Page 99 of House of Payne

I narrow my eyes. “Is that why you went to my father?”

He knows damn well that a move like that requires retaliation.

But since he’s here, I need to think very carefully before I make that move.

Being seen as incompetent is bad.

Starting a war with the Everetts would be worse.

And he knows that.

Michael Everett isn’t here to smooth things over or ensure that our decades-long alliance remains intact. He came to my office to make sure I know what’s at stake if I don’t deliver. It’s the kind of power move I would’ve seen coming if I hadn’t been so distracted.

Goddamn it, Mason. Get ahead of this before all of your asses are on the line.Fuck London as many times as you need to get her out of your system, or there’s no telling what will happen.

Ignoring her father’s diner as a potential front for the business is one thing. Letting London work her way into my head is another, and I’ll be damned if I let a woman, even her, take my eyes off the bigger picture.

She’s just a fantasy to play out, an itch that needs scratching, and nothing more.

Once I’ve had my fill of her, we can all go back to the way things were.

“Going to your father wasn’t my idea.” Michael pauses to walk over to the shelves and pretends to scan the books. “That being said, there’s no denying your father has a way of handling things that comes with years of experience.”

“I’ve doubled everyone’s revenue,” I shoot back. “Business is thriving because of me.”

I didn’t build the foundation, but I’m pulling my weight, and I don’t appreciate Michael Everett insinuating otherwise.

The little prick.

I should take out my gun and put a bullet between his eyes.

I picture Carlisle helping me clean up the mess after.

Would letting Michael bleed out on the steps of his own business be so bad?

It would certainly send the kind of message I’m hoping for.

Michael strokes the spine of a hardcover, and I push away the image. “Of course, and no one is denying everything you’ve done. As I said, our families have been in business together for decades, and we all want to continue honoring our alliance. Look at how well it’s worked out for everyone.”

I press my lips together and don’t respond.

I’m not sure what point he’s making, but my headache is getting worse.

“The Fitzpatricks asked me to talk to you as a gesture of good faith,”Michael adds, a knowing glint in his eyes. “I have every intention of going back to them with good news. Do I have a reason not to?”

I dig my nails deep into my palms. “You know damn well you don’t.”

Michael raises an eyebrow. “There’s no need for that tone.”

I cross over to him in two strides and tower over him, smiling when his shoulders sag a bit in response. “There’s every need. I’m a man of my word, and I don’t intend to dishonor our alliance, but the next time you or anyone else goes over my head, we’re going to have a very different conversation.”

Michael takes a small step back and nods curtly. “Understood.”

At least he’s smart enough to know not to push me, at least not in my office.

Michael Everett isn’t as stupid as he looks, and I don’t know whether to be relieved or frustrated.

I give him another meaningful look and uncurl my hands. “Good. Then we’re in agreement. You can see yourself out.”