Page 2 of Until You’re Breathless (Insatiable #1)

“What’s wrong with that? Hell, I’m not going to risk losing everything I’ve worked my ass off for, just for not keeping up with shit.

That’s also why I have you guys. I’m aware that outside threats exist. I’m not stupid.

But I think that you guys are way off base here.

Look, I know Boston. We both learned from the same goddamn teachers, and we studied the same programs in almost the same fucking classes in college.

If we’d gotten along better, we might have gone into business together, but since he ruined my fucking life, thanks to him, we’ve been enemies for as long as I can remember. ”

“And you don’t think that if this story is true, which it is, that it’s going to affect this business?” Halen checks. “You don’t think that once the news spreads, that Boston is going to lose his shit? That he’s going to be out for blood?”

I shrug. “Why the fuck would that have anything to do with me?”

Rush speaks frankly. “Because Bowie was the brains behind that company. She kept that idiot in check. You remember the conference two years ago? When she didn’t show up and he got smashed out of his mind? Almost started a brawl with that dude from Ford?”

“Yeah, that’s where I benefit.” I point out.

“If she’s left him, then it’s a win for me.

But I don’t believe that she left him. She’s got too much at stake.

They’ve been together since high school.

He’s just as rich as me and she’s got more education than that dillhole has.

He wouldn’t be stupid enough to let her walk.

” Bowie went to an ivy league school after being offered an academic scholarship, while me and Boston attended the University of North Carolina and started getting our feet wet opening our separate businesses.

Bowie didn’t come from money like we did, so she paired up with Boston, like everyone expected, and went into business with him, since he had the money, and she didn’t.

“I agree it would be messy. Depending on their agreement, she could take him for all that he’s worth, since she’s got just as much of a stake in that company as he does.” Halen volunteers.

“Yeah, but the asshole never put a ring on her finger, man.” I point out. “Who knows what sort of complication that causes.”

Rush scoffs, smirking. “With all your money and all this business and shit, do you see yourself ever tying the knot? Would you be stupid enough to do that?”

I look at him like he just asked if he could whizz in my Ficus. “Fuck no. I could never trust anyone that much, are you kidding? Plus, I’m married to this place, man. This comes first. Nothing else would ever come in the way of what I have.”

“Here here.” Rush taps my fist with his.

“That goes double for me.” Halen adds.

I change the subject matter slightly. “So, Stevie’s been sniffing around? Making sure that this whole thing isn’t a PR stunt?”

“At least within her realm of PR people, yes. She’s got contacts that her other contacts can report back to and that’s what she’s working on right now.

But if Boston is as cunning as you think he is, who knows.

I doubt that the dude is that smart to pull off losing his closest business partner as a gag. And what for, anyway?” Rush shrugs.

“To make me think that he’s vulnerable.” I lift my chin. “It’s the perfect alibi with this international deal looming. If word gets out that he’s weak then he thinks we’ll lay off a little. Sit back and let him put his foot in his own mouth.” I reason.

“But isn’t that a risk for the deal?” Halen asks. “I mean, if his CEO walked, won’t that make him look like a sitting duck?”

“Well, so far, the media in the states has been made aware.” Rush responds. “Nobody across the pond or elsewhere knows, according to Stevie.”

“It’s a small world, man.” I counter. “Word will get around.”

“But you don’t buy it.” Halen tests.

“I don’t.” I agree, resting my feet on the desk, sitting back. “And even if he was caught without a CEO, you don’t think that since Bowie’s female, that that’ll make him look more appealing across the pond? Those Europeans...not too hot on chicks pulling that much weight.”

“Yeah, and besides, think of the pool of fucking Kruger Manufacturing wannabees that’ll be coming up out of the woodwork. Hell, how much of a coveted spot is Bowie’s, hm? He’ll have that position filled in the blink of an eye.” Halen confers.

Tapping my fingers on the desk, I draw in a deep breath and release it. “So, what have you got for me, Rush? What’s behind door number one, two and three for me for recruitment?”

Again, Rush and Halen exchange a look. Halen looks at his watch. “Shit, I’ve got a dinner meeting at seven. Come by my place in the morning and we’ll talk it over.”

“What?” I almost squeak. “What the fuck did you come all the way over here for then?” I’m skeptical and feeling played, but in my heart of hearts, I know that my brother is a straight shooter. Nonetheless, I feel like there’s more to this story than they’re both letting on.

“Gotta go.” Halen says, rising abruptly from the leather guest chair that he was sitting on.

I know better than to press him, so I let him go, and resign myself to berate him tomorrow. When the door closes behind him, I look at Rush. “What the fuck is his problem.” I say as more of a statement than as a question.

Rush looks at me with conviction and I freeze in place. “You want my advice, little brother?”

After a sigh, I sit back in my chair, wondering what other good news I’m about to get today. “Hit me with it.”

“Forget about Bowie.”

“I did. Fifteen years ago.”

He looks me straight in the eye. “Don’t fuck with me, Jagger. I know you too well.”

“Fine.” I speak through gritted teeth.

Rush tucks his laptop into his bag and rises. He walks to the door. But before he leaves, he turns to me.

“And stop fucking your goddamn assistant.”