Page 64 of Crossing the Line
I flinch at my mother referring to Paisley as the smart one. It sounds as though she likes hearing that I’m involved with Paisley. And now that I think about it, I’m not surprised. I might not have known Paisley created Killer Firewall, but I know goddamn well she knows.
My mother rubs her fingers through Fifi’s luxurious coat, and her brows furrow thoughtfully. “Xander Grove and Heartly Grove’s daughter. She’s the one who’s responsible for Killer Firewall.”
I snort because I knew it.
“I understand that you and Paisley Grove have gotten very close,” my mom says, still stroking Fifi as though she hasn’t an ounce of anxiety coursing through her, given the subject at hand. That’s how I know she’s plotting. “But that stops now. Unless…”
“There’s no unless, Mother,” Achilles snaps.
“Unless,” my mother pushes forward defiantly, “there’s an advantage to you keeping her company for the time being.”
“No!” Achilles and I roar at the same time. We glare at each other. Rarely are we on the same page.
“Are you seriously asking me to keep seeing her, hoping I’d get something out of her?”
“Yes,” my mother says as if there’s no shame in her game.
Achilles aims his finger at me. “I want you to stay away from Paisley Grove.”
My right eye narrows to a slit as I consider how badly I want to rip his head off. But he’s the one who’s making the right call if the goal is to keep our families separate. Achilles understands the depths of how much I care about Paisley. He’s seen her red dress splayed on the floor in my den. I’m pretty sure Lauren has called him and complained about how I left her at the party to be with Paisley. Spending more time with Paisley will only make us closer. It will destroy any plans of me eventually marrying Lauren, and Achilles is smart enough to get that.
“And I’m going to show you why.” Achilles is composed as he reaches over to take a manila folder off the cushion of the chair beside him. “I will remove you as the head of LTI for good if you don’t straighten up and stop jeopardizing our future.”
The folder drops right in front of my empty plate. He made a perfect toss. I frown at the folder, circle my shoulders back, and then open it. There are legal documents inside. I’ll have to read them closely to get the gist of Achilles’s threat. My brother doesn’t make empty threats, so I’m certain the documents back up his claim.
“I’m starving. Let’s eat.” My mom uses her forefinger and thumb to delicately lift and ring a silver bell.
The servers in white jackets roll breakfast in on silver carts. The food smells and looks good. Too bad I lost my appetite.
