,” he said and looked me straight in the eyes. “Sebastian is a beast in business. He’s ruthless, cunning, and I doubt there are any toes he won’t step on or rules he won’t break to get what he wants. He always wins. Every single time.”

Rules.

I thought about what Sebastian had told me on Monday and shuddered inwardly. I wasn’t very good at following men’s rules. Not the way he’d meant them anyway.

“Those are good attributes to have in the kind of merciless business he’s in. I’ve spent time looking into competing companies and it’s dog eat dog.” That wasn’t a lie. I’d used the two nights curled up in my bed, surfing the internet and learning everything I could about the competition. Ruthlessness was needed with such huge profit margins.

“Yes, but not when it crosses every morally gray line.”

“Are you suggesting what his company does borders illegal activities?”

My dad sat back, rubbing his jaw once again. “What I’m telling you is that Sebastian and his partner will stop at nothing to crush an enemy. Remember what I said. Sebastian always gets what he wants. Period.”

“Admirable.”

“Not when it destroys other companies.”

“You’re certain of that?”

“He bragged about it, sweetheart. I’d like to tell you not to work for him, but you’re a grown woman. Just go in with your eyes wide open.”

Eyes wide open. Truer words were never said. “I will, Dad. I think it’s an amazing opportunity. He’s a bit… grumpy, but I can handle him.”

My dad reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “Of that I have no doubts. You always handled me very well.”

“Dad!”

“You did and I’m certain I was a handful, but you were a precious princess yourself.”

“Very funny.” I glanced out the window, hating my inner and obviously very wicked mind. My thoughts had drifted to the night shared with Sebastian more than once. “Is he still married?” I blurted out the question without thinking. It hadn’t been my place to ask anyone in the office. I’d seen no pictures of his wife anywhere in his office. He’d had no personal pictures of any kind.

In fact, his office appeared as nothing but a beautiful placeholder. Perfectly decorated with everything just so, yet with the personality of a magazine layout and nothing more.

My dad snorted. “Why would you ask such a question?”

“I don’t know. I just heard he was in a contemptuous relationship but remains a womanizer.”

“My buddy is many things, some of which are exploited in the news. But he’s definitely not dating and certainly not more than one woman at a time. Although I could tell you about some stories from the past. And no, he’s no longer married. I’m one of the few people who know how difficult the experience was for him.”

“Ew, Dad. I don’t want to hear the stories. Why not be open about his divorce?”

We both laughed and he leaned further over the table. “Because he had a tough breakup with his ex. Bitter is a kind word. She’s not letting it go. The divorce agreement had some unusual caveats. I don’t know the details because even after all these years, Sebastian is a private man. Why are you asking exactly?” When he lifted a single eyebrow, that meant he was onto whatever antics I’d gotten myself involved in.

“He’s obviously not a happy man and he seems not to mind taking out his bad mood on everyone else. That’s all.” That was putting it mildly. He acted as if the entire world was against him.

“While I’m certain you’re quite capable of handling his mood swings, I’ll make certain when he comes over tomorrow night that he’ll need to answer to me if he pisses you off.” He laughed and my stomach instantly was infiltrated by butterflies.

“He’s still coming over for dinner tomorrow night?” Why had Sebastian accepted? Was the man simply trying to make me uncomfortable?

“Yes. He seemed eager to spend some time with us. Now I guess I know why. Don’t worry, honey. I’m having it catered.”

At least I was still able to laugh. My father couldn’t easily make a bowl of cereal for himself.

“That’s good to know so you two big, strong men won’t starve.”

“You will join us. Won’t you?” Damn if his eyebrow wasn’t lifted again. It was a sign I better not be going anywhere.

“I’ll be here. But I might be going out later.”

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