Page 26 of Fairy Tale Lies
Blake spared Jacob a cursory glare before returning his focus to Greta. “Is this how you welcome all our new clients? What’s the treatment for the higher-level ones?”
Seriously?! No wonder this asshole is an ex.
Greta blinked, clenching her fists in her lap. Jacob was sure she was going to rip into this dickhead. Instead, she avoided them both and said, “I’m going to get more coffee. Need anything?”
Jacob tried not to gape. “No. I’m fine. Thanks.” His gaze never left her.
He was so far from fine he wouldn’t have been able to identify it in a lineup. Jealousy and bewilderment coursed through him. He wanted to rage at Greta for not defending herself. Even more, he ached to punch the pompous lawyer standing in front of him.
How could Greta date, let alone become engaged, to such a jackass? Jacob wasn’t sure which bothered him more, the man’s pretentiousness or his shared history with Greta.
Jacob stood, and both men waited in the loud silence until she left.
The door shut, and he faced Blake. “I see why you’re an ex.”
Blake waved a hand dismissively. “For now. We’re working through some issues.”
His nonchalant attitude grated on Jacob’s nerves, and he couldn’t resist taunting the other man. “I’d say from the way she was just kissing me, she might not be interested in fixing those issues.”
Anger flashed through the other man’s eyes. He immediately masked it with a condescending smirk. “Only shows me she’s confused. Make no mistake, Greta is mine. She and I were together for over three years, and, face it, you’re not her type.” He regarded Jacob and didn’t appear impressed. “You may have put on a suit today. It doesn’t change the fact you’re an inconsequential nobody. She’ll learn soon enough.”
Jacob laughed, more amused than concerned. It was a wonder both Blake and his ego could fit through the damn door. “Wow, you’re an arrogant asshole. Is it one of the issues you need to work on?”
Blake flushed red, and his hand clenched into fists. “A fair warning. If you continue to pursue Greta, it will not end well for you,” he hissed.
Jacob snorted and cocked a brow. “Why? You gonna beat me up?”
“A man of my stature doesn’t stoop to street brawls. That’s for your kind. No, I worry if you continue down this path, your little dream may never become a reality—”
Jacob’s adrenaline spiked. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Language, Mr. Grimm,” Blake tsked. “I’m referring to your pissant company, Rework. Do you think Charles would appreciate someone like you messing around with his daughter? Who knows what lengths he’ll go through to keep you away from her?”
He was getting under Jacob’s skin, hitting too close to his own fears.
Hiding his doubts, he scoffed, “I believe Mr. Meier’s a smart businessman. He knows I’m an excellent investment. Plus, you’re his lawyer; you should know we’ve already signed a contract.”
Tired of the man and growing impatient, Jacob thrust out his hand. “Give me the paperwork and head back to your cubicle.”
Blake handed over the file. “I’m sure there’s a loophole…but really, why bother.” He gave another one of those condescending shrugs. “You’ll be gone from here soon enough, and Greta will forget you. I honestly cannot believe she even noticed you in the first place. Our little separation must have unsettled her more than I realized.”
Jacob plastered on a fake self-assured grin. “You’re right. I won’t be here long. Guess I better make sure my presence is memorable.” He leaned back, tucking his hands in his pockets. “Though I’ve been here less than a week and have made good progress, don’t you agree?”
Blake’s calm exterior slipped. He took an aggressive step forward, a man ready to detonate. Jacob slid his hands from his slacks, steeling himself for more scalding words and the possibility of violence. He surreptitiously scanned the room for any possible objects Blake might try to use.
A phone buzzed, piercing the air and the confrontation. Blake cursed, yanking a sleek cell from his pocket. After reading a text, he slipped it back inside and regarded Jacob coldly.
“You’re temporary. Sometimes women like to slum it for a bit, see what the other side’s like. She’ll bore of you soon enough. Now, I have to go. Charles needs me, and I don’t have any more time to waste on you.”
“Fuck off. I never asked you to stay,” Jacob growled.
“More vulgar language from a foul man. I’m not surprised.” Blake sniffed. He strolled out, leaving in his wake the stink of expensive cologne and discontent.
Chapter Eleven
Discord wrapped itself around Greta. She pulled at the collar of her blouse, trying to breathe, but the guilt was strangling her. Before the door to the IT office had clicked shut, she’d known leaving Jacob to deal with Blake was a mistake.
Not that it stopped her from running like a frightened rabbit. She despised conflict and needed a couple minutes alone, away from Blake’s animosity and Jacob’s allure.
