Page 57 of Savage Suit

“Dad hired Tina,” Nicholas said flatly.

“And Noah could’ve let her go.”

“On what basis? As far as I know, assholery isn’t cause for termination.”

“Yes, because I would’ve canned you years ago,” I said with alacrity.

“Goddamn, Noah. Do you have to sound so fucking eager?”

I smiled at Reid. “The thought lifts my spirits.”

“It would,” Nicholas shot back. “You have no family loyalty.”

“Why are you here?” I asked crossly. “I asked to see Reid, notyou.”

“Reid and I are good friends. We meet here every evening before I head home to my wife.” Nicholas chuckled without humor. “Wives and friends aren’t concepts you’re familiar with. Do you need definitions?”

Long ago, I’d decided the barbs from my family meant nothing to remove their sting. Yet, Nicholas’s words,Nathaniel’swords, hurt. They blamed me for everything, but credited me for nothing, so I armored myself by adopting a mien of cold indifference. “Get the fuck away from this table or shut the fuck up. One more comment from you and I’ll see your membership revoked.” I smiled nastily. “It was on my recommendation they admitted you, Nicholas. Don’t make me regret sponsoring you.”

Nicholas snapped his mouth shut, purpling with rage.

“What does Q stand for?” I asked, ready to acquit myself of their presence. The reprobate and the fucking weasel. “Did the sister wear a blue gown?” Reid had never implicitly said she did. “Were they drinking champagne?”

Reid clenched his jaw, glaring at Nicholas, glancing between us again. “You’re a fucking asshole,” he decreed to my brother before responding to me. “I call her ‘Q’ for queen, but that isn’t the first initial of her name.”

Guilt flashed over his face, and I squinted, wondering if my imagination tricked me.

“Her name’s Jo…” He coughed. “Josephine. The sister wasn’t in blue. However, shedidhave dark, straight hair and golden skin.”

I’d expected Reid to cement my belief about Ryan. Instead, my disappointment felt like physical pain. Standing, I downed my whisky and walked out, glad I’d opted for a driver tonight.

Chapter Fourteen

“Hello, beautiful. How’d it go?” Ian’s drawl curled around the words.

After spending my day on errands and preparing myself for my first day at KMG, my cell phone had rung. Ian fussing over me felt nice, even if I’d friend-zoned him.

“I got the job!”

“Aww, babe. That’s great. Nice work. How’s about celebrating tonight? Dinner, dancing, and whatever else we can think of to do.”

Though I heard the teasing in his tone, Ian was only half-joking. He was such a nice guy, and I liked him a lot. He wasn’t Noah, though. As much as I hated to own up to my weakness for the man, it was there. He was my boss now, so I had no chance with him. Not that I would’ve had one otherwise. But I just needed to get the job—him—behind me before I explored romantic involvements.

Based on Noah’s files, my workload promised to be as brutal as his expectations. An initiation period to ease me into my positions wouldn’t happen.

“I start tomorrow, Ian,” I said with regret. “I’m hanging home to complete my final two drafts of files I have to turn in.” And research Réjane Keegan, for a better sense of who she was, to incorporate into my concepts. “Thanks, anyway. Maybe, next time.”

“Come on, Hagen. I’m not taking no for an answer. This accomplishment calls for a celebration.”

“Ian!” I said with mock severity. “If you would’ve called Thursday or Friday—”

“Apologies, darlin’, but a man’s got to earn a living. Andyoucould’ve called me.”

“It wouldn’t have made you any less busy. I figured what was up, so I immersed myself in my work files.”

“You need a break, ma’am. I won’t keep you out too long. Scout’s honor.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “You’re incorrigible!”