Page 35 of The Boss

Julianna wraps her arm around me the moment we enter the wide, open foyer of the main mansion. A woman in a white uniform offers to take her jacket and my sweater. Julianna refrains. I shrug out of my sweater and hand it over. A chill claims my shoulders. Julianna rubs my left one for me, yet before I appreciate the somewhat romantic gesture, she steps forward and flags down a man popping out of a nearby room.

“Jules!”

I recognize Ted’s voice even though I’ve never heard it before. How can anyone mistake Ted Marcon for someone else? The man oozes more charm than my boss!

Granted, I wouldn’t call Julianna charming, per se, but when compared to her big brother, all I can think is… sheesh, someone got all the romantic genes!

Julianna religiously plucks any chin hairs that have appeared on her face overnight. Ted, on the other hand, keeps a healthy amount of perfectly tended fuzz on his face. His sleek black hair is expertly styled, gleaming with the right amount of product, and he carries a scent so refined that it politely whispersluxury. I’m not ashamed of my smile as Ted strides over to us, extending a hand toward his sister. Julianna’s face remains composed, her polite expression betraying nothing as she exchanges greetings with her older brother.

Do I sense animosity?

“Who is this striking woman, Jules?” Pearly white teeth poke out from Ted’s lips when he speaks to me. Bright blue eyes look me up and down, a mixture of criticism and overflowing with admiration. “Do introduce me. She looks chomping at the bit to know your big brother.” He leans in toward me. “I’m bigger and better in every sense of the word, darling.”

I’m speechless. Like, really?

“This is Alessa Penrose, my new girlfriend.” Julianna puts her hand on the small of my back. At first, I think she intends topush me forward, but her fingers tug on my dress, keeping me close to her side. “We became official only earlier this week, so go easy on her. She’s not used to the circus we perform here.”

“Oh, I’m sure she must be a smart and bright young woman to convince you to get official, Jules.” Ted finally releases my hand. If I thought his sister’s skin was soft… “She doesn’t bother with the women she’s only interested in bedding and nothing more.”

I’m blushing. This time, Julianna intervenes. “Where’s Jordan? I’m sure Alessa would love to get more introductions going.”

“Jordan will be here shortly.” I’m so invested in this exchange that not even I miss the vexing flash on Ted’s chiseled face. “Held up at the airfield because of the weather back home.”

“They live in California,” Julianna tells me.

“Much sunnier than the crisp, gray fog here in Oregon. I keep telling this woman to move to LA, but she won’t have it. At least Seattle, woman.”

“Portland’s fine. Centrally located.”

“And full of beautiful women, it seems.”

“Forgive my brother. He’s an atrocious flirt.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” I finally get to say. “Julianna talks about you all the time.”

“You mean rants about me? Because that’s the version I’d believe.”

Ted says that with mirth in his voice, but Julianna tenses next to me. What kind of relationship do these siblings have, exactly? All I know is that Ted is six years older than Julianna. I suppose that age difference could be challenging, particularly in their kind of family.

“I brought you and Jordan a gift.” I grab the small package from the bottom of my bag, but Ted gestures for me to keep it for now.

“Jordan loves presents. Let’s wait so we can open it together. Thank you, by the way.”

Before an awkward silence settles over us, Julianna asks, “Are Mother and Father here?”

“Dad’s flirting with half the wait staff and mother’s already half-drunk on mimosas. Simply another day in the Marcon clan. Welcome to the fold, Alessa.”

“Must not be too terrible if you’ve snagged someone to marry.”

Ted does a double-take in my direction before completely turning away. “Ha! I like her, Jules.” He points to us on his way down the hall. “A billion dollars is excellent lubrication against the in-laws, sweet Alessa!”

Julianna and I continue to stand in the middle of the foyer while uniformed staff move around us. “So, that’s my brother. Mind that he doesn’t try to seduce you. That would void our agreement for exclusivity… and would require me punching him in the fucking jaw again.”

“Excuse me?”

Julianna doesn’t answer me. She walks ahead, and I follow.

Doesn’t… seduce me…? Punch him in the jaw?Again?

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