Page 10 of The Will

“Not yet.” Alex stroked his bearded chin like he was plotting. “Cy and I are going to have to coordinate this if we want to get the best results. Unfortunately, I think I am going to have to attend a party that I didn’t want to attend.”

“A party?” Chloe asked curiously.

Alex sighed. “Yes, one of my father’s. I need to talk to my brother, and we need to get you a cocktail dress. Are you comfortable getting all dressed up for a ‘VIP’ party? It might sound like fun, but trust me when I say the elite are all fake. I refuse to make you uncomfortable if I can avoid it.”

Chloe thought about it. “Are you going to be nearby me?”

Alex shakes his head. “Nope, not nearby. Right at your side the whole time. Is that okay?”

Chloe nodded. “I have some coding to finish this week to upload on the weekend. What day is this party?”

“Next Saturday night. Is that an issue?” Alex asked, and Chloe shook her head. “So, we can head out shopping. Can you delay your work until after that?”

“Yes, I have it almost completed. I will do the testing when I get home,” Chloe said as she grabbed her purse and phone to head out the door.

Alex shook his head and smiled as he followed her. She was so adorable when she thought she was being all independent and sure of herself. She didn’t need to put on such a determined facade, but if it helped her get through all of this, then he would not burst her bubble.

Her tenacity made him want to kiss her breathless. Holding back pained him, “Maybe later,” he thought. He was driving, after all, and would have to bring her home when they were done.

Chapter 8

Alexwaswaitinginan area outside of the dressing rooms at the boutique that Chloe had directed him to take them to. He took this time to call Cy.

“This is Cy,” came the answer from the other end of the phone.

“Hi, it’s Alex and I need your help.”

“Oh? Do tell?” came Cy’s chipper retort.

“Well, first of all, I found her.”

“I kind of thought you did since I have not seen or heard from you since the email yesterday,” Cy responded with a touch of sarcasm.

Alex sighed, “Cy, she is nothing like the photo. Even Jimmy was focused all on her backside when he was following her. Also, she has been through hell. Your intuition was right. That uncle of hers is a monster. If he is a Thaddeus wannabe, then he should win an award because he has earned more hate from me than Dad.”

Cy voiced his surprise. “Wow, that bad?”

Alex said gruffly, “Yes.” He explained the story as briefly as he could without cursing loudly. When he finished, he was tense and ready to snap.

“Jesus, like Mom, but worse. No wonder you are keeping her to yourself.” Cy took a deep breath before asking, “So, what’s the plan? I know you have one, you always do.”

Alex chuckled at that. “Funny you should ask, as that is what I need your help with. You, Chloe, and I are attending Dad’s party next Saturday.”

“Okay, well, I am already going because of theGolden Boything, but why would you go if you didn’t have to do so?”

Alex smiled and told Cy about his plans for the party and his part in the setup.

“Okay, I get it now,” was the response from Cy.

Alex was going to thank him, but just as he went to do so Chloe appeared from the dressing room in a red cocktail dress. The dress hugged her all the way from her breasts to her knees. It had a scoop neckline that gave a wonderful view of her cleavage while the shoulders of the dress had thin, layered pieces of fabric that fluttered like they might take flight. She looked like one of his wet dreams, so all that came out of his mouth to Cy was, “Got to go.”

Alex hung up the call and rushed over to Chloe as she was looking in the mirror. He came up behind her so she could see him in the mirror, too. “This one, Chloe.”

“Are you sure?” Chloe asked, examining his expression. She could feel his uneven breath behind her, bending over in front of him to display her ass. She teasingly asked, “You don’t think it is too short?”

Alex sucked in his breath. He knew she was teasing him, but damn, it was working. He took a deep breath and leaned toward her as she stood up again. Alex whispered in her ear, “Remember what I said Chloe, about doing it again.” She froze at that moment, so he continued, “I am not opposed to taking you right here, in the dressing room, if you don’t mind making those noises you did last night for these customers.”

Chloe blushed so hard she was sure her cheeks matched the dress she was wearing. She cleared her throat and said softly, “No thank you, but yes to the dress.”

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