Page 38 of Adored By Them
“Quinn.”My voice comes out sharper than I intended.Has he actually forgotten his niece’s name?True, our families aren’t super close, but it’s pretty messed up he can’t remember his sister’s kid’s name.
“Whatever her name is, she’s a girl.”
I raise my eyebrows.
“I don’t care if it sounds backwards,” he snaps.“A girl can’t run the business.”
She’s a woman, not a girl.My father is a giant asshole.
“Quinn hasn’t been raised in the business.”My grandfather sounds tired, but resolute.“It isn’t time to bring her in now.But Edmund, are you sure you want out?”
“Not entirely out.”I clear my throat.“I want to take over Finch and Fox, as well as Salt.Run them legitimately.No money-laundering, no fronts for other operations.”
“They won’t make any money that way.”My father laughs.
“Enough to live well on.”I keep a comforting hand on Arky’s head.“I’ve been watching the books.”
“You always thought that you're better than me,” my father says in a low, angry voice.“You always thought?—”
“Enough, Ed,” Grandfather snaps at my father.“Let him go.I started these businesses from the ground up, not to force my family to work, but to ensure my children and my grandchildren had every opportunity to follow their dreams.”
“His dream is based on nothing butfeelings.”My father slams a hand down on his desk, making his computer monitor shake.
“And those feelings are just as valid as logic.”I can’t resist taking it further.“And how did your logic fare with Cece Morraine?”
“You little fucker—” My father starts toward me.
Arky growls low in his throat.
My father jerks to a stop.“That runt has never shown me the barest modicum of loyalty.”
“I’m taking him with me,” I say.
“I wasn’t talking about the dog.”
I laugh.“Fuck you, too.You don’t know a fucking thing about loyalty—just ask Cece.”
His face turns bright red and he practically vibrates with fury.He looks like he wants nothing more than to hit me, but Arky’s solid presence at my side keeps him in line.
“Edmund.”My grandfather’s voice is firm, but sad.“I’ll transfer ownership of Finch and Fox over to you, as well as Salt, as soon as Victor takes care of legal and draws up the paperwork.Perhaps it’s best if you go, for now.”
“Sure.Thanks, Grandfather.”
“You’re welcome, of course.”He walks me to the door and adds in a low voice, “I believe your feelings are steering you right.The Aseyev girl is worth it.I like her, she has fire.I want you to be happy.”
I scratch behind Arky’s ears.“For the first time, I am.”
“And I take it Manchester will be leaving our employ, as well?”
“He goes where I go.”
Grandfather nods.“He loves the girl, too.”
“I’m good with that.”
“It isn’t a traditional dynamic.”He frowns, then shrugs with a smile.“But the three of you will be very happy.”
“Yes, we will.”I shake his hand, then lead Arky down the hall and to the side door.
