Page 60 of Tempted

“You know how Mom always tells us to create a powerful aura so that any shady energy sent our way naturally bounces back to the original sender?”

“Of course. It’s one of her favorite sayings.”

“I’m essentially doing that with your system and Ken’s. Your online business is behind an impenetrable wall, and if anything tries to penetrate it, they will feel the full force of my displeasure.”

“What about my reputation?”

“Same wall. He makes a move, and we counter it ten-fold.”

“I like it.” She straightened a blanket that was draped over a chair. “Will he be able to tell who is responsible?”

“That’s insulting,” Callie snorted into the phone.

“Of course, I don’t know what I was thinking.” She flicked off a piece of lint. “I guess a little part of me wants him to know that he was checked and can’t get away with his nefarious nonsense.”

“When his systems collapse, and he’s left with nothing but a smoking heap of metal, then I’m sure he’ll realize that harassing you in any way has consequences.”

She collapsed into a chair and told herself it would have to be enough. “I’m not sure why he’s bothered crafting any sort of retaliation. He was never that invested in our liaison, and it simply doesn’t make sense.”

“A bruised male ego is not comprised of rational thought and emotional intelligence. Think of all the wars that have been started because some fool thought he was dissed. Ken’s behavior isn’t surprising, and if Linc is as yummy as Olivia described, then it’s no wonder Ken is acting up.”

“Wait, Olivia was talking about Linc?”

“Of course.” She laughed into the phone. “When she wasn’t weeping over Zane.”

“Happily, they’ve reconciled and are committed to making a happy future together.”

“I need to meet these Hawker men and take their measure.”

“I heard you’re already acquainted with the one that runs in your spy circles.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Lucy shook her head and knew that her sister would never cop to anything she didn’t have to. “Fine, we can play it your way.”

“I’ve got a trip coming up, but when I get back, I plan on heading down to Haven.”

“We would love to see your beautiful face and smother you in all the family love you can stand.”

“Excellent.”

“Thank you, sister, for helping me craft the perfect lesson. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Callie laughed loudly. “You most certainly could have, and it would’ve been spectacular since you possess Mom’s creativity and Gram’s lack of respect for rules. It’s a winning combination and something people would do well to respect.”

“Thanks for your faith.”

“Always.”

“Keep me updated, and let me know when my system has eaten Ken’s.”

“Of course. Love ya.”

“Love you, Callie.” She ended the call and hoped that the end was near for Ken’s foolish behavior. There were so many more interesting things to focus on, with her boyfriend’s amorous attentions topping the list.

EIGHTEEN

Lucy walked into Jasper’s with Gigi for trivia night and hoped she could concentrate and help the team maintain their months-long winning streak. Her attention had been scattered since Tuesday, and she didn’t understand why Ken hadn’t implemented his plan.

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