Page 102 of Savage Suit

“It is rated among the top in the country. If not the world.”

“I don’t know much about the cost of a degree or certification in the industry,” I admitted. “If you’re still in debt and you’re as good as you claim, charge a higher rate.”

“Ryan helped me with tuition,” she admitted. “Twenty-four weeks, supplies, lab fees, and registration fees cost thousands. She wanted me to focus on my studies, so we agreed I wouldn’t get a job. After I graduated and found employment, I tried to repay her. She accepted a couple of payments, then told me not to worry about it. I think one of her current expenses is repaying the loan. I want to say how moochie and freeloading I am, but I’m so fucking grateful to Ryan. She told me she didn’t want me to go through the same hell as her by working and going to school. Fuck, I didn’t either.”

She was honest if nothing else.

She shifted her weight. “I’m going to piss on myself, dude, and then faint from hunger.”

“The kitchen’s at the end of the hallway,” I told her. “Eat whatever you find.”

“Thanks,” she threw over her shoulder, running out of the room.

Reid gazed toward the door, then looked at me. “I’d like to offer food for thought.”

“I’m listening.”

“Even if you terminated Ryan, Nicholas would ruin an affair with her. Your happiness is of no importance to him. Fuck, to no one. Why do you think Nate called you to serve as his witness at his ill-fated civil ceremony?”

“Money matters to Nicholas, Reid. Destroying the company to fuck me over isn’t his MO. His smear campaign would leave the fate of Keegan Enterprises out of my hands. He knows me well enough. I’d step down to save the company.”

“The end wouldn’t be far behind. Uncle Shawn named you his successor for a reason. It takes empathy and skill to serve as an effective leader, Noah. Even your fucked-up ideas are altruistic. Misguided. Skirting rules and regulations. But meant to protect. You’re the company.” His fierceness surprised me. “If you leave, it’ll limp along until it crumbles.”

I nodded. “I could never walk away. It would be a slap in the face to my mother’s legacy.”

Reid glared at me, and I stiffened. I’d allow him to join my brothers’ castigation and then throw him the fuck out.

“Aunt Réjane would be so fucking proud of you.” He stared at the spot Quinn had sat. “Ryan’s mother was born in New Orleans.”

“I know.”

“If I follow Quinn’s logic, and she’s a brilliant woman, or believe her superstitions, Aunt Réjane isn’t at peace while you’re so miserable. Rosalie is spoiled. Remy wants to save the world. Nathaniel rejects brain activity and Nick is an unfeeling dick.”

“Birds of a feather…” Trailing off and aware of how close Nick and Reid were, I allowed the insinuation to hang in the air.

Scowling, he flipped me off. At my shrug, he huffed before continuing. “Parents aren’t supposed to have favorites, but you were your mother’s. It isn’t your fault. You were a child. In her quest to shield you from Uncle Shawn’s moods and Nick’s tantrums, you became priority number one. Her loss left a void in your life you’ve never filled. Your guilt has almost destroyed you. Do you believe Aunt Réjane would want that for you? What if Quinn is right? Your mother must be heartbroken that you can’t move past her death.”

“I’m not superstitious.”

“Fine, Noah.” Reid sighed. “One last thing.”

“Save it. I’m done with the conversation.”

“Tough. I’m not, asshole,” Reid snapped. “Fuck Nicholas and anyone else who has a problem with how Aunt Réjane felt about you. That’s a them problem.”

“Quinn?” I asked. “A them problem?” I added at his confusion. “A ‘you’ problem?”

“Ryan, too?”

I nodded. “If Ryan wins the Amage contract, Nicholas won’t give a fuck what I do with her. He will look at the money.” The certainty in my tone rang hollow in my gut after the scene in my office.

“True, but the expiration of her contract won’t be far behind.”

“I’ll extend her employment. If she wins the fucking contract, it’s only fair she see the campaign through.”

“What do you mean, Noah? She’s off-limits to you now? You’re only interested in fucking her? You’ll accept her career? You’re aware she wants children? What?”

“Who made you the curator of my fucking conscience? I don’t have an answer for any of your questions, Reid. None of which are your—”Businessdied on my lips. Other than Graham Morgan, I had no sounding board. My cousin was an unlikely candidate, but I appreciated his concern. “What I was about to say is unworthy of the regard you’ve shown me. Thank you for the conversation. I have a lot to think about. Right now, I don’t know what I want from Ryan.” Her. It was as simple and as complicated as that.