Page 2 of Ruthless Empire

“No one you know.”

“Try me.”

“Gideon. You are not getting involved in this. It’s new, and he is not ready to hear about my enigmatic hermit of a brother.”

“So you haven’t mentioned me at all?” I’m hurt.

“No.”

“Where did you meet him?”

“Online in a book group.”

“Online?” Frowning, I shake my head at her.

“Where else?” she scoffs. “In the village?”

“Why not? At least you would know more about this character. He could be anyone. He could be a serial killer, for all you know.”

“True, but I don’t think he is. I’ve done my homework, Gideon. I’m not an idiot, but I am thirty-five, and I need more to my life than just you and this house and your legacy. I love you, but I need to get away. Tell me you understand.”

It’s a demand, not a request.

Wonder where she learned that from?

Exhaling slowly, I fix my gaze on her steadily. “You can’t leave. You run this place. I would be lost without you.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, and I have that covered.”

“How?” My sharp question claps out in the otherwise silent room.

Pressing her lips together, she braces herself. “I’m going to hire someone to take over my duties.”

“Like fuck you are,” I growl, taking a step forward. “That’s not how this works, Sophia, and you know it.”

“Calm yourself,” she snaps, her fire blazing as I try to intimidate her.

Doesn’t work. Hardly ever does.

“This is something I have been planning for a while now. I’ve got it narrowed down to one woman. She is perfect. She is honourable and discreet, her background is clean but not squeaky, her credit is exceptional, she isn’t in any debt. She makes good money and lives independently. She has lived in this village all her life, so she knows everyone and knows how to work around anyone who crosses paths with her. She is quite remarkable.”

“Is she now?” I ask darkly, not accepting any of this. “You are going to have to do better than that, Sophia. How do I know she isn’t a mole planted here to take me out, and you’re just going to invite her into my home?”

“That is some fucking long game if she is,” Sophia sighs. “I know you trust no one, and you are right not to, but this is something I need to do, and you will have to accept this woman into your home.”

“No, I don’t have to do anything of the sort.”

“Then you will cook and clean for yourself for six months while I’m away.”

“Six months!” My roar of fury echoes around the high-ceilinged office, and it breaks Sophia’s confidence. She steps back and narrows her eyes.

“Yes, six months.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. End of story.” Turning my back to her, I take a sip of whiskey before I throw the glass into the fire, taking satisfaction in the smashing glass and the flames blazing more brightly. “You will obey me on this, Sophia.”

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