Page 44

“Why?”

Because the Crystal is nowhere near my office.

Because I won’t know when she clocks in and out.

Because I can’t watch her on the security cameras.

The swiftness with which these facts come to me is disturbing.

“She’ll be full-time as a baker,” Savi says. “And she can sling cocktails in the bar, too. You can talk details with Damian, then give her the news. Phrase it like it’s a promotion. If she wants more hours, a bit of a raise, just tell Damian.”

“I don’t like this side of you.”

“Which side?”

“The one that gives me orders.”

“Ha. I’ve been bossing you around since the playpen. Nobody tells you what to do and gets away with it like I do.”

“Don’t gloat.”

“Because no one loves you like I do, Harlan,” she adds, with a fake-sweet voice that makes my skin crawl.

“Don’t overdo it.”

She drops the sweet act. “Out of discretion, you should give her the message yourself. If you think that’s wise. If you don’t…” I’m not sure what the look she gives me is all about. Wariness? “I’ll do it for you.”

I scowl. “I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”

“So you think it’s wise for you to see her again?”

What the hell is she getting at?

“I told you, it’s over between us. I’ll meet with her in private, and get it done.”

“And you’re sure it’s over?”

“How many times do you need me to say it?”

My sister stares at me for a moment too long.

Then she sits down at her desk, picks up a file folder, and drops it in front of me. “What’s this?”

I open the cover and glance at the first page, where a few words grab my eye.Crave bakery.And my name.

I close the folder and dead-eye my sister. “This has nothing to do with her.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“It really doesn’t matter, does it? What Graysen wants, Graysen gets,” I add bitterly.

“Are you going to talk to her,” she presses, “or am I?”

“I’ll do it,” I growl. I get to my feet.

“Fine. The sooner the better.”

“And what about Graysen?” I growl. “He’ll stand down?”