Page 46 of Dirty Husband

"It did."

"Unusually fast."

"And yourfriend?" I motion to his computer. "Still pretending you're someone you're not?"

"I should ask you that."

"Yes, I pretend I'm a functioning human."

He laughs that laugh that meansI know you think you're joking, but you're not. "How is your brother?"

"Fine, last I heard. Do you need help with a tech issue? I'm sure he can stop fucking his fiancée for long enough to assist."

"Been too long?" His smile is knowing. "I've been there before." His gaze shifts to his computer. "There are opportunities, but they aren't as appealing as a woman you can't have."

"She's my fiancée."

"Yes."

"We're happy."

"Does she know you aren't in love with her?"

My stomach twists. It's not that simple. I'm not capable of loving anyone. If I were, it would be her. "Are you the relationship expert all of a sudden?"

"I have enough." He chuckles. "Even if they're short."

"I do too."

"Yes, but you're more discrete."

Of course, his taste is legendary. Young women who are new to sex. He'll introduce them to all sorts of things then send them on their way. He's clear about the rules, but something tells me the women expect they'll change his mind about that wholethis ends in sixty daysthing.

Maybe I should ask for advice. He has women falling in love with him, even when he doesn't want that.

Of course, it's the same for me. It's always the women who connect the least. The ones who can't see even a sliver of the man behind the scars.

"The meeting is in how long?" he asks.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"You tell me."

Am I really this obvious? "Twenty-eight days."

"Interesting timing."

Sometimes, I hate having business partners. They learn things they shouldn't.

Ian is a genius when it comes to information. He can find anything, anywhere.

He found this.

He doesn't know the entire story, but he knows too much.

"What did you do to Lucien to fill him with this much ire?" Ian asks. "Or is he as much of a bastard as he seems?"

"He is a bastard."