Page 26 of Filthy Rich Single Daddies

"Go ahead," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "Call them. But before you do, let me make something clear." I lean in slightly, matching her intensity. "If you don't leave this property right now, I'll be the one calling the cops. For trespassing and attempted breaking and entering."

Djinn's growls grow louder behind me, as if sensing the tension. I continue, "Or, I could always let Djinn out here to keep you company while we wait for them to arrive. Your choice."

Brielle's face contorts with rage, her perfectly arched eyebrows knitting together. "You little bitch," she hisses, her voice rising to a shrill pitch. "You have no idea who you're dealing with!"

I grip the doorframe tighter, my knuckles turning white. My heart races, but I force my voice to remain calm. "I think I do, actually. And I'm not impressed."

Her rage amps up, and for a moment, I wonder if she might actually try to hit me. Instead, she takes a step back, her eyes blazing with fury.

"You will regret this," she hisses again. "I'll be back, and next time, you won't be able to keep me out."

"Bye, sweetie," I wave, my voice saccharine sweet.

She takes a step back, her designer heels clicking on the porch. "This isn't over," she spits, jabbing a finger in my direction."Austin will hear about this, and you'll be out on your ass before you can blink."

I watch as she storms down the driveway, her hair whipping in the wind. Only when her car peels out of sight do I allow myself to exhale, sagging against the door.

"Holy shit," I mutter, running a shaky hand through my hair. Djinn whines softly, nudging my leg. I reach down to scratch behind his ears, grateful for his steady presence.

My mind races. Should I call Austin? It's my first day, and I don't want to seem incapable. But this isn't exactly a normal situation.

I pull out my phone, my thumb hovering over Austin's contact. Screw it. He needs to know.

"First day on the job, and I'm already dealing with psycho exes," I type, trying to keep it light. "Brielle showed up. Don't worry, I handled it. Kids are safe upstairs. Call when you can?"

I hit send, then lean my head back against the door, closing my eyes.

My day can only get better at this point.

Chapter 9

Cohen

The glowing numbers on my watch mock me as I slouch in my leather chair, waiting for Austin to wrap up his last meeting. The three of us drove in together this morning, a decision I'm now regretting as the minutes tick by.

The door to my office swings open, and Theo lopes in, his casual grace a stark contrast to my restless energy. Without a word, he flops onto the leather couch across from my desk, his long legs sprawling out in front of him. His eyes are glued to his phone, a frown creasing his forehead.

I want to ask what's wrong, but the words stick in my throat. There's something in the set of his shoulders, the downward curve of his mouth, that makes me hesitate. Whatever's on that screen, it's hit him hard. And I have a sinking feeling I know what—or who—it is. I don’t want to go there.

Theo's green eyes flick up to meet mine for a brief moment before returning to his phone. "You look like shit, man," he says, his voice carrying that dry humor I've come to expect from him.

I snort, leaning back in my chair. "Thanks. I was going for the 'overworked single dad who can't remember the last time he slept' look. Nailed it, right?"

He chuckles, but it's half-hearted at best. I watch as his thumb scrolls, his expression growing more pained with each swipe. The urge to ask burns in my chest, but I swallow it down. Some things are better left unsaid, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

"Austin still in that meeting?" Theo asks, finally setting his phone face-down on his chest.

I nod, glancing at my watch again. "Yeah. Should be wrapping up soon, though."

Theo hums in acknowledgment, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. I can practically see the wheels turning in his head, memories playing out behind those intense green eyes. It's a look I know all too well—the same one I see in the mirror when thoughts of my ex-wife creep in.

"You want to grab a drink after this?" I find myself asking, surprising even myself with the offer. "Looks like we could both use one."

Theo's lips quirk up in a small smile. "Make it two, and you've got a deal."

The office door slams open, startling both Theo and me. Austin storms in, his usually impeccable appearance slightly disheveled, tie loosened, and a few strands of dark blonde hair falling across his forehead.

"Women," he spits out, pacing the length of my office. "Nothing but trouble, the lot of them."

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